new key for '07 CRV

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the right thread or not but I'll ask anyways. :) Forgive me if this has been asked before. I was unable to find anything with a search.

I want to get another key made for my '07 CRV EX-L (keyless entry in the "handle" of the key, etc.) and the dealer quoted me about $160 which seems quite excessive to me. Even the guy at the counter asked if I *really* wanted it. I believe it was $60 for the key and $95 for labor in configuring the new key.

Does anyone know if there's a way of getting a new key less expensively than from the dealer?

Thanks.

-Dan

Shop around.

One hour labor ($95.00) is about twice as much as most dealerships will charge to program a key.

$48 for the blank, + 1/2 hour labor + tax came to $109 2 weeks ago.

$48 for the blank, + 1/2 hour labor + tax came to $109 2 weeks ago.

27 dollars for a TSX key that fits in CR-V and 50 dollars for programing

Shop around.

One hour labor ($95.00) is about twice as much as most dealerships will charge to program a key.
The problem I ran into is that I could not find anyone but the local Mazda dealer who had the capability to make a 2nd key for our 626. I even went to a local locksmith that my independent mechanic recommended. That key cost me $140. Boy, this looks like a business opportunity for someone who can solve the problem. Why does it take so long to program the key? Why is that not a 60-120 second operation? We are talking computers here, no? What a racket.

The problem I ran into is that I could not find anyone but the local Mazda dealer who had the capability to make a 2nd key for our 626. I even went to a local locksmith that my independent mechanic recommended. That key cost me $140. Boy, this looks like a business opportunity for someone who can solve the problem. Why does it take so long to program the key? Why is that not a 60-120 second operation? We are talking computers here, no? What a racket.


The scan tool that Honda made the dealers purchase costs the dealer over $7000.00 (and is a reduced price available only to dealerships) and is a huge piece of $hit.

Most dealerships will only have one of these, so it may not be immediately available to use.

The technician ( who will be getting paid less than $15.00 to do the programming ) will have to log into the Honda network to retrieve a pass-code that will be needed to do the programming.

Then the scan tool will need to be hooked up to the vehicle, the vehicle information entered into the scan tool, then the scan tool will lock-up and need to be re-booted at least once.

Once the actual key programming starts, it takes a couple of minutes to complete, and then a few more seconds to program the keyless entry remote.

When you add the time that is typically spend running back and forth to the parts counter because the new key won't turn the ignition lock and needs to be re-cut (unless they spent the big bucks for a good key cutter like Lizzurd uses), most technicians would rather knock out a few oil changes in the same amount of time spent "programming" keys. They'll make more money on the LOF.

So, for your independant business opportunity to work, you'd need a sizeable investment in tools (roughly $20K) plus access to the security codes (which probably won't happen cheaply). You'd have to cut and program an awful lot of keys to make it worth while, and would probably be charging a pretty penny to do it as well.