Any experience getting an extra FOBIK keyless fob programmed
Then I guess it depends upon the dealer as to how much they will charge for the programming.
I might grab the $79 one on Ebay and ask around for the programming charges.
I would like to have a spare FOBIK in the car (hidden) without the batteries installed for backup/emergency (keep batteries next to it though). If I can hide a spare metal key for the door somewhere around the vehicle, once I get in I can power up the FOBIK and drive.
I have a friend who hides a spare door key inside the turn signal bezel -- just need to have a screwdriver to get it but it is totally hidden even if you know where to look.
I might grab the $79 one on Ebay and ask around for the programming charges.
I would like to have a spare FOBIK in the car (hidden) without the batteries installed for backup/emergency (keep batteries next to it though). If I can hide a spare metal key for the door somewhere around the vehicle, once I get in I can power up the FOBIK and drive.
I have a friend who hides a spare door key inside the turn signal bezel -- just need to have a screwdriver to get it but it is totally hidden even if you know where to look.
If you have two functioning FOBIKs you cannot add a third for the keyless-go, only as a remote.
If you have only one functioning FOBIK, the dealer can program another virgin one for you, but you'll have to replace the existing one with another virgin one also. So if you lose one and need two, it will cost you about $400 at dealer prices for two new FOBIKs programmed to your car. You may save some money - if your dealer is cooperative - by buying the re-virginized (!) ones on Ebay. Either way, you will end up with a non-usable one that you could send off to be re-virginized, and you could then resell it on Ebay.
Unless you test it, don't be so sure taking the batteries out will defeat the FOBIK proximity function. Since proximity range is only a few feet, I suspect it is RFID and therefore does not require a battery - that is probably only for the remote button functions.
If you have only one functioning FOBIK, the dealer can program another virgin one for you, but you'll have to replace the existing one with another virgin one also. So if you lose one and need two, it will cost you about $400 at dealer prices for two new FOBIKs programmed to your car. You may save some money - if your dealer is cooperative - by buying the re-virginized (!) ones on Ebay. Either way, you will end up with a non-usable one that you could send off to be re-virginized, and you could then resell it on Ebay.
Unless you test it, don't be so sure taking the batteries out will defeat the FOBIK proximity function. Since proximity range is only a few feet, I suspect it is RFID and therefore does not require a battery - that is probably only for the remote button functions.
Did you get the pin from the dealer for the system? I read the manual a couple days after delivery and found a statement about a pin. If you loose both keys then there is a module in the vehicle that would have to be replaced if you don't have the pin. So I asked my sales person and she had never heard of it so she took me to the parts department and the guy looked it up by VIN. He said if you don't have the pin and don't have the keys they will charge you to look it up... I guess it's up to different stealerships what they are going to charge.
If you're worried about the battery in the FOB don't. You can use the spare key built into the FOB to open the door and remove the cover on the push start. That will reveal a slot to insert the key. Once inserted it can read the ID if the battery is good or not. If you're worried about locking the key inside there are supposed to be sensors but I'm sure there are weak spots in their coverage so there could be a possibility of locking the key in. Why not simply copy the hard emergency key and put it in a magnetic key holder under the vehicle somewhere like we used to do in the good old days?
Bottom line is plan ahead and your cost is minimal - wait for the emergency and you'll pay for it!
What ever the intent, security I presume, the net result is honest people are flipping the cost of this. I think it's total BS - just my $.02
If you're worried about the battery in the FOB don't. You can use the spare key built into the FOB to open the door and remove the cover on the push start. That will reveal a slot to insert the key. Once inserted it can read the ID if the battery is good or not. If you're worried about locking the key inside there are supposed to be sensors but I'm sure there are weak spots in their coverage so there could be a possibility of locking the key in. Why not simply copy the hard emergency key and put it in a magnetic key holder under the vehicle somewhere like we used to do in the good old days?
Bottom line is plan ahead and your cost is minimal - wait for the emergency and you'll pay for it!
What ever the intent, security I presume, the net result is honest people are flipping the cost of this. I think it's total BS - just my $.02
Last edited by safford197; Aug 25, 2012 at 01:53 PM.
Did you get the pin from the dealer for the system? I read the manual a couple days after delivery and found a statement about a pin. If you loose both keys then there is a module in the vehicle that would have to be replaced if you don't have the pin. So I asked my sales person and she had never heard of it so she took me to the parts department and the guy looked it up by VIN. He said if you don't have the pin and don't have the keys they will charge you to look it up... I guess it's up to different stealerships what they are going to charge.
What ever the intent, security I presume, the net result is honest people are flipping the cost of this. I think it's total BS - just my $.02
What ever the intent, security I presume, the net result is honest people are flipping the cost of this. I think it's total BS - just my $.02
I just had 2 additional keys programmed to my D, for a total of 3. I had it done at a Local locksmith, the key cost me 150 each. All 3 work for the proximity entry and push button start.
They charge $60 to program and cut a key if I brought it in.
They charge $60 to program and cut a key if I brought it in.



