9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Ignition Key Replacement Cost

How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

Losing your car key can be a major hassle. The process of replacing them usually requires an appointment at the dealership or an auto locksmith.

Costs vary depending on the kind of key. Some car keys are less expensive to replace than others. Here are the four kinds of ignition keys that are available that include mechanical remote keyfob, remote, switchblade and transponder.

Mechanical Key

If your car ignition locked was constructed before the year 1990 There is a good possibility that you still have a mechanical key. These keys are simple and have a metal head that is inserted in the ignition, and then turned to turn the car on. These are easy 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 you less than $50.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular. They are designed to operate from a distance with the remote control instead of having to insert the key into the ignition. These are easier to duplicate and don't require any special tools. However they are more expensive than a normal key.

Transponder keys, which were introduced in 1995, come with microchips that communicate with the vehicle immobilizer to ensure that only the right key can be used to start the motor. Transponder keys are more difficult to duplicate and generally cost more to cut and programmed.

If you've experienced problems getting your car to start it might be the result of an ignition switch that is not working properly. This part will cost you more than a standard key, but it's a worthwhile investment to ensure that your vehicle is secure.

If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or can't be put in by gently turning the key. This will assist in releasing the lock wafers that might be a little damaged from frequent use. However, it's important to note that this approach isn't always effective and may cause further damage.

Remote Key

It is possible to pay less for an alternative key if you have a traditional key. They have a shaft that's inserted in the ignition and then turned to turn the engine. You can find these keys at places like AutoZone or a locksmith and they don't require any special programming to work with your vehicle.

If you're driving a newer car, your key could include a transponder chip within it to help to prevent theft. These chips transmit signals from the key to the receiver in the ignition. This ensures that only a working and valid key is used to start the engine. These keys can be upgraded to rolling keys which send an updated signal each time they are used. This ensures that if anyone is able to steal the key, your car won't start.

Key fobs are basically an electronic remote control that lets you to lock or unlock your vehicle, as well being able to activate the alarm or open the trunk without having to insert it into the ignition. They are also more prevalent in cars manufactured after the '90s, as they're an easy method to make your vehicle more safe from theft and give you added convenience.

If you own keys that need replacement, be prepared to pay more for it because they require additional programming. The majority of dealers charge a fee to program the new key fob, however, you can save money by following the owner's guide to reprogram your key yourself. The key fob is priced between $50 to $100.

Switchblade Key

The switchblade car key might seem like a weapon with blades to defend yourself in the parking lot, but it's actually a unique key that folds up into the fob. This type of key can be available from an auto dealer, or on the internet however it will cost more than traditional keys.

Key fobs manage the functions of your keys and transmit signals when they are within reach. The computer or immobilizer within the car will be able to recognize the signal and permit the engine to start. Transponder chips are embedded in modern vehicles since 1995. They provide a unique, only-your-car read-code. Professional locksmiths in the car can reprogram your key and chip in the event that it is damaged or lost.

Simple, inexpensive fobs without an embedded 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. A replacement key fob that has a chip built in could cost up to $500, depending on the features and the manufacturer.

A key fob that has a switchblade can cost from $200 to $300, not including the cost of a new battery and programming. The parts can typically be bought separately, so if the key itself isn't damaged, it's possible to replace the shank and blade. Additionally certain types of keys can include a VATS or PASS-Key circuit. These chips have resistors that make it impossible for unauthorized use to be inserted in the ignition cylinder. They transmit different codes to the computer and immobilizer of the vehicle. This will prevent thieves from putting pressure on the ignition cylinder and it will also make it harder for them to copy the key.

Transponder Key

If your car was manufactured in the last two decades, it's likely that it is equipped with a transponder. The chip in these keys helps prevent vehicle theft by sending an electronic code to your car ignition lock when you insert it into the ignition. The code is checked by the computer in your car, and the engine is started when the code is found to match. If you don't have a transponder key that works you won't be able to start your car.

Be aware that a car ignition switch repair dealer will charge you a fee when you're looking to purchase a new transponder. They are often the only ones in town that can create the specific type of key that your vehicle requires. Locksmiths, on the other hand, can cut and program your new key for only a fraction of the price.

Transponder keys are a safety measure that was introduced when car thieves began using a technology known as hot-wiring for stealing vehicles in the 80s. To combat this, General Motors started incorporating tiny RFID chip into their key fobs, which can communicate with your car to initiate it. This technology helps prevent theft of cars by rendering hot-wiring ineffective.

If you have transponder keys you might observe that the grooves on the metallic portion of your key are beginning to wear out. This is because the grooves move tiny pins inside the lock to a position that allows your car to begin. You will also notice that when you insert your key into the ignition the key symbol does not appear on the dashboard of your car. If you're experiencing issues like this you should contact a professional auto locksmith to repair your key.

Smart Key Key

A smart key takes technology one step further. Instead of using a standard key, this one has an electronic chip that communicates with your vehicle, allowing you to do standard tasks such as opening the trunk and door and even starting the engine at the press of one button. Despite their ease of use however, these keys are a higher price than traditional or transponder keys because of the integrated technology.

These smart keys work through they have LF (low-frequency) antennas which transmit outside and inside of the vehicle. They are activated when you open the door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels between the body and door to the interior electronics that identify the smart key as valid. Once the smart key has been recognized, the vehicle disables the immobilizer and starts its engine.

Smart keys could be a security risk. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you're too far from your vehicle, an individual could pick up the low frequency signal and start your car by putting it in an ignition compatible with. Some manufacturers limit the transmission range to 10 cm to reduce the risk.

The year of manufacture and the type of vehicle you drive affect the cost of replacing a key. In general, older models tend to have lower key replacements than those with more modern features. Some models also require keys that are connected to the fob in order to enable features such as remote locking and trunk opening. Contact Pop-A-Lock to get an estimate prior to heading to the dealer if you're anxious about the price of a replacement cost. Our locksmiths are able provide a replacement for less money and provide better service than a dealership.