Motorhome Spare Key

Hi Hotormomer, yes, most modern motor vehicle keys need programming and £200 - £300 is not uncommon. It does feel like a rip off. 

I have been told that when they program the key they also tell the CPU NOT to recognize any previous keys so that a past "shady" owner or dealer who has held a key back cannot come and steal your vehicle. Does it seem slightly better value now? This is the price we pay for security I suppose. Seems all dealers are the same. I paid £143 for new keys for a Ford 6 years ago and £215 for a Honda key recently. Last time I had a cheap key reprogram was £35 11 years ago.

Might seem expensive until something goes wrong and the alternative could be very expensive.  I won't relay the whole tale but 4/5 years ago brother had a problem with his Fiat based MH.  Eventually couldn't start it so called breakdown and they brought him to the town I live in.  He didn't have the key with the electric gubbins in it.  Result the whole alarm, immobiliser system replaced, with the van off the road for a month and a total cost of about £1500.00.  

Ther is a similar thread in Caravan and Motorhome Chat. See my comments.

Ditto

I've just been in touch with our local Timpsons and they say that they can provide a smart key for £60.00!! including programing. Quite a difference to Fiat's £300.00. Does anyone know anything of their service regarding these keys?

As this is a duplicate thread I will close this one as it has had less posts and I will move the other thread into this section so that all replies can be seen in one place.

David