How Much is My Key Replacement?

New keys are nice for every day use, i.e. less scratching, easier to lock and unlock doors, convenience of remote start, and opening the trunk, but the replacement of these keys has become more expensive and time consuming. Here's the run down:

Unchipped Keys
The keys pictured are the least expensive options, but they can only be purchased for cars that did not originally have a chip embedded in the key. Most keys made after the year 2000 required a chipped key (see below).

The top key is $8.00. The next option is $12.00.

*To get any key at Golling's you must show proof of ownership of the vehicle the key will start. The service or parts adviser will ask you for your title, driver's license and registration before they key is made.


Chipped Keys
The key on the left is the least expensive replacement option for cars with "chipped" keys. A chipped key is a key with a chip in it that connects to the vehicle. This key does not have remote applications like lock and unlock. This key is $60. All chipped keys need to be programmed to work with the individual car they will start, so the car must be on sight for these keys to be made. The charge to have the key programmed is $45. So the total cost for this replacement key is $105. 

To get any key at Golling's you must show proof of ownership of the vehicle the key will start. The service or parts adviser will ask you for your title, driver's license and registration before they key is made. 




*Don't forget this important tip: Your car MUST be with you at the dealership to have the key programmed. The service technicians cannot program a key for your car if the car is not on site, so if you do not have one working key, the car must be towed to the dealership for they key to be made.



The key on the right is the next option. It has remote lock and unlock and trunk open buttons. Its is $160 to purchase and $45 to program ($205). It also comes in a 5 button size, that has more remote options such as remote start and remote convertible top control (for the Chrysler 200 Convertible). All the the keys with remote controls have "Panic" button, which creates a loud noise from you car so that you can find your car in a busy parking lot or so your car can be identified in case of an emergency.

If your vehicle came with this key variation, you have the option of getting the chipped key above if you do not want the remote.

To get any key at Golling's you must show proof of ownership of the vehicle the key will start. The service or parts adviser will ask you for your title, driver's license and registration before they key is made. 

*Don't forget this important tip: Your car MUST be with you at the dealership to have the key programmed. The service technicians cannot program a key for your car if the car is not on site, so if you do not have one working key, the car must be towed to the dealership for they key to be made.Towing charges vary depending on the tow service being used, the car and the location of the car.

The next key option hides the metal part of the key. The base model will have remote unlock, lock and trunk open buttons. The other buttons can be used for other remote features, such as remote start and remote side door open and close features for minivans. This key's "fobik" (the black remote control) is $160. The metal key that fits inside is $28 AND, you guessed it, the programming cost is $45.

If your vehicle came with this key, you have one other option. You can purchase a comparable chipped key without the remote for $36.85. With the programming fee, this options is $81.85.



To get any key made at Golling's you must show proof of ownership of the vehicle. The service or parts adviser will ask you for your title, driver's license and registration before the key is made.




The last variation is called a proximity key.This model allows for the driver to operate the vehicle without using the key, as long as the key is on his/her person. This key's fobik is $160. The metal key is again $28 and the programming (ah, yes) is $45. There are six available buttons for remote features.

If your vehicle came with this variation, there are no other options. If you need a replacement, this is the one you need to buy.

*Don't forget this important tip: Your car MUST be with you at the dealership to have the key programmed. The service technicians cannot program a key for your car if the car is not on site, so if you do not have one working key, the car must be towed to the dealership for the key to be made.

The batteries for the fobiks are $3.00. They usually last 4-5 years.They keep the remote functions operation. If they battery dies, you can temporarily use the key to open the vehicle. Even fobik that appear not to have a metal key, have one inside. There is an unlock latch on the fobik that will release the key if it is needed.

This chart sums up all the key variations, their costs and what is needed for a duplicate key to be made:

Golling's carries all these options daily. Call the Parts Department if you have any questions: 937-276-8060.

*If you purchase a "non-OEM" key and bring it to Golling's to be programmed and cut, we will take every precaution to cut the key correctly, but we cannot guarantee the work. Sometimes the materials used to make the key do not cut well. The cost to cut a key is $13.50. The programming fee is $45.

What do you think about the new keys? Your comments are welcome and appreciated. Just click "no comments" below to share your thoughts.

What is Uconnect?

The truth about Uconnect

Uconnect is the name Chrysler (Dodge Jeep Ram) had given to it's multimedia systems in all of it's vehicles. Uconnect does not always include a touch screen, hands-free calling or other multimedia options. Uconnect can be as simple as an AM/FM radio with CD player, so make sure the Uconnect has everything you want it to have.

Different cars have different Uconnect systems with varying options. While the Dodge Durango has more than four Uconnect options, the Chrysler 300 only has two.

Many vehicles start with the most basic Uconnect system ( Uconnect 130 AM/FM/CD/MP3 Radio). This cannot be upgraded to include Bluetooth or voice command.

 

The most basic models of most vehicles can be upgraded to a touchscreen and a Uconnect steering wheel for easy control of the system.

Uconnect devices can include options like streaming audio (from a mobile device) and voice command, but having Uconnect does not mean these options are standard or that they can be added. Each model is different.  Serius XM radio and GPS Navigation are also available with Uconnect, but are not standard.

For complete details view the Uconnect tool at www.driveuconnect.com, click "find your system" at the top of the screen; choose the make, model and year of which you are interested; find the options you require on the left side of the chart and decide which Uconnect system is right for you.

Be very careful when choosing the specifications you want for your multimedia system. Make sure you are getting what you want on the system before you make your purchase because some options cannot be added after purchase or after market.

As new models are being built, other options are becoming available. The new Uconnect systems will be called Uconnect 2. Watch for Yelp, Pandora, Bing, Iheartradio, Aha and other multi-media applications.

The Uconnect model that is in each car is stated in the detailed description. If your preferences are not in the description ask your salesperson for more details.

What are your favorite multimedia features in your vehicle? To leave a comment, click "No comments."

Caravan to Chrysler Country - Is the Museum Really Closing?

On Friday, June 7, we (My sons and I) took off to Michigan to see what was going on up at the Chrysler Museum. We heard that Saturday, June 8th was going to be the last day the museum was open to the public. Why would this happen? You can see photos and videos of the trip here or watch the slideshow.

 

The Central Ohio LX Club, invited us to follow them to Auburn Hills. They were participating in a car show that was also on Saturday. We met up with them in Columbus.

Everyone from the club was so friendly. We all rode up together and stopped a couple times to stretch. We met up with a more members each time we stopped along the way.

We met the group and got the game plan. Loree, one of the members shared some thoughts about her Challenger and the trip to Auburn Hills

When we got on the road, the cars really stood out because their were so many of them together.

We stopped at a rest stop and had a couple more Challengers Join us.

The Toxic Orange Challenger belongs to a traveler who saw the caravan and stopped with us to find out where we were going. We got a video:

On our way we stopped at Famous Dave's for dinner. We shared the brownie sundae!

After Dinner, Rod talked to us about is Challenger and shared his thoughts about the museum.

We got back on the road and headed to Chrysler Country!

My son's Tradd and Dayne were my production crew on the trip. This video is a conversation we had about the Jeep Grand Caravan and the benefits of Cruise Control. Dayne contends that cruise control can make a driver lax about driving. He says he won't have it on his car when he drives.
We got some great video as we approached Chrysler. We were able to speak with some volunteers and feel the vibe of the car show. There were around 300 cars on the grounds.

 

This is probably my favorite of all the videos. When I watched it, I felt like I was there, so I hope everyone watching can feel the vibe and the car show and the enthusiasm of all the people who love these vehicles and the technology and history they encompass!

It was so amazing to see old and new cars together in one museum, and to see the transformation.

 Whenever we went to war, car companies participating in the war effort. The Jeep is an American Icon with roots in military function.

 

This video shows the basement. Some of the engines on display were donated by well-known racing teams.

 This cafe in the basement is named after the Viper, for obvious reasons.

I've never seen so many cars from so many eras all on one place.

Engines have more features for fuel economy, peformance and safety

What do all the three letter abbreviations mean? VVT, MDS, HEMI?

What is the difference between a 3.6L and a 5.7L?

Here's your crash course:

What is the Cam? The cam is the device that holds and operates the valves. It makes the valves move.
What does a spark plug do? The spark plug lights the fuel.

What does VVT stand for? Variable Valve Timing - If your engine has this feature your valves will rotate in use, improving the fuel efficiency and wear and tear on the motor. The valves are for intake and exhaust. They let fuel and air in and out.

The pistons compress fuel and air. They are held by the cylinders

MDS: Multi-Displacement System: with larger engines, this technology allows the engine to use less cylinders when all cylinders are not needed. This systems increases the life of engine and allows it to be more efficient.



1.4L, 3.6L, 6.1L
What does the "L" stand for?  The L behind the number designation is for Liters which is the measurement of inches cubed. So it means that this engine has 3.6 Liters of available space, when the pistons, are down for air and fuel (combustion). There are many sizes of motors. Here is a list of current motor sizes for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles:






1.4 Liter Dodge Dart
2.0 Liter Dodge Dart, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot
2.4 Liter Dodge Dart, Dodge Journey, Chrysler 200, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot
3.6 Liter V6 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 200, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Journey, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan
3.6 Liter V6 Ram 1500, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300
4.7 Liter Flex Fuel V8 Ram 1500, Chrysler 300
5.7 Liter V8 (HEMI) Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Ram 1500 - 3500, Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300
6.1 Liter V8 (HEMI) is still in some vehicles but is no longer built. It has been replaced with the 6.4L
6.4 Liter V8 (HEMI) SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee, SRT Dodge Challenger, SRT Dodge Charger, and SRT Chrysler 300
6.7 Liter Cummins Diesel - Ram 4500-5500

We will get into Horsepower more but just so you know the basics: horsepower is the amount of weight that can be pulled and how far it can be pulled in a certain amount of time. One horsepower equates to being able to 330 pounds of material 100 feet in 1 minute.

A simple definition of torque is what keeps an engine going. So horsepower is what powers take off and torque is what powers continued motion. Check back for a blog post on Torque also.

If you would like to see a blog about a particular engine-related topic submit a comment by clicking the “no comments” link below.

You can check out all of our engine options on our website : http://www.gollingsarenadodge.net 

Also comment if I missed anything...and enjoy the engine photos!

True Chrysler Stories #1

This is John Peterson. he worked for Chrysler for 30 years. He graciously answered some questions for the blog:

What did you do for Chrysler?
John was a welder for Chrysler in Dayton, Ohio. His specialty was metal arc welding. Metal Arc Welders are known for their precision. 

Chrysler called on John to trouble-shoot. His welding and problem-solving skills saved Chrysler over $800,000 in just one project!

Did you always work in the same department? 
No. As a new employee, John worked in the defense department. He welded as a part of a team that built vehicles for the US Military. He was always a welder, but worked on many different teams. 

He has many friends at Chrysler and attends the monthly retiree meeting to stay in touch with them.

When did you start purchasing Ram Trucks instead of traditional Chrysler vehicles? 
John bought his first Truck in 1994. He purchased a new truck every 2 years, until 2006 when he waited three years because he wanted a better deal. In 2009 he purchased his least favorite Ram truck. John experienced a problem with that truck's acceleration. There were times when the truck would be very difficult to control (this model was recalled). He quickly decided he needed to upgrade and came to Golling's to get the 2011 pictured here. 

What's your favorite feature on your RAM? 
Overwhelmingly, John's favorite feature is the navigation system. He expressed how nice it is to get around so easily. He also likes how the HEMI gives him better gas mileage than trucks he has had in the past. 

To view our current Ram Inventory, click here.
 

Thank you for visiting Golling's, John! We are honored to serve you!

Do you know anyone who worked at Chrysler. Please share your story. Just click the "No comments" link to get started.

What is a HEMI, Anyway?

HEMI Nation

HEMI is the short name given to engines built with a Hemispherical Combustion Chamber. The HEMI was invented by Chrysler in 1951. There have been 3 major designs.

All hemis have 8 valves but what makes them different is that each cylinder has two spark plugs. The increased cross air flow improves the efficiency of the engine.

HEMI engines have either 5.7, 6.1 or 6.4 liters (one customized Charger was built with a 7.0L engine). They deliver better gas mileage, increased torque and more horsepower than there non-hemispherical counterparts.

The HEMI isn't exclusive to trucks and sports cars. It is also available in Jeep models, and Chrysler 300s. We have a nice variety on the lot.

To comment on this blog post, click the "no comments" link.

Video Blog: Dodge Grand Caravan: Inside, Outside, On the Road

The Dodge Grand Caravan SXT has some nice extras that make your day more productive!  Check out this silent video and see how it works, then stop in to Golling's and experience it for yourself.

Would you like to see other Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram vehicles on the road. Click the "no comments" link to submit your request. Check out some still shots, too.