Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Ignition Key Replacement…

How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

Losing your car keys is a huge hassle. Finding a replacement is usually an appointment at an auto dealership or a locksmith.

Costs differ based on the kind of key. Certain car keys are more affordable to replace than others. Here are the different types of ignition keys such as mechanical, remote keys fob switchblade, transponder, and switchblade.

Mechanical Key

If your car was built before the year 1990 There is a good likelihood that you have mechanical keys. These basic keys are made of steel with a head that can be inserted into the ignition, then turned to turn the car on. They are simple to duplicate and do not contain any electronic components. If you have a traditional key, it can be easily cut and programmed by an auto locksmith. It will cost well under $50.

Key fobs became popular in the '90s and are designed to be operated from a distance with a remote controller, rather than being placed into the ignition. They are simpler to duplicate, and do not require any special tools. However, they cost more than the standard key.

Transponder keys were introduced in 1995 and come with a microchip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer, ensuring that only the appropriate key is used to start the engine. Transponder keys are harder to duplicate and will generally cost more to have cut and programmed.

If you have difficulty starting your car, it could be due to a faulty switch. This part will cost more than a standard key but it is worth the investment to ensure your vehicle is secure.

If your ignition lock cylinder is stuck or isn't able to be put in by gently turning the key. This could help to release the lock wafers, which could have been damaged due to frequent use. This method isn't always efficient and may cause further damage.

Remote Key

It is possible to pay less for an alternative key if your car has a traditional key. The keys are made of a metal shaft that is placed into the ignition of the vehicle and then turned to start it. These keys can be found at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and do not require any special programming to work with your vehicle.

If you're driving a more modern vehicle, your key may include a transponder chip within it to help prevent theft. These chips transmit an electronic signal from the key to a receiver in the ignition to ensure that only a genuine key is in use and is able to start the engine. The keys can be upgraded to rolling keys which send every time they are used. This means that if someone is able to steal the key and your car doesn't start.

Key fobs function as remote controls, allowing you to unlock, lock and even open your vehicle without having to insert them into the ignition. They are more prevalent on vehicles built after the 1990s. They're a great way to secure your car from theft and provide you more convenience.

If you own keys that need replacement, be prepared to pay more for it because they require additional programming. Most dealers will charge the cost of programming a new one, but you can save money by following the steps in the owner's manual to a specific sequence of turns and button presses to program it yourself. The key fob will cost between $50 and $100.

Switchblade Key

The switchblade key sounded like the bladed weapon used for parking lot self-defense however it's really an innovative car key that folds up into the fob when not in use. This kind of key can be bought at a locksmith shop, an auto dealer or even on the internet but the cost will be more than traditional keys.

Key fobs regulate the functions of your keys and transmit an alert when they are within range. The computer or immobilizer in the car will recognize the signal and allow the engine start. Transponder chips, in use since 1995, are embedded in many modern vehicles. They transmit an unique code that only your car can read. Professional locksmiths in the car can reprogram your chip and key if damaged or lost.

Keys that are traditional can be replaced with simple, inexpensive fobs with no integrated chip. They are typically sold at auto parts stores as well as other retail outlets for $25 to $100. A key fob replacement with a chip in could cost up to $500, based on the features and the manufacturer.

A key fob that has an electronic switchblade will cost you between $200 to $300, including the cost of a brand new battery and programming. The component pieces can often be bought separately, G28Carkeys so if the key itself isn't harmed you can just replace the blade and shank. Some keys also come with a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips have resistors that prevent unauthorized use when they are inserted into the ignition cylinder. They transmit different codes to the computer and immobilizer of the car. This prevents thieves from attempting to take over your ignition cylinder and also makes it much more difficult for them to copy the key.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are likely be found on vehicles built in the past 20 years. They transmit a number when they are inserted into the ignition lock repair near me. This helps prevent the theft of your vehicle. The car's computer is able to check the code and start the engine in the event that it matches. You won't be able to start your car without a transponder key.

It is important to know that a car dealer will charge a higher price if you want to get an updated transponder. This is due to the fact that they're the only one in town that can produce the specific type of key that your vehicle requires. A locksmith can program and cut your new key for less than the cost.

Transponder keys are an important security measure that was introduced when car thieves began using a technology called hot-wiring to steal vehicles in the 1980s. To stop this, General Motors started incorporating the small RFID chip into their key fobs. These can communicate with your car to start it. This technology stops car theft by rendering hot-wiring ineffective.

If you have transponder keys, you may be noticing that the grooves on the metallic portion of your key are starting to wear out. This is because the grooves shift tiny pins within the lock into a position that allows your car to start. Also, when you insert your key into the ignition the key symbol does not appear on the dashboard of your vehicle. If you are experiencing these issues, it is time to contact an auto locksmith in order to repair your keys.

Smart Key

Smart keys take technology a step further. This fob instead of being a standard key, contains an electronic device that communicates with your vehicle, allowing you to do basic tasks like locking the trunk and doors and starting the car with the press of a button. The keys are more expensive than traditional keys or transponder ones due to the integrated technology.

To work the smart keys, they are equipped with LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas both inside and outside of the vehicle. They activate when you turn the door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels from the door and body to the interior electronics that identify the smart key as valid. Once the car is identified, it stops its immobilizer and begins the engine.

However, smart keys could also be a safety risk. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you are too far away from your car, an individual could pick up the low frequency signal and begin your car by putting it into a compatible ignition. Certain manufacturers set the maximum transmission range to 10 centimeters to mitigate this risk.

The year of manufacture and the type of vehicle you drive influence the cost of a replacement key. As a general rule, older models tend to have lower key replacements than the newer models. Some models might also require the use of a keyless system connected to the fob in order to provide features such as remote locking and trunk access. Contact a Pop-A-Lock to get an estimate before you go to the dealer if you're anxious about how much a replacement would cost. Our locksmiths can offer a replacement at less money and provide superior service than a dealership.