Replacing Remote Keyless Car fob

justsayno · Mar 17, 2009

I lost my keys including the car fob, and paid alot to get a new set of transponder keys. What is the cheapest way to replace the car fob? My car is a Honda Civic 2001.

millionaire75 · Mar 17, 2009

The dealership?

justsayno · Mar 17, 2009

I think dealerships charge around $100. There are ebay replacement fobs that go for much less, but I'm not sure where I can program the fobs to work with the car.

DNW · Mar 17, 2009

Originally Posted by justsayno

I think dealerships charge around $100. There are ebay replacement fobs that go for much less, but I'm not sure where I can program the fobs to work with the car.

The only place to do that is the dealership. Actually, only the factory can program your keys. So, you're pretty much SOL.

jgold47 · Mar 17, 2009

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

The only place to do that is the dealership. Actually, only the factory can program your keys. So, you're pretty much SOL.

not exactly true. some of the higher end laser cut/rfid keys can only be ordered through a dealer, but a 2001 honda civic can be done at the dealer. You can buy programable blanks and and fob's on ebay and bring them in, its not cheap. However, IIRC from my ricer days, you can do it yourself, just google it, or go check like www.honda-tech.com

DNW · Mar 17, 2009

Originally Posted by jgold47

not exactly true. some of the higher end laser cut/rfid keys can only be ordered through a dealer, but a 2001 honda civic can be done at the dealer. You can buy programable blanks and and fob's on ebay and bring them in, its not cheap. However, IIRC from my ricer days, you can do it yourself, just google it, or go check like www.honda-tech.com
Ahh...I forgot his is an '01 Civic. My roommate just went through this ordeal with her Jetta, and it costed her close to $300 after everything was said and done.

thats.mana · Mar 17, 2009

You can buy the correct remote for your vehicle off ebay or where ever you prefer, make sure it's the correct year. The place that you bought the remote from should send you instructions on how to program the remote to your vehicle. I work at a used car lot and do this all the time, don't waste your money the the dealer. You can even google the instructions.

Dakota rube · Mar 17, 2009

^Yeah, I had to replace a fob once and "programming" it consisted of turning the car on and off 7 times and then opening the door or something as arcane as that.

I'm serious.

jgold47 · Mar 17, 2009

Originally Posted by DarkNWorn

Ahh...I forgot his is an '01 Civic. My roommate just went through this ordeal with her Jetta, and it costed her close to $300 after everything was said and done.

and thats why I have a sever distaste for VW's. I remember when I was just turning 16 and taking auto shop and asking my teacher about getting a corrado, and he said, its a great car, but god help you if it breaks, every part come from germany and isnt cheap. That and I have a real issue with VW for other reason not worth getting into here.

Originally Posted by Dakota rube

^Yeah, I had to replace a fob once and "programming" it consisted of turning the car on and off 7 times and then opening the door or something as arcane as that.

I'm serious.

that actually sounds about what I remember it being.

justsayno · Mar 17, 2009

besides the fob, i don't need specialized equipment right?

jgold47 · Mar 17, 2009

not for an old honda like that. Does your car have a chipped key? ( the green key icon on the dash?)

justsayno · Mar 17, 2009

it's a transponder key (it does have a chip inside)
the key works, and i just need to get a keyless remote

jgold47 · Mar 17, 2009

Originally Posted by justsayno

it's a transponder key (it does have a chip inside)
the key works, and i just need to get a keyless remote

I asked because it might be cheaper to get an aftermarket keyless installed. By the time you get two remote fobs, and then program them (assuming you can do them yourself), it might be cheaper or close in price to getting an aftermaket setup. They are usually better anyways, with longer range. Thats before getting into a keyless alarm, or Remote start

Ludeykrus · Mar 18, 2009

Originally Posted by jgold47

or go check like www.honda-tech.com

My god....brings me back to when my H23-VTEC was actually a new idea....

Huntsman · Mar 19, 2009

Originally Posted by jgold47

Thats before getting into a keyless alarm, or Remote start
All's I can say is Remote Start FTFW! Just screwing around today, I parked, but used the remote start override to take the key out without shutting the car off. Close door, walk away, arm alarm, shut off engine remotely. Stupid and inefficient....but fun. ~ H

Replacing Remote Keyless Car fob

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