My wife's '06 x type key will not start the car unless you wiggle it quite a bit and sometimes it won't work at all. The local dealer says it sounds like the lock needs to be replaced ($153) and I can only order from them off the vin. He says only they can program it. I see locks on ebay for a lot less and wonder if I'm being sold an unneeded expense. Thanks. PS I've seen here advice on coding the fob and is that the same as changing the lock?

 

What shape is the battery in the fob?

 

Dead.

 

Put a new battery in it and try again.

 

Did, no such luck. The lower panel under the steering column looks easy enough to remove, but that won't budge after you remove the bottom 2 screws. I've seen pics of the air bag module on the back of that panel, but no luck as to how to remove the whole panel. Frustrating when you take the day off and get nowhere I'm afraid of breaking the panel if I force it any harder. Can't find info on the panel removal anywhere.

 

Well after getting the panels off, bought a new lock, ($154) key($235 that fits the fob) then the dealer wanted $65 to tow it to them and $115 to program the key. There are several locksmiths in the Salt Lake City Utah (USA) that will come out and program the damn thing for $95 so we selected Bob's Locksmith and the guy came right on time and 10 mins later we're done. I programmed the fob and that's a piece of cake so if anyone doubts they can do that, go ahead.