PeteFl Posted December 21, 2020 Share Posted December 21, 2020 Hi everyone! hopefully this is the right forum section to post this type of question.... I have found myself in a bit of a situation here - I have lost the keys to my F-150, it was one of those fancy remote ones. We rang the dealer and yes, they can replace it - although a bit expensive, almost $600... on top of that we gotta tow the truck all the way to the dealership, which is quite far from where we are out here... Was wondering if anyone ever had an alternative solution of some sort that would be cheaper but still reliable enough? can locksmiths replace those remote bits? any help appreciated!! thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted December 21, 2020 Share Posted December 21, 2020 Some locksmiths have the ability to program new keys but you still have to buy the expensive key fob. It’s going to be expensive either way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteFl Posted December 21, 2020 Author Share Posted December 21, 2020 1 minute ago, akirby said: Some locksmiths have the ability to program new keys but you still have to buy the expensive key fob. It’s going to be expensive either way. yeah, i'm kinda starting to realize that now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyle Posted December 21, 2020 Share Posted December 21, 2020 Here is a aftermarket key fob site with a variety of options. Not sure of your year/model but this will be less than a dealer. I don't think this needs dealer programming but not positive. If it was European or high end Asian, forget it. https://www.keylessentryremotefob.com/2018-Ford-F-150-Key-Fob-s/10403.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted December 21, 2020 Share Posted December 21, 2020 23 minutes ago, kyle said: Here is a aftermarket key fob site with a variety of options. Not sure of your year/model but this will be less than a dealer. I don't think this needs dealer programming but not positive. If it was European or high end Asian, forget it. https://www.keylessentryremotefob.com/2018-Ford-F-150-Key-Fob-s/10403.htm Absolutely requires dealer programming. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin82 Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 On 12/21/2020 at 6:45 PM, PeteFl said: Hi everyone! hopefully this is the right forum section to post this type of question.... I have found myself in a bit of a situation here - I have lost the keys to my F-150, it was one of those fancy remote ones. We rang the dealer and yes, they can replace it - although a bit expensive, almost $600... on top of that we gotta tow the truck all the way to the dealership, which is quite far from where we are out here... Was wondering if anyone ever had an alternative solution of some sort that would be cheaper but still reliable enough? can locksmiths replace those remote bits? any help appreciated!! thanks! Hi, PeteFl. I had the same issue about a few months ago. Here is what I found out after a long research, helped me a lot. I guess there is a huge difference between different keys, models, etc. (yours is a key fob) Also locksmiths and dealers charge different amounts for the very same key. This site helped me save a lot of money. Generally speaking, to get a replacement key, you have three options: 1. Call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for cars. Here is a phone number for a company that have many different locations and locksmiths: 800-223-1453. I think the work all around the US but not sure. Give them a call and ask. 2. Tow the car to the dealer. 3. Order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program it for you (if necessary). Here is the link to read more: https://lost-car-keys-replacement.co...ement-car-key/ If you do call a locksmith or the dealer, don’t forget to mention some important information so they will check if they have the key blank and the necessary tools to code you the new key: 1. Year, make and model of the car 2. Your exact location including street address and zip (for the locksmith to find you easily) 3. VIN number of the car located on the dashboard – very important 4. Make sure you can show them proof of ownership – otherwise they will not make you a new replacement key. Regarding the cost, it really depends on the type of key you had. There are 3 main types of keys: Non-chip keys: for older models (mostly 2000 and older) Transponder chip keys – these types of keys must be coded on site with a special machine, otherwise the car wont start. These are more expensive to make Key fob – push to start – these are the most expensive types of keys. Mostly made for models made after 2015. The average cost is somewhere between $180-$450. It also depends on your location, time of day, weekend, etc etc. Here is the link for some additional information: https://lost-car-keys-replacement.co...lacement-cost/ I hope it helps! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteFl Posted January 5, 2021 Author Share Posted January 5, 2021 On 1/4/2021 at 9:43 PM, Martin82 said: Hi, PeteFl. I had the same issue about a few months ago. Here is what I found out after a long research, helped me a lot. I guess there is a huge difference between different keys, models, etc. (yours is a key fob) Also locksmiths and dealers charge different amounts for the very same key. This site helped me save a lot of money. Generally speaking, to get a replacement key, you have three options: 1. Call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for cars. Here is a phone number for a company that have many different locations and locksmiths: 800-223-1453. I think the work all around the US but not sure. Give them a call and ask. 2. Tow the car to the dealer. 3. Order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program it for you (if necessary). Here is the link to read more: https://lost-car-keys-replacement.co...ement-car-key/ If you do call a locksmith or the dealer, don’t forget to mention some important information so they will check if they have the key blank and the necessary tools to code you the new key: 1. Year, make and model of the car 2. Your exact location including street address and zip (for the locksmith to find you easily) 3. VIN number of the car located on the dashboard – very important 4. Make sure you can show them proof of ownership – otherwise they will not make you a new replacement key. Regarding the cost, it really depends on the type of key you had. There are 3 main types of keys: Non-chip keys: for older models (mostly 2000 and older) Transponder chip keys – these types of keys must be coded on site with a special machine, otherwise the car wont start. These are more expensive to make Key fob – push to start – these are the most expensive types of keys. Mostly made for models made after 2015. The average cost is somewhere between $180-$450. It also depends on your location, time of day, weekend, etc etc. Here is the link for some additional information: https://lost-car-keys-replacement.co...lacement-cost/ I hope it helps! wow, thanks for such a detailed reply!! will let you know how i go... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verafrolovav Posted December 5, 2021 Share Posted December 5, 2021 That's why I made a second instance of the keys. I've always been afraid of this situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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