I just got the call: "I can't find my car key". What is the most affordable way to get a replacement? There should be a "where is my fob" app.

 

False alarm, she recovered the keys from the Starbuck's lost and found. Whew!

 

I called my Honda dealer to understand how to deal with several EX "lost key" situations. If you lose your key:


1. near home -- Bring spare key to Honda dealer, buy new fob for $145, program it to match the spare key for $67. Total $212.

2. traveling out of town alone -- Person at home with spare key performs process #1 and FedEx's the new key to person away from home. Cost: $212, FedEx delivery charge, plus at least two days of downtime.

3. out of town alone and no access to spare key at home -- Tow car to a Honda dealer and perform process #1, car keeps its factory keyless code. Spare key at home still works. Cost $212 plus tow charges.

4. stolen purse with key and IDs -- Buy new key fob and reprogram car's factory keyless code and your spare key. Cost ~$500.

 

Yup, the conveniences of modern life.

 

Is it possible to reprogram the car to disable the key fob security?

 

that was close!

 

I keep my spare key in a zip lock bag, inside a magnetic key box, hidden under the car. I don't want to carry the spare on my person (could lose it) or store it nearby somewhere (I drive long distances so there's no "nearby somewhere" location that's reasonable. I've had a spare Tacoma key under my truck for 21 years and it's always been there. Never fell off and bailed me out a couple of times during those years.

Some folks frown on this but I'm older and stuck in my ways.

 

It's a real money making key for Honda. .

 

On a rental car, Nissan Sentra, keyless fob is $275 to replace if lost. Stated on rental agreement.