Is it normal to cost so much to make an extra copy of the auto key? I heard it will be around $60 from other people. But my bill came to $110 for one key which was for Nissan and chip in it. I looked the breakdown of the bill and saw they were charging the technician's labor $80/hr and $20 for the blank key.
The only place who would make keys for your auto was the dealer.
I did not have choice but go to the Nissan dealer in neighbor town.
I feel it must be somekind of mistake. Does anyone pay this much for extra auto key? Is it about average price?
I don't like those high tech keys because I can get an extra key from Walmart for $1.00!
2006-09-04 07:55:54 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Consider yourself fortunate; Many cars won't accept a key that hasn't been programmed into the computer, and it takes one already programmed to get access to add. If you lose a key then, you have to replace the PCM and all the keys. This can run as much as $2,000.00 or more.
The reason that it was so much at the dealer is because you not only had to pay for that blank, with the correct chip in it (Nissan uses one of about 20), but you had to pay for minimum shop labor. In addition of the equipment to make the key most shops have a minimum charge to discourage "nuisance" customers wanting something for nothing.
There ARE locksmiths who can make the key, but you have to find a locksmith who specializes in custom automotive keys. Nissan is different from MBZ, who is different from Ford, who is different from GM who is different....
All those keys aren't cheap, and no one who stays in business very long is going to keep expensive inventory in the HOPE of a sale someday.
Sorry you got stabbed, but though expensive, your extra key wasn't really a rip-off, just unexpectedly expensive.
Better Luck next time.
2006-09-04 08:38:17 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, its a tough problem. $110 for a freakin' lost key!
The state of California just passed a law forcing the auto companies to tell people where they can get new keys made 24 hours a day. Needing a new key on a holiday and when far away from a dealer can be a pain. Maybe this law will lead to some competition and/or more sources. For instance, maybe Nissan will enter in to an agreement where you can go to a dealership, OR you can go to a Pep Boys or other car parts store. It will help...maybe create some competition.
2006-09-04 08:03:41 · answer #2 · answered by Jim S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YEah thats about what they charge its a rip off the embedded chip has to be programmed to your car which takes only about 30 seconds to do but they charge you a hours labor to do it..
2006-09-04 08:30:11 · answer #3 · answered by davecat350 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea, I ran into that problem when I bought my last car. They were going to charge like $50 I think. I was thinking it'd only be a couple dollars!
2006-09-04 08:01:24 · answer #4 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to pay that much because the key is encoded to prevent others from hot wiring your car...the one's at Wall Mart wont work. just in the future keep track of your key...:)
2006-09-04 08:02:23 · answer #5 · answered by wellaem 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately this is true depending on model, reason is they have an embedded chip and it needs to be programmed
2006-09-04 08:08:07 · answer #6 · answered by lobo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋