O.k. I'll probably be getting my TL-S in late June ($15k down payment makes the monthly's a little more livable). I definitley don't want the Navi and I really could see the $30/month, or whatever it is, for the OnStar. I do like having spare keys at friends' houses so the girlfriend doen't have to drive 30 miles to unlock the new ride.

So are spare key blanks available anywhere BUT the dealer who, I'm sure will charge $100 each? And if they are available, how does one go about programing them for an individual car?

 

The Keys have a computer chip in them to start the engine so if you wanted to buy a key that would just open the doors , it would be pointless , you have to buy the key and it comes with the chip regardless. unless you use the valet key?

 

Just have them throw in an extra when you buy the car. I had them do that when I bought mine.

 

any ace hardware store or similar can make you a key for less than $10. You have to order the key from a dealer if you want the car to be startable with the key. I ordered an extra from acura carland for something like $15 for the blank, then you have to get it cut and programmed which is super easy.

I suggest getting one of those magnetic boxes and get a cheap key made at a hardware store. Put the magnetic box somewhere under you car so if you ever lock yourself out(happens to everyone at one time or another) you will be able seconds away from getting back into your car.

 

I don't really get it, the key just look real normal to me, what did you guys mean by "having it programmed"?

so the computer chip is inside that plastic part of the key then??

thanks for the info.

 

Yes, there is a computer chip inside the plastic head of the key. It works in conjunction with the factory theft immobilizer system. Without the chip in the key, the vehicle won't start when you put it in the ignition. The dealer charges anywhere from $50 to $100 for a replacement key but you can get them elsewhere for cheaper. If you want a spare key just to open the doors then any blank key cut at a hardware store will do.

 

So does anyone here know just HOW to program one outside of going to the dealer?? I'm sure the programing part is what their charging all the money for. That's really what I was getting to....

 

You can't really program keys, if you really think about it, it's illegal. They gave me 3 keys when I picked up the car, 2 regular and one valet.