So my mom gave me back the Dakota I gave her back in 2014, however it’s been parked since 2020, and before I can get to fixing anything, I need at least one new key made. The key fob was one of the transponder keys, I believe (not sure if these came with any other types of keys), and my brother has one made a few years ago that he got through the dealership and it was $200-$250. Is the dealership the best or only option? Would really like to not to spend that much on a key. I also don’t know the process of getting a new key, getting it cut and programmed, this is the first time needing a replacement modern key.

If it helps, it’s 2005 Dak Laramie.

 

Dealership or locksmith.

 

Once you have two working key fobs, it a great idea to buy a key (or 2) off of Ebay. With 2 working fobs, you can program additiional key fobs yourself, very simply. I have four keys, so I never need a dealer or locksmith for programming.

 

I have a local locksmith that we use. I also have a nice scan tool (Bluetooth via my cell phone) that allows for key programming among other useful things.

The locksmith charges $50-$60 to hook up the scan tool and retrieve the often lost 'pin code' and they write it down. As a curtsey they do 1 key at no charge to program (they do charge $10-$20 per key to cut. Worth every penny as it's uber precise workmanship)

So, after spending about $25 bucks or less on eBay for a set of fobs. And about $75 bucks at the locksmith? I can have a working key and the ability to program any number of key fobs we need. (That's how we did it with our Journey)

In regards to our Dakota. We had the keys cut free of charge at the local hardware store. The immobilizer was disabled when the vehicle was purchased new for use as a fire truck 'utility' vehicle. I still need to work with the locksmith, as while the immobilizer is deleted? It would be nice to have working power locks again :-)

S-

 

Alright, sounds like I’ll be buying some key fine off Amazon or eBay and then calling locksmith.

 

Thanks for everyone’s help. Ended up getting two key fobs off amazon. Took the title up to the dealership and got the ignition code/pin and had a mobile locksmith come out and cut and program the keys. Ended up at $192 for two programmed keys, plus a stars key just for the doors.

 

Glad you had the dealership provide the PIN code. Our local dealership gave me some song and dance about "That code changes each time a key is programmed".. blah blah blah...

The security/lock smith company I now use stated "What a load of *%&$" They just want you to pay twice to program 2 keys.

Glad it worked out for you! Save that PIN code. It'll come in handy eventually.

S-