Installing Keyless Entry - how hard is it really?

polysorbate80 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 05:06 PM

I will be getting a 2009 AT base model fit. I chose that instead of the sport since I don't need all the extras, except maybe a keyless entry - and plus, I'm poor

I have seen the 2008 units selling for under $100 online - as opposed to $300+ for the unit plus installation at the dealer. I was thinking, that once the 2009 keyless entry systems are available online, I'd buy one and either try to install it, or have someone like my dad or this guy who fixes our cars do it. I ran that by my dad and he made it seem like it couldn't be a do-it-yourself job - something about the cars wiring etc - which was preceded by "Really, you would want a keyless remote???"

Also, in the installation instructions, it has a cautionary disclaimer stating it's a not a do-it-yourself job. Now, I have seen on this forum, along with other websites, people who have installed it in an hour or less and said it was simple! So, how hard is it really? If you can follow directions enough to build a computer or hook up a stereo, can you install a keyless entry yourself, or should I shell out the $300+

And I am just talking about the keyless entry, not the security system...

Thanks!!!

Rob22315 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 05:45 PM

Well, if you didn't believe us all the other times we've posted about this on FitFreak, then posting again probably won't do any good.

Just don't pay 300-400 to a dealer. Get it for $95 from Bernardiparts (before shipping if the special is still good) and have someone do it for you if you can't do it yourself. It isn't any harder than hooking up a decent home theater or HDTV.

polysorbate80 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 09:12 PM

It's not that I don't beleive you, it just seems like a lot of people on the forum seem to know a lot about their cars, installing after market parts etc...where I don't. I just don't want to get in over my head trying to install the thing and mess up the car

Thanks for the info!!

FIT410S · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polysorbate80

I will be getting a 2009 AT base model fit. I chose that instead of the sport since I don't need all the extras, except maybe a keyless entry - and plus, I'm poor

I have seen the 2008 units selling for under $100 online - as opposed to $300+ for the unit plus installation at the dealer. I was thinking, that once the 2009 keyless entry systems are available online, I'd buy one and either try to install it, or have someone like my dad or this guy who fixes our cars do it. I ran that by my dad and he made it seem like it couldn't be a do-it-yourself job - something about the cars wiring etc - which was preceded by "Really, you would want a keyless remote???"

Also, in the installation instructions, it has a cautionary disclaimer stating it's a not a do-it-yourself job. Now, I have seen on this forum, along with other websites, people who have installed it in an hour or less and said it was simple! So, how hard is it really? If you can follow directions enough to build a computer or hook up a stereo, can you install a keyless entry yourself, or should I shell out the $300+

And I am just talking about the keyless entry, not the security system...

Thanks!!!

costs less then 50 bucks, nothing to install. takes 2 min to program it, FREE. just buy a new key w/ remote for 40, then program it FREE

Ultrawolf · #5 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 12:02 PM

Yes, it's been covered several times before. Just search for keyless. This thread has it all:

Keyless Entry on Base Model

But the short summary is that the 2009 Base Fit already has all of the parts built into the car for keyless entry. All you need is the transmitter key (you'll find what to get and where to get it in the other thread). You don't need the "Keyless Upgrade Kit" - just a spare key for the Sport model which is cheaper. You can program that key yourself to unlock your car remotely, but if you want that same key to start the car, you'll need a dealer to cut and program it.

If you haven't already bought your new Fit, then negotiate with the dealer ahead of time to do that cutting/programming. He'll likely agree to do it for free because he can hide the cost under new car prep/checkout.