Newer vehicles with keyless entry .... the keys could cost a mint ..........

[Tom in Victoria]

I have a 2007 Dodge Dakota. My family wanted an extra key, just in case ! I stopped in to the dealer and asked, how much ? Sorry I asked.! The cost or details may apply to some other makes.

A matching key to the pair that came with truck would be $215.00 each ! A basic key would be $75.00 ! Had I tried to get one cut at a hardware store; the moment I stuck it in the ignition, the new key would have killed my 2 good keys ! Turns out, the good keys have a chip in them. Chrysler would ding me for $35.00 each to recode them ! Ouch !

OK, it is an anti-theft thing; but I was dead certain, I had already paid Chrysler enough for the truck !

Query your dealer before you even think about extra keys after purchase. Next time, extra keys are going to be up front in the deal before I sign !

 

[Craig in Alabama]

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[Brian(upstateNY)]

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[BobinMIZZU]

inserting a newly cut transponder key will not "kill" your other good keys. As Brian said, IF YOU HAVE 2 WORKING KEYS you can buy a blank transponder key off eBay, have it cut, and program the new key yourself. There is a procedure for programming that will be shipped with your eBay key. Usually it goes something like this: you stick in the first working key, turn the ignition on for 3 seconds, turn it off, stick in the second working key, turn the ignition on for 3 seconds, turn ignition off, then stick in the new transponder key, turn the ignition on for a set length of time, turn the ignition off - you're done. Procedure varies by manufacturer but it's not a biggie. Whole thing will cost you like $20 US or less.

 

[therick]

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[Tom in Victoria]

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[Monkeywrangler22]

We've gotten a couple chipped blank keys from ebay and done the 'tap dance' to program them. Works like a charm.