Replacement car key. Outrageous cost!

Java_3

I need to replace a broken key for my Alfa 156. I have been given a cost, by the dealer, of £190. This is unbelievable..............
Their excuse is that the keys are computer chipped, no longer can you just go and get one cut.

I cannot afford this. Is there a cheaper alternative.

You comments will be appreciated.

crystaltipps

we had this on holiday, my darling other half went swimming in the sea with it in his trunks...doh! not included in insurance of course, so we ended up paying over 250 euros for replacement and taxies to pick it up! ouch!

speedbird

Can't offer any advice, can only sympathise and hope someone has a solution as tried to get spare keys yesterday for both my kids cars.

One has a Seat, that was about £100 and takes 5 days to come from spain.
The other has a Ford Ka, that has to be a minimum of 3 keys at £25 each and £100 plus labour to reprogram the immobiliser, and VAt, so looking at about £250!

Jim123

My Nissan Almera key fob went through a 70 minute hot wash cycle 3 years ago. Still working to this day!! Sorry.

ArsenalFC

Find an independent factor in your area and their prices will be about half or a little more.

rizla01

Hi,
Hope this helps.

i have a similar prob with a Ford Fiesta.

The Key CAN be copied, tho and it'll cost only about £10.

Problem is that the chip is required to turn off the alarm. The alarm picks the signal up from the chip embedded in the key so that when you enter the car the alarm does't sound and the immobiliser is de-activated.

If you have ONE chipped key it can be permanently kept under the dash and the system will pick up the signal and remain off. This will enable you to use any key that fits to start and drive the car but to have the alarm turned on as well will require removing the 'Chipped' key.

I assume this is the same with all of these chipped keys.

You can either try it or chat to an auto-electrician who should be able to tell you if it'll work on your car.
GL

Wig

Your key is broken, the metal key bit is broke? snapped somehow, used it to pry open a jar of paint?

Anyways, as long as the key 'handle' bit is intact, you can take your spare key to a keycutter and get a blank cut. if you don't have a spare key then they may be able to use your broken one.

To use your new key, keep the broken key handle on the key ring and use your new key as normal.

moonrakerz

I have posted this before but its probably worth a reminder.

Fords: To programme a new key you need two existing keys. Most people don't realise this until they have lost one key - then it is too late ! Your friendly Ford dealer will fix you up with a new key for £75 +.
Go to Timpsons (or similar) and get a third key for your Ford - NOW

Wig

moonrakerz wrote:

I have posted this before but its probably worth a reminder.

Fords: To programme a new key you need two existing keys. Most people don't realise this until they have lost one key - then it is too late ! Your friendly Ford dealer will fix you up with a new key for £75 +.
Go to Timpsons (or similar) and get a third key for your Ford - NOW

And don't buy a second hand (from a car dealer) or new Ford without insisting on 3 keys as part of the contract, and make sure you have the keys before taking the car from the premises.

us,thecat&thedebt

i cant belive it when i bought my ka i only got one key!!!

i so want a spare one so i can warm up car in morning hehe

but looks like i will have to do without

Wig

springtide wrote:

Just following this thread with interest as we only have one key for our VW Polo. Does the same system apply for these keys too? We don't have an alarm, but do have an immobiliser and were told that the keys would cost a fortune as well. Could we keep the chip hidden in the car and use some cheap copies as well?

Thanks

You only have one key then that's the one you have to use, you can't easily remove the chip from the key - it's embedded in the key 'handle'.

Yes you can get a spare key cut but you will need your original key to start the car (cos that's where the chip is) so there's no point. The only useful thing to do is to try to find someone who can supply you a new key copy with chip for a cheaper price than VW.

What's important is to find out the prices of replacement keys and how many keys (if any) you need to get a replacement key.

The thing about Fords is if you have 2 keys a third one isn't so expensive, 25 quid or so. If you have only one key then to order a second key will cost over 100 pounds (on Fords).