$130 is it too much for a replacement key?

[chordhead]

Hi everyone... I have a T&C limited and I need to get a replacement key and my dealer is asking $130 since it will need to be programmed. I'd like to know if anyone knows if that's a reasonable price and/or if there's an alternate way to get replacement keys elsewhere other than my dealer.

Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[email protected]

[tazman]

That is about the right price from the dealer for a replacement SENTRY key. Here in Canada the dealer wants $185.00 and per key. If you can get the proper blank someplace else you can program it yourself if this is a SENTRY key equipped van. The instructions are in your owner's manual.
I'm fortunate enough to have a few spares if I ever need them.

Originally Posted by chordhead

Hi everyone... I have a T&C limited and I need to get a replacement key and my dealer is asking $130 since it will need to be programmed. I'd like to know if anyone knows if that's a reasonable price and/or if there's an alternate way to get replacement keys elsewhere other than my dealer.

Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[email protected]

[wirelessenabled]

Originally Posted by chordhead

Hi everyone... I have a T&C limited and I need to get a replacement key and my dealer is asking $130 since it will need to be programmed. I'd like to know if anyone knows if that's a reasonable price and/or if there's an alternate way to get replacement keys elsewhere other than my dealer.

Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[email protected]

I have a 2003 Limited with the programmable key. I got mine cut at my local Ace Hardware for $20 and programmed it myself. You need two keys that work in order to program another but it only takes a couple of minutes. The instructions are in the owners manual.

[DPMP]

Are Hardware ??? Now, this is mindboggling. :-)

Oh, and by the way. You can make a few spare regular keys from Walmart or something, and leave one inside the gas filler door (I put mine there). Car thief can't start the car with it, and it can help opening the door when in need. :-).

My very first experience with the Town and Country was 3 weeks ago. After driving it home from the dealer. I parked the van, kept the engine running, got out, closed the door, went to see whether the tail-end of the van sticks out of the garage, and sure it was. So I went back to the driver side door and found it LOCKED while the engine was running. And the spare key was inside the van. That darn van automatically locks itself after the door is closed when the engine is running in "PARK". Talk about no logic from Chrysler on this one!!! I would think it be more reasonable if the lock is engaged when shift from "P" to "D"... Now, that was a $35 learning experience. So, off I go to Ace Hardware. A third key won't hurt, because it requires 2 keys to program the 3rd one.

And there is a way to reprogram the auto-lock feature: Key in ignition, on-off 4 times and press the lock button once, then remove the key.... Hmmm, I forgot what that does. :-)...

[wirelessenabled]

I dug out my receipt for the duplicate transponder key I got for my 2003 TC Limited at Ace Hardware. Ace's part number is 5192851 and I paid 19.99.

To repeat what was said above you need 2 working keys to program a third. I think you can program up to 8 keys yourself before needing a reset at the dealer.

[digimon]

I have seen keys and programable remotes on e-bay for as little as $5.00 for keys remotes for $7.00 check out this tread ([urlhttp://search.ebaymotors.com/search/search.dll?GetResult&query=chrysler+town+%26+count ry&from=R9&ebaytag1=ebayreg&siteid=100&s_partnerid =2&categorymap=6000&category0=6000&combine=y&st=2[/url]) Just do a Copy and Paste there all types of parts for all years and models i have bought several idoms off this site and saved $$.
Have Fun, digimon

[wolong]

Originally Posted by chordhead

Hi everyone... I have a T&C limited and I need to get a replacement key and my dealer is asking $130 since it will need to be programmed. I'd like to know if anyone knows if that's a reasonable price and/or if there's an alternate way to get replacement keys elsewhere other than my dealer.

Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[email protected]

What did you finally do?
I just bought a new 2004 Town & Country. The 2004 is different from 2003 and earlier models, the transponder key and remote 'clicker" fob are all one piece. The remote pushbuttons are built into the head of the key. Of course, the dealer wants an outrageous price for a replacement. However, I see unprogrammed separate transponder keys and fobs for sale on eBay are very reasonable prices and am wondering if anyone with a 2004 has tried programming an earlier key and fob. I'd like to know if that can be done.

[srqp]

I solved the expensive key problem as follows: I attached the transducer key to the backside of the ignition switch mounting plastic and now a $ 2.00 dollar key from the hardware store works fine. The downside is you lose the use of a $ 150 key and the remote feature and some thieft protection.

[nickgeorges]

Originally Posted by chordhead

Hi everyone... I have a T&C limited and I need to get a replacement key and my dealer is asking $130 since it will need to be programmed. I'd like to know if anyone knows if that's a reasonable price and/or if there's an alternate way to get replacement keys elsewhere other than my dealer.

Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[email protected]

Hi,
I agree that the price is way too high... Unfortunately, I cannot help you at this moment, but I"m in the same boat you are.
I need to get a new key as well, and the local locksmith in my area has sent me to the dealer also.
If I do hear of any other option, I'll let you know.
Please do the same with me if you hear of any other options.

Thanks,
Nick