9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Ignition Key Replacement Cost

How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle. Finding a replacement is usually an appointment at a dealership or an auto locksmith.

Depending on the type of key, prices vary. Some types of car keys are cheaper to replace than others. Here are the four kinds of ignition keys that are available including mechanical, remote keyfob, switchblade and transponder.

Mechanical Key

If your car was built prior to the 1990s there is a good chance that you still have mechanical keys. These keys come with a metal head that is inserted into the ignition, and then turned to start the car. 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 and cost well under $50.

Key fobs gained popularity in the early 1990s and are designed to be operated from a distance using an electronic remote instead of being put into the ignition lock repair services. These are easier to duplicate and don't require any special tools. However they are more expensive than the standard key.

Transponder keys were introduced in 1995 and are equipped with a microchip that communicates with the immobilizer of the vehicle and ensures that only the correct key is used to start the engine. Transponder keys are harder to duplicate and generally cost more to have cut and programmed.

If you are having difficulty starting your car, it could be due to a defective switch. This part will cost more than a standard one, but it's a worthwhile investment to ensure that your car is secure.

If your ignition lock cylinder is stuck or isn't able to be placed in by gently turning the key. This can help release the lock wafers that may be a little damaged by frequent use. It is important to keep in mind that this is not always effective and may cause more damage.

Remote Key

You can expect to spend less on an alternative key if your car has an old-fashioned key. These keys have a metal shaft that's inserted in the ignition and then turned to turn the engine. These keys can be found at places like AutoZone or a locksmith and they don't need any special programming to work with your car.

If you're driving a brand newer car, your key could include a transponder chip within it to in preventing theft. These chips transmit signals from the key to the receiver located in the ignition. This ensures that only a genuine and functioning key can be inserted to start the engine. The more advanced versions of these keys are known as rolling keys, which send the same signal each time they're used, so that even if a person manages to take the key and then open your car, it won't be able to start.

Key fobs are basically an electronic remote control that lets you to lock or unlock your vehicle, as to set off the alarm or open the trunk, without having to insert it into the ignition. These are also more common in vehicles made after the '90s, as they're a simple way to make your vehicle more safe from theft and give you additional convenience.

If you have keys that need replacement, be prepared to pay more due to the fact that they require additional programming. Most dealerships will charge an additional fee to program a new one, but you can save money by following the steps in your owner's manual that describe a specific sequence of turns and button presses to reprogram it yourself. The key fob is priced between $50 to $100.

Switchblade Key

The switchblade car key may seem like a weapon with blades to defend yourself in the parking lot, but it is actually a unique key that folds into the fob. This kind of key is available at a locksmith shop, an auto dealer, or even online however the price will be higher than traditional keys.

Key fobs are electronic devices that manage the key's functions and transmit a signal to your car when they are within range. The car's computer or immobilizer will detect the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips, in use since 1995, are present in many modern vehicles. They transmit a unique code that only your car is able to read. Professional locksmiths can reprogram your chip and key if they become damaged or lost.

Simple, low-cost fobs that do not have an integrated chip can be used to replace traditional keys. You can usually find these at auto parts stores and other retail outlets for between $25 to $100. The cost of a replacement key fob that has a built-in chip can range from $500 or more, based on the manufacturer and features included.

A key fob with a switchblade costs between $200 to $300, which covers the cost of replacing batteries and the programming. If the key fob is not damaged it is possible to replace the blade or shank. In addition to that, certain kinds of keys can include VATS or PASS Key circuit. These chips have resistors that stop misuse by sending various codes to the car's computer as well as an immobilizer when inserted into the ignition cylinder. This prevents thieves from attempting to force your ignition cylinder and makes it more difficult for them to duplicate the key.

Transponder Key

If your car was manufactured in the past two decades, chances are it is equipped with a transponder. The keys transmit a code when they are inserted into the ignition. This helps to prevent vehicle theft. The code is checked by the computer in your car, and the engine will start if the code matches. You will not be able to start your car without an transponder key.

It is important to know that car dealers will charge a higher price if you want to get a new transponder. This is due to the fact that they're the only place who can create the type of key that your car needs. A locksmith, on the other hand, can cut and program your new key at a only a fraction of the price.

Transponder keys were introduced as an extra measure of security in the 1980s, when car thieves started using a technique known as hot-wiring to prevent vehicle theft. To stop this, General Motors started incorporating the small RFID chip into their key fobs. These can communicate with your car to initiate it. This technology stops car theft by making hot-wiring useless.

If you have a transponder key you may observe that the grooves on the metal part of your key are beginning to wear down. This is because the grooves shift little pins inside the lock into a position that allows your car to start. You'll also notice that the key symbol on your car's dashboard doesn't appear when you insert the key into the ignition lock repair. If you are experiencing these problems then it's time to contact an auto locksmith ignition replacement locksmith to repair your keys.

Smart Key Key

Smart keys elevate technology to a new level. Rather than using a regular key, this type of key has a computer chip that connects with your vehicle, allowing you to perform basic tasks such as unlocking the trunk and door and starting the engine with the press of a button. Despite their ease of use they are an additional cost than transponder keys or traditional keys because of the integrated technology.

These smart keys work by having the LF (low-frequency) antennas that transmit inside and outside of the vehicle. They are activated when you turn on the trunk or door handle. The LF signal travels through the doors and body to reach the electronics in the interior that recognize it as a valid smart key. When the smart key is identified, the vehicle shuts off the immobilizer and starts its engine.

However, smart keys can also be a safety risk. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you're too far from your vehicle, someone could intercept the low-frequency signal and start your car by putting it in an ignition compatible with. Certain manufacturers restrict the transmission range to 10cm to reduce this risk.

The year of manufacture and the type of vehicle you use can also influence the cost of replacing a key. As a general rule older models are more likely to have lower key replacements than the newer models. Some models also require keys that are connected to the fob to allow features like remote locking and trunk opening. If you're concerned about how much your replacement will cost you can call a local Pop-A-Lock branch to get a quote before you head to the dealer. Our locksmiths can provide a replacement for cheaper and provide better service than a dealership.