Speaking of Car Keys.. I've posted about the high cost of key fobs and the variety key locators. Something just occurred to me. Why couldn't car makers add a locating feature to their...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've posted about the high cost of key fobs and the variety key locators. Something just occurred to me. Why couldn't car makers add a locating feature to their keys and key fobs? They would connect with Apple and Android phones. Future OS updates could be a problem, but it would help people to find their keys. Oh, wait a minute! Dealers charge $350 for a new key fob. They wouldn't want to lose their sales. Maybe manufacturers would charge a monthly subscription. 🤣

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

Good point! Since everything we buy today, from garage door openers to toasters to bird feeders are Blue Tooth enabled, why aren't fobs? For my new car, Honda wanted to charge me a monthly subscription for their advanced electronic features like roadside assistance. Needless to say, I offered them the same answer as when they asked if I wanted the extended warranty on the car.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I think stores like Ace Hardware sell, and program fobs. Dunno how much but surely cheaper than a dealer.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Indi wrote:

I think stores like Ace Hardware sell, and program fobs. Dunno how much but surely cheaper than a dealer.

There are lots of aftermarket keys and fobs, but not for all cars.

I received two more sets of key locators, and they are virtually identical, although one set is quite a bit louder. I have a total of four remotes, and they all activate any of the trackers, which is convenient.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

jerryc41 wrote:

I've posted about the high cost of key fobs and the variety key locators. Something just occurred to me. Why couldn't car makers add a locating feature to their keys and key fobs? They would connect with Apple and Android phones. Future OS updates could be a problem, but it would help people to find their keys. Oh, wait a minute! Dealers charge $350 for a new key fob. They wouldn't want to lose their sales. Maybe manufacturers would charge a monthly subscription. 🤣

I lost one of my Lexus key fobs in 2010. Lexus charged me $475 for a replacement key fob and another $75 to program it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Fredrick wrote:

I lost one of my Lexus key fobs in 2010. Lexus charged me $475 for a replacement key fob and another $75 to program it.

Well, you have to realize that the fob is a complicated piece of electronic equipment that cost millions of dollars to develop and a fortune to produce. I suspect they are selling them at a loss for the benefit of their customers.
On the other hand, computers are so simple that they can sell for the same or less. 🤣

Seriously, it's hard to equate a desktop computer with a tiny key fob that does almost nothing.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

jerryc41 wrote:

Well, you have to realize that the fob is a complicated piece of electronic equipment that cost millions of dollars to develop and a fortune to produce. I suspect they are selling them at a loss for the benefit of their customers.
On the other hand, computers are so simple that they can sell for the same or less. 🤣

Seriously, it's hard to equate a desktop computer with a tiny key fob that does almost nothing.

TonyBot

Batteries+ recently replaced a new lost fob for me for about $125.00, including programming. It was for a run-of-the-mill Chevy Traverse, not an expensive import, so that may make a difference in $.

mr spock Loc: Fairfield CT

TonyBot wrote:

Batteries+ recently replaced a new lost fob for me for about $125.00, including programming. It was for a run-of-the-mill Chevy Traverse, not an expensive import, so that may make a difference in $.

That is very reasonable given what the dealer charges
Thanks for the tip

Sendai5355 Loc: On the banks of the Pedernales River, Texas

I have a Tile for when I misplace my keys in the house. If lost outside the house I'm SOL.

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

Indi wrote:

I think stores like Ace Hardware sell, and program fobs. Dunno how much but surely cheaper than a dealer.

They are still not cheap. Around $100 and they have limitations.