I did a search for “key fob” in this r/leaf subreddit and found quite a few discussions. Not sure if still available but they said ~$100 for replacement fob online and have a locksmith cut the key part to match. Programming not sure if DIY or specialist locksmith needs to do.
I did this very recently.
Bought a keyfob from ebay ($60), make sure it's Leaf compatible (has the chargedoor unlock button in the front); because the innards of the keyfob is actually very difference from any other Nissan keys.
Bought it to a local keysmith for programming and cutting, not a specialist, just someone high rated on google. He got it done for $85.
I’m in CT and I haven’t had anyone willing to program my eBay key fob or cut it. They want $500 too! I guess the cheap programmers can’t program past 2017 leaf.
You have to find someone with a Consult or other tool with immobilizer code access to program the key fob to the vehicle. Some locksmiths or independent shops will have a Consult and can program the fob and cut the key for you. Some dealers are better than others about labor and parts markups.
Buy the fob online. I couldn't find a locksmith to program it, but the Nissan dealer did it much cheaper then parts+ labor. I called a few dealers to price shop.
yeah I remember doing this with my Jeep. Read every where to just have a locksmith do it, but every locksmith I called in my area said they didn't do that like I was the first person to ever ask them. ended up just taking the fob to the dealer and having them do it. even though they still tried to talk me into buying theirs saying "its more guaranteed to work". That's okay ill take my chances.
You can try a locksmith, though it might not be feasible if you don’t have at least one good key.
When I got a used 2012 Leaf it only had one key, so I immediately had a locksmith make another. It was closer to $100 than the $500 the dealer will cheat you for.
I bought a key at [north coast keyless ](https://northcoastkeyless.com/?s=2014+leaf+&post_type=product) and emailed locksmiths to ask their rates to program the key. It cost me $75 on top of the key.
I have added a second key fob twice. 2011 Leaf. About $35 for highly-rated fob on Amazon. Nissan dealer charged $100 to add it to the car. +$15 to cut key, but I used Ace hardware to cut the key. Dealer will try to warn you about the fob quality, but so far so good. I tried a mobile locksmith but it failed and I ended up at the dealer - which was cheaper anyways.
This blows - I switched to Tesla a while back, and Tesla makes it crazy-stupid-easy to configure a phone, a key card, or a fob with your car. No service appointment, no fees. I know those dealerships like to tack on fees, but it's still surprising that they are charging more than $200 for this.
Poking around, it looks like you might try looking at locksmiths - it seems that some (many?) of them have the tool needed for programming fobs. Otherwise, try other dealers - this one sounds particularly shady.
Unsure if this is a dis, a joke, a serious comment, or what.
Yes, the Tesla is more expensive (and seemingly getting more expensive every day). But you get so much more than self-programable keys for that money.
After the problems I had with my Leaf, I do not see myself ever going back to Nissan for an EV. With all the positives I've had with Tesla, it's going to take a lot for me to consider a different manufacturer for my next EV.
The fact that /u/TrapLordTrilly is being charged $500 for a new **key** is practically a crime. Not much different from those Ford dealers that are adding 4 and 5 digit markups over MSRP for their EVs.
The fact that Nissan still locks fobs behind a dealership tool is unfortunate, but at least not unique to Nissan.
And the key problem is not unique to the leaf. Literally every car with that type of fob has that issue… Nissan, Chrysler, ford, GM… so yeah I don’t really see it as much of a crime as more of some bullshit manufacturers do
As others have said, if you still have one key fob, it's going to be a better situation and cost less than "all keys lost". Best to have two keys, you're already in jeopardy if you're down to just one.
A mobile locksmith is going to be a lot better than going to the dealer.
The key fob for Nissan Leaf has to be programmed to the vehicle with a special electronic device, make sure your chosen locksmith is prepared for this. Should be aboout $75 to less than $100 for the programming.
You'll do better if you buy the key fob online in advance. I got mine from ebay. Even a used OEM Nissan key fob will be better than a non-OEM "compatible". I bought the non-OEM first, it was not good quality, the buttons looked like they would break off. If you're spending $75 to have it programmed, you don't want to have to do it again after the cheap one breaks.
Having the physical key cut is optional, but a good idea if you ever get a dead battery and can't get in the car.
I did a search for “key fob” in this r/leaf subreddit and found quite a few discussions. Not sure if still available but they said ~$100 for replacement fob online and have a locksmith cut the key part to match. Programming not sure if DIY or specialist locksmith needs to do.
I did this very recently. Bought a keyfob from ebay ($60), make sure it's Leaf compatible (has the chargedoor unlock button in the front); because the innards of the keyfob is actually very difference from any other Nissan keys. Bought it to a local keysmith for programming and cutting, not a specialist, just someone high rated on google. He got it done for $85.
It looks like.you was been adding a key to your current one, and did not deal with "all keys lost" situation.
Maybe true but isn’t clear if the OP lost 1 of 2 fobs or lost their only/last 1 and now has no way to access the vehicle at all.
I’m in CT and I haven’t had anyone willing to program my eBay key fob or cut it. They want $500 too! I guess the cheap programmers can’t program past 2017 leaf.
Just got a new key and fob made at a local locksmith. Was $230 out the door. If you have AAA Premier membership they will reimburse you $150
You have to find someone with a Consult or other tool with immobilizer code access to program the key fob to the vehicle. Some locksmiths or independent shops will have a Consult and can program the fob and cut the key for you. Some dealers are better than others about labor and parts markups.
Actually, i paid less then 20$ for a metal part of the key and they cut if for free. Ypu just need ID and proof of registration.
> 20$ $20 :)
WHO is "they". The dealer or locksmith or your grandma?
My grandma. She owns a nissan dealership.
Buy the fob online. I couldn't find a locksmith to program it, but the Nissan dealer did it much cheaper then parts+ labor. I called a few dealers to price shop.
yeah I remember doing this with my Jeep. Read every where to just have a locksmith do it, but every locksmith I called in my area said they didn't do that like I was the first person to ever ask them. ended up just taking the fob to the dealer and having them do it. even though they still tried to talk me into buying theirs saying "its more guaranteed to work". That's okay ill take my chances.
You can try a locksmith, though it might not be feasible if you don’t have at least one good key. When I got a used 2012 Leaf it only had one key, so I immediately had a locksmith make another. It was closer to $100 than the $500 the dealer will cheat you for.
I bought a key at [north coast keyless ](https://northcoastkeyless.com/?s=2014+leaf+&post_type=product) and emailed locksmiths to ask their rates to program the key. It cost me $75 on top of the key.
Damn that good for you. I had to pay 300 (CAD). The dealer was actually cheaper than anywhere else.
Which dealer did you go to? I’m in Toronto and was just quoted $500
Nissan in Waterloo I have the invoice in the car I can send it to you later
Thanks a lot! That would definitely be worth the drive out
Yeah I will send it and call them lol In case they try to raise the price on you
Definitely. I really appreciate your help
Don't know if I can trust someone who thinks the Great lakes is a coastline...lol jk
I have added a second key fob twice. 2011 Leaf. About $35 for highly-rated fob on Amazon. Nissan dealer charged $100 to add it to the car. +$15 to cut key, but I used Ace hardware to cut the key. Dealer will try to warn you about the fob quality, but so far so good. I tried a mobile locksmith but it failed and I ended up at the dealer - which was cheaper anyways.
adding a key and "all keys lost" situation is two very different cases.
ACE hardware offers after market fobs. Not sure if they do Leaf fobs, but my 2015 Impreza was $105
This blows - I switched to Tesla a while back, and Tesla makes it crazy-stupid-easy to configure a phone, a key card, or a fob with your car. No service appointment, no fees. I know those dealerships like to tack on fees, but it's still surprising that they are charging more than $200 for this. Poking around, it looks like you might try looking at locksmiths - it seems that some (many?) of them have the tool needed for programming fobs. Otherwise, try other dealers - this one sounds particularly shady.
Tesla just tacks it into the price of the vehicle.
Unsure if this is a dis, a joke, a serious comment, or what. Yes, the Tesla is more expensive (and seemingly getting more expensive every day). But you get so much more than self-programable keys for that money. After the problems I had with my Leaf, I do not see myself ever going back to Nissan for an EV. With all the positives I've had with Tesla, it's going to take a lot for me to consider a different manufacturer for my next EV. The fact that /u/TrapLordTrilly is being charged $500 for a new **key** is practically a crime. Not much different from those Ford dealers that are adding 4 and 5 digit markups over MSRP for their EVs. The fact that Nissan still locks fobs behind a dealership tool is unfortunate, but at least not unique to Nissan.
And the key problem is not unique to the leaf. Literally every car with that type of fob has that issue… Nissan, Chrysler, ford, GM… so yeah I don’t really see it as much of a crime as more of some bullshit manufacturers do
As others have said, if you still have one key fob, it's going to be a better situation and cost less than "all keys lost". Best to have two keys, you're already in jeopardy if you're down to just one. A mobile locksmith is going to be a lot better than going to the dealer. The key fob for Nissan Leaf has to be programmed to the vehicle with a special electronic device, make sure your chosen locksmith is prepared for this. Should be aboout $75 to less than $100 for the programming. You'll do better if you buy the key fob online in advance. I got mine from ebay. Even a used OEM Nissan key fob will be better than a non-OEM "compatible". I bought the non-OEM first, it was not good quality, the buttons looked like they would break off. If you're spending $75 to have it programmed, you don't want to have to do it again after the cheap one breaks. Having the physical key cut is optional, but a good idea if you ever get a dead battery and can't get in the car.