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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

Losing your car keys can be a major hassle. Getting a replacement usually involves an appointment at an auto dealership or a locksmith.

Costs vary depending on the type. Certain kinds of keys for cars are less expensive to replace than others. Here are the different types of ignition keys that are available: mechanical, remote key fob switchblade, transponder, and switchblade.

Mechanical Key

There's an excellent chance that you have a traditional mechanical key if the car was manufactured before the '90s. These simple keys are metal with a head that is placed in the ignition and then turned to start the vehicle. These are easy to duplicate and do not contain any electronic components. If you already have a traditional, non-electronic keys, an auto locksmith can easily cut it and program it for the price of less than $50.

Key fobs became popular in the early 1990s and are designed to operate by remote controls, rather than being placed into the ignition. These are easier to duplicate and don't require any special tools. However they are more expensive than the standard key.

Transponder keys, introduced in 1995, come with microchips that communicate with the immobilizer of the vehicle to ensure that only the correct key is used to start the motor. Transponder keys can be harder to duplicate, and cost more to cut and program.

If you've had trouble with your car starting it might be a sign of an ignition switch that is not working properly. This component will cost more than a standard one, however, it's worth the investment to ensure that your vehicle is safe.

If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or isn't able to be inserted by gently turning the key. This will help release the lock wafers, which might have gotten damaged over time from frequent use. This method isn't always successful and may result in further damage.

Remote Key

You'll spend less on a replacement key if you have a traditional key. The keys are made of metal shaft that's inserted in the ignition, and then turned to start the vehicle. These keys can be found at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and Ignition Key Replacement Cost do not require any special programming to work with your vehicle.

If you're driving a newer car, your key could have a transponder chip in it to prevent theft. The chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver located in the ignition. This ensures only a valid and working key is used to start the engine. The more advanced versions of these keys are known as rolling keys, which transmit a different signal every time they're used so that even if someone does manage to get the key and enter your vehicle, it won't be capable of starting.

Key fobs are basically a remote control that allows you to lock or unlock your vehicle, as being able to activate the alarm or open the trunk without having to insert it into the ignition key replacement. They are more popular on vehicles built after the 1990s. They're a great method to protect your vehicle from theft and provide you more convenience.

You will have to pay more when you require replacing a keyfob as it requires extra programming. Most dealers charge a fee for programming a new key fob but you can save cash by following the owner's instructions to reprogram the key yourself. The key fob itself will typically cost between $50 to $100 or more.

Switchblade Key

The car key with a switchblade may appear like a bladed weapon to defend yourself in the parking lot, but it's actually a unique key that folds up into a fob. This type of key can be bought from a locksmith, auto dealer or even on the internet, but the cost will be more than traditional keys.

Key fobs are electronic devices that manage the functions of keys and send signals to your car when it is within range. The car's computer or immobilizer will detect the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips are integrated into modern vehicles since 1995 and transmit a unique, only-your-car-can read-code. Professional locksmiths for cars can reprogram your key and chip in the event that it is lost or damaged.

Traditional keys can be substituted with cheap, simple fobs that have no integrated chip. They are typically sold at auto parts stores or other retail outlets ranging between $25 and $100. The cost of a replacement key fob that has a built-in chip can run up to $500 or more, based on the manufacturer and features included.

A key fob with an electronic switchblade will cost you between $200 to $300, which includes the cost of a new battery and programming. If the key fob is not damaged, you can replace the blade or shank. Additionally, some of these types of keys come with VATS or PASS Key circuit. These chips have resistors that stop unauthorised use by sending different codes to the car's computer as well as an immobilizers when inserted into the ignition cylinder. This will stop thieves from putting pressure on your ignition cylinder, and it will also make it harder for them to copy the key.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are likely to be used on vehicles that were manufactured within the last 20 years. The keys transmit a code when you insert them into the ignition. This can help prevent the theft of your vehicle. The code is checked by your car's computer and the engine will start when the code matches. You will not be able to start your vehicle if you don't have an transponder key.

If you're thinking about getting an updated transponder key, you need to know that the car dealership will charge you a fee for the service. They are usually the only one who can cut the specific type of key your vehicle requires. A locksmith, on the other hand, can cut and program your new key for less than the cost.

Transponder keys are an important security measure that came into play when car thieves began using a method called hot-wiring to steal vehicles in the 80s. To stop this, General Motors started incorporating the small RFID chip into their key fobs, which can communicate with your car's engine to start it. This technology helps prevent theft of cars by rendering hot-wiring ineffective.

If you have transponder keys you may notice that the grooves on the metallic portion of your key are beginning to wear out. The grooves on the lock move the pins to a position where your car can start. You'll also notice that the key symbol on your dashboard doesn't appear when you insert the key into the ignition. If you're having these issues, it is time to contact an auto locksmith to replace your keys.

Smart Key Key

A smart key takes technology one step further. Instead of a traditional key, this fob contains a computer chip that communicates with your vehicle, allowing you to perform standard tasks like unlocking the trunk and door and even starting the engine at the click of a button. Despite their ease of use however, these keys are an additional cost than transponder keys that are traditional because of their integrated technology.

They function by using the LF (low-frequency) antennas that transmit both inside and outside of the vehicle. They are activated when you open the trunk or door handle. The LF signal travels through the body and doors to reach the inside electronics which recognize it as an authorized smart key. Once the smart key is recognized, the vehicle disables the immobilizer, and then starts its engine.

But smart keys can also be a safety risk. If you're too far away from your car, someone could intercept the low-frequency signal, and then start your vehicle by placing it in a compatible ignition slot, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Certain manufacturers set the maximum transmission range to 10 cm to mitigate this risk.

The year of manufacture and the type of vehicle you drive affect the cost of a replacement key. In general older cars tend to have cheaper key replacements than the newer models. Also, some models may require a keyless entry system that's connected to the fob to allow features like remote locking and trunk opening. If you're concerned about much your replacement will cost contact an area Pop-A-Lock branch to receive an estimate prior to going to the dealership. Our locksmiths are able offer a replacement at a lower cost and offer better service than a dealership.