Replacement Smart Key

[Cabin Fever]

The smart key for my truck went through the washer and dryer one day and stopped working. I popped it open to dry it out, replaced the battery and looked on YouTube for suggestions, but I just couldn't get it to work again. I took it to the local dealership and they messed with it, but it was never showing that it was getting juice from the battery. They said a replacement smart key and programming would be ~$500, including 2 hours of labor!! WTF!

I need to have a spare, but sure as hell didn't want to spend $500, so I started looking for options online. I came across Tom's Key Company videos on YouTube and programming looked simple and took 5 min! I went to their site and the smart key for my Tacoma was $130 (Other smart keys are ~$70) and the programmer rental was $70, so I ordered. I got the smart key and programming was simple! The app walked me through programming and it took ~3 minutes! Works like a charm! 

If you find yourself in a similar jam, I would certainly recommend Tom's Key Company! https://tomskey.com/

[Robhuntandfish]

Definitely do not go to the dealership.  A local locksmith will usually be a much better choice.  

Dealerships should be for recalls or warranty work only...

Edited December 8, 2023 by Robhuntandfish

[Cabin Fever]

57 minutes ago, Robhuntandfish said:

Definitely do not go to the dealership.  A local locksmith will usually be a much better choice.  

Dealerships should be for recalls or warranty work only...

I agree, but with a smart key and push button start, I don't think a locksmith is going to have the programmers needed to sync the smart key with various vehicle manufacturers and models. No keys to cut there.

[Meatball]

For those around Clifton Park, check out Center for Security. Right on RT 9 close to Rt 146. They did a Honda immobilizer key for me. Good price and was quick. 

[Bolt Action]

Great info.  Recently bought a used van for my wife that came with 1 key.  After hearing the same price from the local dealership,  I also tried several locksmiths. Out of 3 or 4 that I called, none called back.  I'm definitely going to look into this. 

[Cabin Fever]

12 minutes ago, Bolt Action said:

Great info.  Recently bought a used van for my wife that came with 1 key.  After hearing the same price from the local dealership,  I also tried several locksmiths. Out of 3 or 4 that I called, none called back.  I'm definitely going to look into this. 

My daughter’s car only came with one smart key and is a push to start. The local Nissan dealership quoted $500 for a spare key and programming. I plan to get her a spare as well from Tom’s Key Company. I wanted to see how well it worked for me, before ordering her one. The smart key for her Nissan is $70 and then $70 for the programmer rental. 

They have a money back guarantee if it doesn’t work for some reason. I never needed it, but customer service is supposed to be great. The process was so simple, it was crazy! 

 

[mowin]

2 hours ago, Robhuntandfish said:

Definitely do not go to the dealership.  A local locksmith will usually be a much better choice.  

Dealerships should be for recalls or warranty work only...

They call them stealerships for a reason, lol.

[Robhuntandfish]

10 hours ago, Cabin Fever said:

I agree, but with a smart key and push button start, I don't think a locksmith is going to have the programmers needed to sync the smart key with various vehicle manufacturers and models. No keys to cut there.

I manage a fleet of 80 vehicles and we have a locksmith that has gotten any key we need for a whole lot cheaper than the dealership.  Now he may be ordering the keys off the Internet too but he's got several programmers in the models we have.  We use him for lots of things so he may have bought them just for us.  

And you can always get the key elsewhere and then have the dealership program it too.  The key will still be cheaper.  

Edited December 8, 2023 by Robhuntandfish

[Robhuntandfish]

8 hours ago, mowin said:

They call them stealerships for a reason, lol.

Took a van into a dealership recently as I had a recall and also needed to get a wheel bearing done so figured just do it all at once.  They quoted me $1000 for ONE wheel bearing.  Told them they were out of their mind.   Got it done elsewhere for $300.