Hey Folks,
So I am trying to get to the bottom of what is really involved in getting a new replacement key/remote. I recently lost one of my original two keys to my 06 Civic EX, and need to get a replacement. I understand that the actual cost of the key is about 80 dollars, but the dealership is wanting to charge an addition hundred bucks for the "labor" (an hour) of cutting and programing the key. I cant imagine this is anything but a very quick and easy process, and the extra hundred + seems completely outrageous. Can anyone fill me in on the specifics on what is actually involved, and is this a normal cost?

 

Try a good locksmith. I needed a couple of remotes programed on our 98 GC Limited 5.9 & they require a computer to program them. The dealer was outrageous as you found out so I found a locksmith & he programed the both of them for $30.

 

Hmmm. I am not sure locksmith has the program to generate codes for the ignition key.... since the program to write the key code is Honda's propitiatory program. What dealer does is to generate a new key code for the new key, and overwrite the old one in the old key and on your vehicle. At least in the town I live, no locksmith has the capability to program the key... they can sure cut a key to unlock my doors. but can fire up the engine....

 

I'd check with another Honda dealer. Yours seems to be ripping you off. I have an 05 Civic and had a key replaced a few months ago and it cost me $60.00 total. Also, they reprogrammed one of my remotes for free!!! I'd expect nothing less after buying the car from them and having service, too.

 

Yeah, try a new dealer, that's insanity.

 

ok, a little clarification here. Starting in 06 the civic has different and more complicated keys... that I know for sure. I am just curious if anyone knows exactly what is involved in the reprogramming process and how long it should really take.

 

Actually for Civics, they had programmed keys in 2001-2005 as well. I used to own a 2003 Civic, it cost $60 for a programmed key from Honda. It should not take them an hour to do it, it should only take a matter of minutes and they shouldn't be charging you labor.

 

I know the 01-05 have remotes as well, but from what I understand those you could in fact program yourself. If you go to websites that sell the actual key/remote they state this. With the newer ones you cant.