So when I bought my Discovery II the owner only had the one key/fob. I then called two dealerships and got pricing between $475.00 and $520.00 cut and programmed for one key. After getting over the shock I started searching the web (if I missed it somewhere on this site, my bad I am repeating the same info that is already here). I found a company in the UK that makes the keys and sends a programmer for approx $180.00 (there is a $30.00 deposit on the programmer, so about $150.00). I took a chance and bought one. The company emailed me a couple of times to get info off the key I had and the VIN # of the car. In a week I received the key, programmer and instructions. This morning I programmed the key in about 5 mins and had the key cut for $10.00. All work! The total cost is about $160.00. The company is Remote Key LTD UK. Not saying it will work for all but it worked on my 2003 Discovery, worth checking out.

 

I saw this also, after I purchased a brand new uncut key FOB. It was a 120.00. I may order from them and possibly program my new one already purchased also.

 

Still fighting to get the damn key cut — everyone in Canada balks at Stainless Steel (I remember seeing signs for it in the US at one of the big chain hardware stores — if I'd only known).

 

That said — if anyone knows where to get a key cut in Toronto, I'd love to hear from you!

 

I had three locksmiths say no before finding the one that cut the keys. He did not seem to think it was a big deal. It took him about 10 - 15 min. for three keys. He was not a big store, just a small shop.

 

Yes, I had almost exactly the same experience with an '03 Disco and I'm delighted with Remote Key LTD too. The programming is extremely fast and easy and foolproof. There was almost a mistake in the remote frequency to be provided though. After I described via email the engraving on the back of the remote, Roger at RKL said he would send the 433Mhz version. That frequency didn't sound right and I asked for him to delay shipping while I consulted with the dealer. 315MHz was confirmed by the dealer as required in USA and it was e-confirmed by Roger after I sent him my VIN. The engraving on the remote case had been misleading. Once that was settled the key and programmer were promptly shipped and then received 3 days later - fast. Actually a lot of the $150 mentioned above was shipping (and handling, and VAT, and ?) - $38 worth! I wondered if that could have been handled more reasonably. Still $150 (plus cutting cost) for a programmed key is a far cry from the dealers' ~$500.

I understand that some Land Rover dealers will program a new remote key that you provide for some fee or even free but the one in Austin, TX wouldn't. Better check with your dealer's policy before buying a new remote key.

I don't know how the programming device works but I suspect that it provides some info (maybe the bar codes?) about the key to the ECU. The programmer is plugged into the OBD port under the dash after the ignition is turned to position 2 with a good key. An LED on the programmer goes from steady on to dark in less than 30 seconds and it's done! Magically the new key remote that was in my pocket is now able to lock and unlock the vehicle. Anybody know what the programmer actually did? Apparently the programmer did read the Emergency Key Access code because RKL has promised to email that info to me after they receive the programmer back (and return my deposit). Of course, I already know that code. I'll be returning the programmer next week.

 

Just ordered mine from there. Hopefully this time next week I will have a working FOB.

 

Got mine in today, took about 15 seconds and now I have a working FOB. Both passenger doors need lock actuators, but everything else works as intended. I would highly recommend this company, and would do it again in a heartbeat. 150.00 well spent.

 

Shocking. I am glad I found this thread. Thanks for posting.

 

Excellent contribution to the community. Thumbs up for the heads up OP!