At my local honda dealer, an ap1 key, programmed and cut, was $40.

 

but that's my point. they charge that much because they can, not because they should. even for a $5k machine. unless you operate a honda dealership in the middle of south dakota in a town with a population of 15 who all drive toyotas, i would imagine they have programmed more than 50 keys by now at the $100 rate. if it was a matter of recouping then the price would have been adjusted after the made their initial investment back, plus the labor difference. but it's not about that, it's about your second sentence and them being the only game in town. hence, "gimmick."

 

Not a gimmick, economics.

I'm not sure why folks have a problem with other businesses making a profit.

 

Sorry for the newb question but are the 00-03 S2K keys that advanced? What am I missing here? They look like regular keys to me?

 

All 00-08 USDM S2000's have immobilizer equipped keys.

Each key is programmed to the car's PCM. To replace the PCM you have to program existing keys to the new PCM.

 

when i had my 03 mitsu Evo, the key also has a chip but you can program the key yourself if you have an original key. there's a sequence you do with the ignition and then insert the new key in the ignition and it will program the new key. don't know why Honda couldn't have done something similar.

i think there's also a sequence of hand brake pulls that you can do and be able to start the s2k even if the chip in the key is bad. but you have to get that sequence from a Honda dealer. they have this feature so that you can start the car in case of emergency. my friend has an accord and sometime the key would not start the car, so she calls the dealer and they gave her the sequence and her car starts.

link how to bypass immobilizer
http://www.hondacarforum.com/honda-technic...da-prelude.html

 

Don't be surprised if any dealer is willing to hand out a brake code. It's not a a dealer's best interest to possibly be involved in getting a car stolen.

 

i wouldn't expect every dealer to give out hand brake code to anyone over the phone, but i you show up to the dealer with all the paper work, they shouldn't turn you away.

 

i don't have a problem with other businesses making a profit. i have a problem with businesses taking advantage of their customers to make a profit. i happen to think this is one of those situations. an oil change is a lot more involved and requires a lot more materials and it still cost about half of what a 15 minute key program does? give me a break. i just happen to think that cost should represent the amount of work involved with something. you don't. i think we can just agree to disagree in this situation.

 

I work at a dealership and we charge 49.50 to program (1/2 hour labor)
takes 5-30 mins depending on car
and the testers we have a 3600 for the older ones..2007+ is like 9000 cuz it's laptop capable