![]() ![]() This proved true even with European brands. Going to the dealer doesn’t have to break the bank either, even if they handle everything for you. Most dealers we contacted said key-fob programming typically takes just 15-30 minutes, and the whole process, including cutting the mechanical spare key, rarely takes longer than an hour. Luckily, even if you have to go to a dealer, it’s not a lengthy process. “We can’t warranty parts or labor, and if we try to program it and it doesn’t work, we still have to charge them for our labor.” “We shy away from working with aftermarket key fobs,” a service adviser at a Lexus dealer told us. Other retailers we called, including a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealership and a Lexus dealership, said they don’t mind trying to program aftermarket fobs if that’s what the customer wants them to do, as long as the customer understands the risks involved. They almost always force the customer to go to a dealer because the digital key encryption is only programmable by the manufacturer in a few select outlets in North America, says CR’s Yu. ![]() This isn’t just the case for Audi, but European cars in general. The average price for an Audi key fob replacement, including programming, is $500, we were told. “The fob has become a critical part of the security of the car,” he said. The need for this chip is also why you can't buy a new aftermarket Audi key fob online. There's a built-in security chip in the fob that cannot be reprogrammed for another Audi. “If you want a new key fob for your Audi, it has to come from us,” said a service adviser at Hoffman Audi of East Hartford, Conn. If required, keys can be dispensed with an CKE’s EZ Installer that allows the consumer to pair the new key to their vehicle with the press of a button.“If you have a car that was built within the last five years, a new-car dealer will usually be your best bet when you need a replacement key fob, due to the expensive programming equipment that is required,” says John Ibbotson, CR’s chief mechanic.Īlthough it might be tempting to search for a cheaper key fob online, we learned from Audi and Subaru dealers that some won't work with aftermarket key fobs. CKE claims consumers can use its machine to instantly replace car keys – including smart keys and high-security laser-cut keys – saving up to 75% off dealership prices. Keys NOW! was made possible thanks to breakthroughs in universal key technology, imaging and robotics. Automotive keys have a much higher average selling price compared to residential keys, so we offer dramatically higher revenues." With keys easily costing $300 or $400, they're eager for more convenient, lower-cost alternatives. "Consumers have few options for replacing keys besides the dealership. Ours does," said CKE sales and marketing vice president Mike Bliss. “Automated key machines have been hugely successful. Keys NOW! accepts cashless payments, including ApplePay. CKE is the first robotic technology to make car keys.Ĭar Keys Express, a leading automotive key replacement company, is now offering a fully automated vending machine that uses state-of-the-art imaging and cutting technology to instantly duplicate and dispense automotive and residential keys.Ĭalled “Keys NOW!,” the vending machine is described as an all-in-one user interface and key scanner, cutter and inventory storage solution that simplifies key replacement for retailers and offers consumers an alternative to the time, expense and hassle of a car dealership service appointment.ĬKE said retailers can cover up to 170 million vehicles with no investment in inventory, tools or staff training. In addition to Car Keys Express, other players include Key Me and Minute Key. Automated key vending machines are becoming more popular as convenience service.
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