My wife and Purchased an '05 Relay 3 a couple of weeks ago and were given only one Keyfob, and it just died on us. My question is this: If I change the battery, am I going to have to have the thing reprogrammed?

Also, if the answer is yes: then is there a way for me to do it at home, or am I stuck taking it into the dealer? They want $80 for the job.

 

One change the battery.
Two clean the contacts.
Three if the battery has not been dead to long you will not have to have it reprogrammed.
Four The dealer has to do it.
Five I have "NEVER" heard of a dealer that charges to reprogram a remote.
Six you may want to call back.

 

Thanks for the info. Yeah, here in Vegas there are two dealers, and both charge for a reprogram, whether it is a Fob you bought from them or one you already had.

 

You just bought it and it doesn't work anymore? And they want to charge you?
I call B.S. Did it come with a warranty (the vehicle) or the dreaded "as/is"?

I would hope that if you reminded them you bought it less than a month ago they'd reconsider the charge......

Oh -- and do all the things RJ said first and do see if it works.....

 

It was a used vehicle (60K+), and though we bought an extended 36K warranty, it does not cover fobs. Honestly, I have never had a car, new or used, where the warranty covered the fobs. My wife's '08 Civic is covered until 60K and it is $200 per key if lost. It is just one for those things.

I did try the whole "we just bought this, how can it be dead?" bit, but it got us nowhere. I warn anyone buying from Honda West in Las Vegas, great deals, lousy service once the paperwork is signed. Thank God the warranty is covered at all Saturn/GM dealers as well. A lot of the dealerships here in Vegas are selling dealer exclusive warranties, where you can only bring it to them for work. Far cheaper, but not a good thing in this case.

Luckily the advice I received here was dead on. I bough a new battery and switched it fast. No programming was needed. I have found a second fob online for less than $20, and I have developed a good relationship with the service manager of one of the local dealerships, who is willing to help me out with the programming on the side.

 

RJ thanks for your help on this. I really do appreciate it.

 

Well if your in Tempe (PHX AZ) stop at Saturn of Tempe they will reprogram no charge on the drive.

 

Thanks. Will do.