Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Ignition Key Replacement Cost

How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

Losing your car ignition switch replacement key is a huge hassle. A replacement key is typically obtained by making an appointment with an auto locksmith or dealer.

Costs vary based on kind of key. Certain car keys are more affordable to replace than others. Here are the four kinds of ignition keys: mechanical, remote keyfob, switchblade and transponder.

Mechanical Key

If your car was built before the 1990s There is a good possibility that you still have an electronic key. These keys are made of metal with a head which is inserted into the ignition, then turned to start the vehicle. They are simple to duplicate and don't contain any electronic components. If you have a traditional key, it can be easily cut and programmed by an auto locksmith and will cost you less than $50.

In the 1990s, key fobs were widely used. They are designed to operate from a distance with a remote control instead of having to insert the keys into the ignition. They are much easier to duplicate and don't require any special tools for doing so however they cost a little more than traditional keys.

Transponder keys, which were 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 are difficult to duplicate and will generally cost more to have cut and programmed.

If you've been experiencing trouble getting your car to start it might be due to an repair ignition lock cylinder switch that is not working properly. Having this part replaced is likely to cost more than a standard key replacement but the assurance from knowing that your car is safe is worth the cost.

If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or unable to be placed into the repair ignition lock cylinder, gently move the key. This will help release the lock wafers, which might have gotten damaged over time from frequent use. This method is not always efficient and may cause further damage.

Remote Key

If your car has a traditional key, you can expect to pay less for replacing it. These keys have a metal shaft that's inserted in the ignition and then turned to start the vehicle. These keys are available at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and do not require any special programming in order to work with your vehicle.

Transponder chips are commonly included in the keys of newer vehicles to prevent theft. These chips transmit signals from the key to the receiver in the ignition. This ensures that only a valid and working key is used to start the engine. Keys can be upgraded to rolling keys that send an updated signal each time they are used. This ensures that if anyone takes the key away and your car doesn't start.

Key fobs work as remote controls, allowing you to lock, unlock and even open your car without having to put it in the ignition. These are also more common in cars manufactured in the 1990s, since they're a convenient method to make your vehicle more secure from theft and to give you additional convenience.

You'll have to pay more if you have to replace a keyfob because it requires extra programming. Most dealers charge a fee for programming a new key fob however, you can save money by following your owner's guide to reprogram your key yourself. The key fob is priced between $50 to $100.

Switchblade Key

The switchblade key sounds as if it's an armed weapon with blades for parking lot self-defense however, it's actually an innovative car key that folds into the fob when not in use. This kind of key is available from an auto dealer, or online but it's more than traditional keys.

Key fobs are electronic devices that regulate the functions of the key and send an alert to your vehicle when it is within range. The car's computer, or immobilizer will be able to recognize the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips, in use since 1995, are incorporated into the majority of modern vehicles and transmit a unique code that only your car can read. Professional locksmiths for cars can reprogram your chip and key if lost or damaged.

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 anywhere from $25 to $100. A key fob replacement with a chip in can cost up to $500, based on the features and the manufacturer.

A key fob that incorporates a switchblade can cost from $200 to $300, not including the price 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 prevent unauthorized use when they are inserted into the ignition key replacement cost cylinder. They transmit various codes to the computer and the immobilizer of the vehicle. This will prevent thieves from forcing your ignition cylinder, and also makes it more difficult for them copy the key.

Transponder Key

If your car was built in the last two decades, it's likely that it uses a transponder key. The chip on these keys prevents vehicle theft by sending the car with a code when you insert it into the ignition. The code is checked by your car's computer and the engine starts when the code is found to match. You will not be able to start your car without an transponder key.

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

Transponder keys were introduced as a security measure in the 1980s, as car thieves began using a technique known as hot-wiring for vehicle theft. General Motors began incorporating a tiny RFID chip inside its key fobs to combat this. The chip is able to communicate with the car, and even start it. This technology prevents car theft by making hot-wiring ineffective.

If you have a transponder key, you may observe that the grooves on the metallic portion of your key are starting to wear down. The grooves on the lock allow the pins to move to a position where your car is able to start. You'll also notice that the key symbol on your car's dashboard isn't visible when you insert the key into the ignition. If you're experiencing any of these issues you should contact a professional auto locksmith to change your key.

Smart Key Key

Smart keys elevate technology to a new level. Instead of a traditional key, this type of key has a computer chip that communicates with your car, allowing you to perform basic tasks such as unlocking the trunk and door and even starting the engine at the press of a button. These keys are more expensive than standard keys or transponder ones due the technology integrated.

To function, these smart keys have the LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas inside and outside the vehicle that are activated when you open the door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels through the body and doors to reach the electronics in the interior, which identify it as an authentic smart key. Once the smart key is recognized, the vehicle removes the immobilizer and starts its engine.

But smart keys can also pose a risk to your safety. If you're not far from your vehicle there's a chance that someone can intercept the low-frequency signal and begin your vehicle by simply placing it in a compatible ignition slot, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Some manufacturers restrict the transmission range to 10 centimeters to limit the risk.

The kind of vehicle you drive and the model year can affect the cost of replacing keys. As a rule older cars tend to have lower key replacements than newer ones. Some models might also require a keyless system that is integrated with the fob to enable features like remote locking and trunk access. If you're concerned about how the replacement cost will be you can call an area Pop-A-Lock branch to get an estimate prior to going to the dealer. Our locksmiths are able offer a replacement at less money and provide better service than a dealership.