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Have you lost an electronic car key - the ones you can only get replacements from the dealer?

MSNBC Story (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11961087/)

Hi Chuck:

___Losing one of those keys is a worst case scenario in my book and you are definitely at the mercy of the auto manufacturer when that happens. I would hate to even ponder that bill because it is not going to be a $5.00 Ace Hardware special.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

They key is about $40.00 for my car. I'm sure they will charge something to program it as well.

i have a neckless for my keys

Hi Chuck:

___While running around looking at today’s news, I came across the following article …

Replacement Keys Too Expensive, CAS Says (http://www.edmunds.com/news/regularnews/articles/109729/article.html)The consumer interest group headed by advocate Clarence Ditlow says that replacement keys for today's cars have gotten too expensive. The Center for Auto Safety says that modern car keys, especially those embedded with remote-unlock and sensor technology, have become too costly for ordinary drivers. Replacement keys, the CAS says, can run into the hundreds of dollars - or even in the thousands, if internal electronics in the vehicle must be replaced. The CAS has petitioned the SEC, saying that the auto industry is obstructing fair trade by not releasing electronic key codes to locksmiths. At the same time, current key technology has been the biggest aid to cutting car theft, automakers say.
___Good Luck

___Wayne

Have not tried, but tempted to get an extra set as insurance.

When I had my aftermarket alarm put in they wanted me to get an extra key and put it in some device to bypass the factory alarm. I convinced them to get me an electronic bypass. I suggest if anyone upgrades their alarm or gets remote start that they look into an electronic bypass module.

Hi All:

___Another one … Chuck, your poll was almost prescient ;) Nice job!

High-tech car keys causing low-tech hassles (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11961087)
In a study of the cost of replacing keys in 50 makes and models of vehicles in the Washington, D.C., area, Ditlow’s group found that the average cost of an old-fashioned mechanical key was $12, while the average local dealer price of a “smart” or electronic key was $152. The highest key replacement cost was $335 for a 2004 Lexus IS300.
___Good Luck

___Wayne