I have a 2007 civic, and the remote part of the ignition key quit working. I can still use the key to open the door and start the car, but the transmitter to remotely lock/unlock the doors and open the trunk seems to be dead. And, it's not the battery. The local dealer told me that a new key module costs 40 bucks, and 132 bucks to program it. Boy, what a shakedown! Is this really the going rate?

 

Well, does really opening the door with a remote differ from opening the car with a key? if it's gonna cost 200 after taxes, I'd rather open my door with a key.

 

There are two things that have to be reprogrammed when you replace a key. The keyless unlock code makes your car recognize the signal from the buttons on the remote "clicker". The immobilizer code makes the car recognize the RFID chip molded into the head of the key so it works in the ignition. I'm not sure if either of those can be reprogrammed other than by a dealer. It used to be that the keyless code could be reprogrammed by the user, and generic clickers were available.

 

I'd look for a more friendly dealer! I had to replace one of my remotes when I lost a set of keys. I bought a remote and the dealer reprogrammed for nothing. If they want your repeat business, they'll help out once in a while. Try another dealer, please.
Duane