I have determined that there is no one in my area that can cut my key correctly without charging some ridiculous price for it. Two weeks worth of internet searching, phone book calling, and referrals for locksmiths for nothing. As soon as I explain the key and the model of car, the price shoots up by a couple hundred dollars. I had the day off yesterday so I go to the dealer who was actually cheaper than the locksmith and guess what??? THEY FUCK UP THE CUT OF THE KEY. Now I have a $100 cool looking paperweight that is absolutely useless. I can look and tell where the cut is different between the new and the old. They didn’t charge me for their little screw up but didn’t replace my key either. They did however; offer to order me the original key with separate remote for $218. I raised so much hell that they asked me to leave. It wasn’t until I got home and tried to lock my doors when I found out that they erased the code to the original remote since it was no longer working. I had to drive there again and have them fix it.

This ordeal for this fuckin key has been frustrating from the onset. At this point, I don’t care what key I have (original or switchblade) since only one came with the car and I need a backup, just in case I loose one.

Sorry for the rant but shit like this makes me NOT want to put anymore money in this car. From the iPod adapter, to the shift knob, to the painted grille, the updated navi disk and all other mods I’ve done to this car. I’m wasting money on a depreciable asset with not much to show for it. At this point, I’m not putting another dime toward this car outside of normal maintenance. I’m out of the game fellas (and ladies). I will admire everyone else’s dedication towards making their ride unique but I be damned if I do anything else to mine.

 

they fucked up your key, and they didn't replace it. All they did was not charge you for fucking up your key? HAHA you are not serious right? You got ripped off.
Go back at night and throw a brick throught some cars. Or better yet, get some crackhead to do it for 50$. Revenge is sweeeeeet

 

Sorry to about your luck with the key. It's completely frustrating when the things that seem simple turn into such a headache. I can't believe they wouldn't get you a new key since they are the ones that screwed it up. What was their reason for not getting you a new key?

 

Wow man that is some shitty luck. I had some bad luck with certain modifications on my car but luckily my switchblade key mod went smoothly. Anyways if they fucked up the key, they owe you $100 for a new key. Thats the way I see it.

 

wow, sorry to hear that, this also heppened to another member here. We went to get out keys cut and programmed together, mine worked, his didn't, they screwed it up while cutting it! That really SUCKED! He was pretty pissed too but he got them to replace his switchblade key.

If I were you I would go back to the dealership and talk to the service manager or the GM of the dealership. Explain what happened and politely ask if there is a way that you can work out the situation. If they are not willing to replace the whole key maybe they can just order you the actual metal part of the key (the piece that needs to be milled and cut) and replace that for you.
If that gets you nowhere you really need to DEMAND they give you another key! They screwed up your key, they should replace it. If that does not work I would threaten to call corporate, that works sometimes. g/l and let us know what happens

 

Sorry to hear of your troubles. I see that you're in NoVA. I bought and service my car at Chevy Chase Acura. They did my switchblade and it works perfectly (and properly reprogrammed my original keys). I called to make an appoint, went in the midday to drop off the car, had lunch and came back 45 min. It was all done and car washed (as usual). I paid $63. I hope you can get this resolved as I'm so happy with my switchblade. I wanted one since the first time I discovered this key when I had a loaner '07 TL.

 

...also


I agree with CarrieLynn about going back and speaking to the SM or GM. I know you're disappointed as I would be too, but again, I think CarrieLynn is right on-point to suggest that you explain the situation politely. In my opinion there's no reason whey they shouldn't do something for you. Obviously you have a valid reason, but they also should help you for the sake of good PR.

 

wow man you're not even into any serious mods either...these guys really pissed you off, huh?

 

why exactly would shit like this make you not want to put money into your car.

anything you do beyond stock is entirely on you

 

I had to do a 2 hour drive out to Madison to get my key cut and programmed thanks to another azine user. The locksmith came out and did the work right out of his van. He even made a spare key to just open the doors for me.

 

It worked out for you??? Glad to hear that, he did an awesome job and was very knowledgeable.

 

whats the dealers name?

you can always go to the BBB and file a complaint or complain to acura =)

 

which dealer were you going to? i'm about going to Pohanka at chantilly. Sorry to heard about that man. i hope mine is not crew up

 

+1

 

What Xoulu said.... can't go to the Better Business Bureau?

 

I doubt it. They way I left the first time, no one there is going to be very receptive about me returning. Hell, I'm sure someone was ready to call the cops when they saw me come back to have them reprogram the remote that they messed up. Looking back on it, it was my fault. I had a bad feeling about it and with my history with that dealer, I should not have stepped foot into the service bay. When the key was messed up, I blew my Obama cool and went off when they would not replace it. I should have stayed calm and MAYBE I could have gotten something out of it but I took it as an insult to offer to order me a replacement key for much more that what I paid for the original. Their stance is that the switchblade key was a modification and not the original so they are not liable.

Funny you mention them. I tried Chevy Chase Acura 2 weeks ago when I saw your posted your price a while back. I spoke to a female service writer (don't remember her name) with a bad attitude and after giving me the run around when I first arrived (she sent me to the parts department a block away from the dealership and parts sent me right back to her when I told them that I already had the key, just needed it cut a programmed) she quoted me a price of $168 and told me it was going to be 2 hours of work for the tech to cut a program it. I realize it was busy that day (Saturday afternoon) and they were obviously short handed but she didn't have to catch an attitude with me when I told her that I was quoted $63 dollars over the phone. I walked away and gave the general manager some feedback on the level of service I received from his service department. I'm not sure who you know there but I was unable to get your price.

brother, you have no idea.........It has been a while since someone has spun me into that level of pisstivity.

I guess the reason I was so mad is because it is one thing after another with this car and if I don't stop it now with the mods, it will get worse. I have other things I need to concentrate on (like buying a house) and I can't do it if I'm sinking money in this TL. Hell, after I did my tire rotation the other day, I have this weird noise coming from the driver's front that is making me think I have a bad tire. It is irritating like you wouldn't believe. Brakes will be soon and with me having 70k on the odo, the timing belt is not that far away.

 

What dealer in N.VA was it?

 

I thought CSMeance was doing switchblade keys for you guys?

Did the OP buy the key at that dealer? or ebay from another dealer or??

Either way- the GM of the company needs to know what happened, and that may take a written letter to reach them,,, with greater impact than thrown rocks--
based on they asked you to leave,,,
but call and speak with the GM,,, its worth a try and if they wont talk with you-
Say, ok my next call is to acura, I just wanted to give you as the real Manager a chance to make it right before I placed the call,,I know how those bad comment cards and calls reflect on bonus pay and other things,,plus bad reviews online can spread to thousands of potential and curent customers---all over a 100 dollar key that cost them 25 to replace when they damamged it? and deprogrammed the one you had to use--bizarre

I will say it again--NEVER go in Saturday- thats `low man on the pole` day to work and MAYBE one medium skill level tech is there--mostly the oil change kid is on duty,,and working in parts???

1-800-382-2238 x5 gets a human, at acura care-corp
not an acura tech, but a phone person that writes down your every word and passes it along to a corp manager, who calls the dealer to see whats happened, and then calls you

Acura corp HATES getting complaint calls that should have been fixed at dealer level~
They want and expect perfect 10s satisfaction on survey cards, calls and online surveys that customers fill out

BBB is BIG bs- you pay to belong, dont have to belong!!!If you dont belong they cant do squat to you,, and they have no real authority- only binding arbitration of their decision- total suck!!

If you have exhausted all efforts with the dealer THEN its time to call acura corp- ask the phone person to make a claim file and have a real manager call you back--they only answer phones- dont listen to them tell you `no` to anything

In real life- when a shop damages a part- especially something like a key cut in this example- THEY are responsible for replacing it with a like kind part- at no cost to you!

They broke it They bought it--remind the GM of the signs in stores everywhere

 

when you rotate tires - the first 100 miles may produce noise and vibration as the internal belts get used to doing a different job

Thats why many dont rotate and some high end cars say not to at all
With a lot of cars running different size front and rear- that solves that problem

I got 20k miles on Exclaims and a toe/alignment problem from bad roads has worn the inner edge slightly
the rear tires are perfect,,dropped 1.5-2 inches on tein SS shocks and 17" rims

Way cheaper to replace 2 tires, IMO, and the other 2 when needed, so I dont rotate the tires which wears them all out at the same time

 

Richi and I made up the keys, and I believe I or richi emailed you yesterday about the key and maybe salvaging it. Don't feel bad about this situation, shit happens. Did you get the little honda baggy with your key? Take the key to acura and show them it is an orignal acura part, and the should replace it with another.

 

I don't think they help. It's going to take a million complaints about a business before they get off their asses and do something about it

 

Once again, I'm really sorry to hear of your troubles, especially for something that seems to be a rather easy task. I think I know about the female you spoke to. She is indeed not pleasant at all. I spoke to her too when I called and when I tried to explain that I had specific instructions, she cut me off and said something like... "I know - we do them all the time". Since I'm not the Acura service professional I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Backing up a bit, I had a regular service advisor there since I bought the car who was awesome. He was a nice guy and he totally understood the concept of providing good customer service. Well, when I first ordered the switchblade, I gave him a call and he actually said... "OK when you get the key bring it in and we'll take care of it - no charge". As luck would have it, I got there to learn that my regular service advisor no longer worked there. Fortunately for me this lady passed me off to another guy who was filling in at a temp desk. He was very good. I can get you his name when I get home tonight if you'd like.

In regards to the other dealership, I do think it's still worth contacting upper management. Maybe you could call first and arrange to come back speak to the SM or GM. Either way, I think they owe you the couresty at least another key.

 

^ I agree, DO NOT give up! You can and will get another key from them, keep trying!

 

Richi has been cool about it throughout. I sent him pictures of the key and I think it may be salvageable if I take it to a locksmith. I think I still have the Honda baggie in the car; I will have to check.

I talked to a manager (not sure if it was the GM) there at Chevy Chase Acura about her attitude. I explained to him that I could tell that the service area was busy (cars stacked all over the place waiting to washed and serviced, some lady waiting for an hour to have someone help her program her HFL to her iPhone) and short handed but if she could not keep from snapping at people under those circumstances, she might be better off doing something not involving interfacing with the customers. He blew me off and told me that he would take care of it but from what you are telling me, I'm sure it is not the first they have heard of it about her.

 

DEFINITELY don't walk away without a new key--even if yours can be salvaged. In their minds they made it non-usable so they should replace it. As for the bad attitude chick behind the counter? She should find a job that doesn't involve dealing with people. I am constantly amazed at the nasty "I don't give a damn" attitudes you get from so many people in customer service positions. WHY ARE THEY DEALING WITH PEOPLE ALL DAY IF THEY DON'T LIKE THEM? I'm convinced it's a power thing......she has no place working the service desk at an Acura dealer.....maybe her last name is the same as the GM? Good luck -- sorry about the bad luck you've had on your mods....

 

I fixed my key myself 0.o
Dealer wasn't able to cut it... locksmith solved half my issue---other key cutters/locksmiths didn't want to touch it....

I would show you what I did... but my laptop either got stolen or is missing. All my pics/info I have is on there.

All I can do is verbally tell you

 

What dealer in Northern VA? I haven't cut my key yet but i want to make sure which dealer were you going to, so i have to stay away of that dealer.

 

I called up richi a minute ago and he said he just responded with good news, he's forwarding me the email!!!

 

Same thing happen to me when i bought the switch blade key a while back. I went to Prices Acura, in Dover DE and they messed up my key (not my dealer, was closer to work). It didnt even look like it was the same key.

I returned the 2nd day demanding to talk to the GM but was informed that they will refund me for the key, with out meeting the GM.

Here is the pic of my key key messed up:




Then I bought another key off in the black market and went to a small key smith shop, and a younger kid was able to cut it...but had to take the blade and remote apart to fit in the machine. Told him that Acura dealership messed up my first key, and if he can do a practice run on a blank key first and he did. Did have problem opening it in the glove dept, but they fixed that when i came back. I was suppose to get it programmed there too, but they didnt have the programmer device on site, so I went to my normal dealership and told them it can be done and if they can do it.

Now everything is perfect.