Hear from Our Customers
Your key fob stops working at the worst possible time. You’re standing in a parking lot, pressing buttons that do nothing, wondering if you’ll need to call a tow truck.
Here’s what happens when we handle your key fob replacement. You get a working remote that locks, unlocks, and starts your car exactly like the original. No programming glitches, no “almost working” situations, no coming back tomorrow.
We cut through the confusion of transponder chips, rolling codes, and vehicle-specific programming. Your replacement key fob works the first time, every time, because we’ve been solving these exact problems for decades in Upper Chichester and throughout Delaware County.
We’ve been handling keys since the late 1800s. That’s not a typo – we’re talking about over 100 years of family locksmithing knowledge passed down from father to son, generation after generation.
Tom McCausland and his daughter Chrissy run our shop today, continuing what Charles McCausland Senior started when he took over the family trade as a young man. We’ve been serving Upper Chichester and Delaware County residents from our Prospect Park location since 1981.
When your key fob fails, you’re not dealing with a fly-by-night operation or someone who learned locksmithing last month. You’re working with the largest locksmith company in the Delaware Valley, built on a foundation that’s stood the test of time.
First, we identify your vehicle’s exact make, model, and year to ensure we get the right key fob. Not all fobs are created equal – your 2018 Honda needs different programming than your neighbor’s 2020 Toyota, even if they look similar.
Next, we cut the physical key blade if your fob includes one. This isn’t just about copying a shape – modern vehicle keys have precise cuts that work with your car’s ignition cylinder and door locks.
Finally, we program the fob to communicate with your vehicle’s computer system. This is where experience matters most. We connect our diagnostic equipment to your car’s programming port and sync the new fob with your vehicle’s security system. The whole process typically takes 30-45 minutes, and you can watch us work if you’d like.
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Upper Chichester drivers deal with specific challenges that we see regularly. Winter weather can kill key fob batteries faster than you’d expect, especially when temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods. We stock the most common battery types and can replace them on the spot.
We also handle key fob programming for vehicles that have been in accidents or had electrical work done. Sometimes a perfectly good fob stops working after a mechanic disconnects the battery or replaces the car’s computer. Instead of buying a new fob, we can often reprogram your existing one.
Our service covers all major vehicle brands – Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes, and more. We keep current with the latest automotive security technology, so whether you drive a 2005 sedan or a 2024 SUV, we have the tools and knowledge to get your key fob working properly.
Key fob replacement costs vary based on your vehicle’s make, model, and year, but you’ll typically pay significantly less than dealership prices. Basic fobs for older vehicles might run $75-150, while newer luxury vehicles with advanced features can cost $200-400.
The price includes the physical fob, programming, and any key cutting if needed. We give you the total cost upfront – no surprise fees or charges for “diagnostic time.” Most customers save 30-50% compared to dealership pricing, and you get the same functionality without the week-long wait for parts.
Yes, we can program most aftermarket key fobs, but there’s a catch you should know about. Not all online fobs are created equal, and some cheap ones simply won’t work with your vehicle’s security system no matter how skilled the locksmith.
We’ve seen customers buy $20 fobs online that look identical to the original, but the internal chip doesn’t communicate properly with their car. When this happens, you’re out the money you spent online plus our programming fee, and you still don’t have a working fob.
If you’ve already purchased an aftermarket fob, bring it in and we’ll test it before attempting programming. If it’s compatible, we’ll get it working. If not, we’ll explain why and show you options that will actually work with your vehicle.
Most key fob programming takes 30-45 minutes from start to finish. This includes cutting any physical keys, programming the fob to your vehicle’s computer system, and testing all functions to make sure everything works properly.
Some newer luxury vehicles with advanced security features might take up to an hour, especially if we need to access multiple computer modules or perform additional security procedures. We’ll give you an accurate time estimate when you arrive based on your specific vehicle.
You’re welcome to wait in our shop or step outside if you prefer. We have a comfortable waiting area, and our Prospect Park location has several restaurants and shops within walking distance if you want to grab coffee while we work.
Some comprehensive auto insurance policies cover key fob replacement, but coverage varies significantly between insurance companies and policy types. You’ll need to check your specific policy or call your insurance agent to find out what’s covered.
If your fob was stolen along with your vehicle, most comprehensive policies will cover replacement as part of the theft claim. If your fob simply stopped working due to normal wear and tear, coverage is less common but still possible depending on your policy.
Even if insurance covers the replacement, you might still save money by coming to us instead of the dealership. Insurance companies often have preferred pricing with local locksmiths, and our rates are typically lower than dealership charges anyway. We can work directly with your insurance company if they require specific documentation or procedures.
First, try replacing the battery – it’s the most common cause of key fob failure and the easiest fix. Most fobs use standard batteries available at any pharmacy or grocery store. Pop open the fob case carefully and note the battery type before heading to the store.
If a new battery doesn’t solve the problem, the issue is likely with the fob’s internal electronics or your vehicle’s receiver. Don’t keep pressing the buttons repeatedly – this can sometimes make programming issues worse by confusing your car’s computer system.
Bring the fob to us for diagnosis. We can quickly determine whether the problem is with the fob itself, your vehicle’s receiver, or the programming connection between them. In many cases, we can reprogram your existing fob rather than selling you a replacement, which saves you money and gets you back on the road faster.
We handle urgent key fob situations during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. If your fob stops working during these hours, call us right away and we’ll work you into the schedule as quickly as possible.
For after-hours emergencies where you’re completely locked out, we can provide basic lockout service to get you into your vehicle. However, key fob programming requires specialized equipment that we keep at our shop, so full fob replacement typically needs to wait until we’re open.
If you’re stranded outside our business hours, we recommend having a backup plan – either a spare key hidden on your vehicle or a family member with a spare fob. Many of our customers keep a basic spare key (without the fob functions) as an emergency backup, which we can cut for you when you come in for your primary fob service.
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