key fob programming from dealership vs independent

[hooker]

I've read several threads on the subject. Some say it can be done others say it can't unless you buy it from the dealership and pay them to program it. I've researched it and have yet to pull the trigger but this is what I've found.
1. The dealership route
A. Buy the fob for $325 with a blank key. My dealership can't cut it but Hyundai can send you your cut key for $75 for a total of $400.
B. They will program your fob bought from them for $100 so your into it for $500 plus tax is $540.
This puts the value of my present key and new one at close to $1100 which is ridiculous.

2. The independent route.
A. Buy the fob on ebay used, wiped clean and including an uncut key that needs to be cut for $80. The dealership will program it for the said $100 above but if it is the wrong frequency you still pay the $100.
B. The independent guys have a computer that plugs into the obd2 port. What they don't have is the codes. Depending on the car type it can be $30 to $200. I asked him why and he said different manufacturers charge different annual amounts for access to the codes. Ford was the cheapest at $480 a year and Volvo was the highest at $700 a month or $8400 a year. He had not bought Hyundai's license agreement but said it was $100-$150 for a fob program and that I had to bring my old one with my new one which is a given since my car won't run without it.

I'm going to do the independent route even if it's a little more. He can do other things much cheaper than the dealership, we clicked on the phone and he just lost his home in the Louisiana flooding. I learned so much more from him and he just seemed to have integrity about him. However it goes down I'll post my results whatever they are. I'm sure I'll have to have the key cut as well but I may just pass on that. Let you know next week.

 

[kn5owa]

My dealer charged as follows for a 3rd. Fob:

New Fob $267
New metal key $31
Cut metal key $80
Program Fob $120

Total: About $500 which is outrageous, but if you're 500 miles from home without a working Fob, I was assured you would be punished much worse.

 

[hooker]

$500 is outrageous. I like walking up to my car and not pulling out my keys to open a locked door or crank the car but if I had the choice I'd go with the old $2 key. I misplace keys all the time. I need the extra 1. I used to have a magnetic hide a key hidden on my car for emergencies but I don't know if this will work or if it will be too close to keep the door locked. I'll figure it out soon enough. The advantages simply don't out way the disadvantages. For every car that is not stolen due to the added security I guarantee you enough keys are lost or damaged that to replace the keys is more expensive than the damn car. Very annoying.

 

[kn5owa]

I need the extra 1. I used to have a magnetic hide a key hidden on my car for emergencies but I don't know if this will work or if it will be too close to keep the door locked. I'll figure it out soon enough. Very annoying.

If your fob is the same as mine, you take the metal key out and put it in your magnetic "hide-a-key" just like you used to. This can then be used to easily open the trunk, or not so easily open the driver's side door.

The fob per se has to be shielded - wrap it in foil - put it in something like a metal Altoids box, and then hide it in the trunk or inside the car.

Lots of hassle, but if you get caught in the middle of nowhere with no fob, you've got a tow job, and you need your lost fob to make a new one - catch 22.

p.s., criticizing these trendy new gadgets will get you banned from the forum.

 

[isalbenathy]

I've read several threads on the subject. Some say it can be done others say it can't unless you buy it from the dealership and pay them to program it. I've researched it and have yet to pull the trigger but this is what I've found.
1. The dealership route
A. Buy the fob for $325 with a blank key. My dealership can't cut it but Hyundai can send you your cut key for $75 for a total of $400.
B. They will program your fob bought from them for $100 so your into it for $500 plus tax is $540.
This puts the value of my present key and new one at close to $1100 which is ridiculous.

2. The independent route.
A. Buy the fob on ebay used, wiped clean and including an uncut key that needs to be cut for $80. The dealership will program it for the said $100 above but if it is the wrong frequency you still pay the $100.
B. The independent guys have a computer that plugs into the obd2 port. What they don't have is the codes. Depending on the car type it can be $30 to $200. I asked him why and he said different manufacturers charge different annual amounts for access to the codes. Ford was the cheapest at $480 a year and Volvo was the highest at $700 a month or $8400 a year. He had not bought Hyundai's license agreement but said it was $100-$150 for a fob program and that I had to bring my old one with my new one which is a given since my car won't run without it.

I'm going to do the independent route even if it's a little more. He can do other things much cheaper than the dealership, we clicked on the phone and he just lost his home in the Louisiana flooding. I learned so much more from him and he just seemed to have integrity about him. However it goes down I'll post my results whatever they are. I'm sure I'll have to have the key cut as well but I may just pass on that. Let you know next week.

It sounds like you have done a lot of research on the different options for replacing your Hyundai key fob. Going the independent route can be a good option, especially if you feel like you have found a trustworthy and knowledgeable technician. However, it's important to keep in mind that there is always some level of risk involved when using third-party services. Make sure to do your due diligence and choose a reputable and experienced technician. As for getting your key cut, you may want to consider having it done at a locksmith or hardware store. They may be able to do it for a lower cost than the dealership. Just make sure to bring the uncut key that came with your new fob. Good luck with your key replacement and please do let us know how it goes!

 

[joegr]

It sounds like you have done a lot of research on the different options for replacing your Hyundai key fob. Going the independent route can be a good option, especially if you feel like you have found a trustworthy and knowledgeable technician. However, it's important to keep in mind that there is always some level of risk involved when using third-party services. Make sure to do your due diligence and choose a reputable and experienced technician. As for getting your key cut, you may want to consider having it done at a locksmith or hardware store. They may be able to do it for a lower cost than the dealership. Just make sure to bring the uncut key that came with your new fob. Good luck with your key replacement and please do let us know how it goes!

This was nearly seven years ago. I'm pretty sure they have already done whatever they decided to do...