Dealing with car key fobs can be a frustrating and surprisingly expensive experience, especially when you need a new one programmed. If you own a 2018 Ford Focus ST and find yourself in need of a new key fob, you might be heading to your local Ford dealership. Like many, you might expect a straightforward process, but understanding the nuances can save you a significant amount of money and hassle. This guide, based on real-world experience, will arm you with the knowledge to navigate the key fob programming process for your 2018 Ford Focus ST without overspending.
The Dealership Experience: A Costly Misunderstanding
Imagine arriving at your Ford dealership, ready to get a new key fob programmed. You might encounter a service writer who, while well-meaning, may not be fully versed in all the intricacies of key programming. This was the exact scenario faced by a Ford owner who shared their experience. Initially, the service writer believed that programming a newly purchased key fob required two existing electronic keys (E-Keys). This misinformation could lead to unnecessary expenses and delays.
Fortunately, in this case, a knowledgeable service manager intervened, correcting the misunderstanding. The manager, demonstrating expertise, personally handled the situation. The first step was verifying ownership of the vehicle. Be prepared to present documentation such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to prove you are the legitimate owner. Once ownership is confirmed, the dealership can access the necessary information to proceed with key programming. This includes confirming the key number assigned to your specific Focus ST, ensuring the correct programming process is followed.
Unlocking Savings: The Ford Part Number Secret
Here’s where the real savings opportunity comes into play. When ordering a new key fob for your 2018 Ford Focus ST, you’ll likely be presented with a readily available option from Rotunda, a supplier for Ford. However, what many dealerships may not immediately highlight is the existence of an older, and often cheaper, Ford-branded key fob option.
There are essentially two types of key fobs you might encounter:
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FORD Part Number FOB (BEZ8Z-15K601-D): This is an older Ford part number fob that, while no longer in production, may still be available in stock at various dealerships across the country. Ford parts representatives can search their system to locate dealerships with this FOB in stock and have it shipped to your local dealership for a minimal transfer cost. Opting for this FORD part number FOB can lead to substantial savings. In the original experience, choosing this option would have reduced the fob cost to around $80, compared to a significantly higher price for the Rotunda option.
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ROTUNDA FOB: This is the more commonly offered option, readily available and easily ordered through the Rotunda parts system. However, this convenience comes at a premium, often priced around $145 or higher.
To maximize your savings, specifically ask your Ford parts representative to check for the availability of the FORD FOB with part number BEZ8Z-15K601-D. This simple inquiry could save you $50 or more on the cost of the key fob itself.
Negotiating Programming Costs
Beyond the cost of the key fob, programming fees can also add to the overall expense. Dealerships typically charge for the labor involved in programming the new fob to your vehicle. In the original scenario, the initial quote for programming was $92.50. However, thanks to the intervention of the knowledgeable service manager, this price was reduced to $45.00.
This highlights that programming costs can sometimes be negotiable. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the programming fee and politely ask if there’s any flexibility in the price. Being informed and assertive can lead to further savings on your total bill.
Key Takeaways for 2018 Ford Focus ST Owners
To summarize, here are the crucial points to remember when programming a new key fob for your 2018 Ford Focus ST:
- Verify Ownership: Be prepared to prove vehicle ownership with necessary documents at the dealership.
- Inquire about FORD Part Number FOB (BEZ8Z-15K601-D): Specifically ask for this part number to potentially save significantly on the fob cost compared to the Rotunda option.
- Negotiate Programming Costs: Don’t accept the initial programming fee without question. Politely inquire about potential discounts or price adjustments.
- Knowledge is Power: Being informed about your options and potential cost-saving measures can lead to a much more affordable and less frustrating experience when dealing with car key fob replacements and programming.
By following these tips, you can confidently approach your Ford dealership for 2018 Ford Focus ST key fob programming, ensuring you receive fair pricing and avoid unnecessary expenses.
