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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost? The loss of your car keys is a huge hassle. A replacement key is typically obtained by making an appointment with an auto locksmith or a dealer. Depending on the type of key, costs vary. Some types of car keys are cheaper to replace than others. These are the various kinds of ignition keys that are available: mechanical, remote key fob switchblade, transponder, and switchblade. Mechanical Key If your car was built before the year 1990 there is a good possibility that you still have mechanical keys. These basic keys are made of steel with a head which is inserted into the ignition, then turned to start the car. They are easy to copy and do not contain any electronic components. If you have a traditional key, it can be cut and programmed by an auto locksmith. It will cost less than $50. Key fobs gained popularity in the early 1990s and are designed to operate from a distance using remote controls instead of being placed into the ignition. They are much easier to duplicate and don't require any special tools to accomplish this however they cost a little more than a traditional key. Transponder keys, first introduced in 1995, are fitted with microchips that communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer to ensure that only the correct key can be used to start the motor. Transponder keys are more difficult to duplicate and generally cost more to have cut and programmed. If you are having trouble starting your car, it could be due to a faulty switch. This component will cost more than a standard key, but it's a worthwhile investment to ensure that your car is safe. If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or cannot be put in Try gently jiggling the key. This will aid in releasing the lock wafers which may be a little damaged by frequent use. However, it's important to remember that this approach isn't always successful and can sometimes cause more damage. Remote Key If your car has an old-fashioned key, you can expect to spend less money to replace it. These keys have a metal shaft that's inserted in the ignition, and then turned to start your vehicle. They can be found at places like AutoZone or a locksmith, and they don't require special programming to work with your car.
Transponder chips are typically included in the keys of newer vehicles to prevent theft. These chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver inside 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 referred to as rolling keys, which transmit an entirely different signal each time they're used so that even if someone manages to steal the key and open your car, it won't be able to start. Key fobs are essentially an electronic remote control that lets you to lock or unlock your vehicle, as as set off 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 a simple method to make your vehicle more secure from theft and give you additional convenience. If you have a key fob that needs replacing you should be prepared to spend more due to the fact that they require additional programming. Most dealerships will charge a fee to program the new key fob, however you can save money by following the steps in the owner's manual to a specific sequence of button presses and turns to reprogram it yourself. The key fob will cost between $50 to $100. Switchblade Key The switchblade car key may sound like a bladed weapon to defend yourself in the parking lot, but it is actually an innovative key that folds down into a fob. This type of key can be available from locksmiths, an auto dealer, or even online, but it will cost more than traditional keys. Key fobs control the functions of your key and transmit a signal when they are within range. The car's computer or immobilizer will detect the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips have been embedded in newer vehicles since 1995. They provide a unique, only-your-car read-code. Professional locksmiths in the car can reprogram your key and chip if damaged or lost. A key fob that has an adjustable blade costs between $200 to $300, which includes the cost of replacing batteries and programming. The component pieces can often be purchased separately, so when the key fob isn't harmed you can just replace the blade and shank. Certain keys might also include a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips are equipped with resistors to prevent unauthorized use by sending different codes to the car's computer as well as an immobilizer when they are inserted into the ignition cylinder. This will prevent thieves from putting pressure on your ignition cylinder to open, and will make it more difficult for them copy the key. Transponder Key Transponder keys are likely to be used on cars made in the last 20 years. These 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 if the code matches. You won't be able to start your vehicle without a transponder key. If you're thinking of purchasing a new transponder key you should know that the dealership selling your car will charge you a fee for the service. This is because they're often the only one in town that can make the type of key your vehicle requires. Locksmiths can program and cut your new key for a fraction of the price. Transponder keys are a safety measure that came into play when car thieves began using a technique called hot-wiring to steal vehicles in the 1980s. To stop this, General Motors started incorporating a small RFID chip into their key fobs. These can communicate with your car's engine to start it. This technology helps prevent car theft because it makes hot-wiring useless. You may be noticing that the grooves on your transponder keys are beginning to wear out. The grooves in the lock are able to move the pins to a position where your car can begin. You'll also notice that the key symbol on your dashboard does not appear when you insert the key into the ignition. If you're experiencing these problems, it is time to contact an auto locksmith to replace your keys. Smart Key Key A smart key takes technology one step further. The fob instead of being the standard key, has an electronic device that communicates with your vehicle, allowing it to perform standard tasks like unlocking the doors and trunk, as well as starting the car with the pressing of a button. Despite their ease of use however, these keys are more expensive than traditional or transponder keys because of their integrated technology. These smart keys work by having LF (low-frequency) antennas which transmit outside and inside of the vehicle. They are activated when you pull the door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels through the body and door to the interior electronics that identify the smart key as valid. Once the smart key has been recognized, the vehicle removes the immobilizer and begins its engine. Smart keys could be a security risk. If you're too far away from your car it is possible for someone to take the low-frequency signal and begin your vehicle by simply placing it in an ignition slot, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Some manufacturers limit the transmission range to 10cm to reduce this risk. The model year and the type of vehicle you drive influence the cost of replacing a key. As a rule, older models tend to have cheaper key replacements than the newer models. Also, some models may require an entry system that's keyless and connected to the fob in order to enable features such as remote locking and trunk opening. Contact a Pop-A-Lock to receive an estimate before you go to the dealer if you're concerned about how much a replacement would cost. Our locksmiths are able to offer a replacement at less money and provide better service than dealerships. |
