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

How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

Losing your car keys could be a major hassle. Finding a replacement is usually an appointment at a dealership or an auto locksmith.

Costs vary based on type. Some car keys are more affordable to replace than others. These are the various kinds of ignition keys such as mechanical, remote keys fob switchblade, transponder, and switchblade.

Mechanical Key

If your car was manufactured prior to the 1990s, there is a high likelihood that you have an electronic key. These basic keys are made of steel with a head which is inserted into the ignition, then turned to turn the car on. They are simple to duplicate and don’t contain electronic components. If you already have a conventional, non-electronic keys, an auto locksmith can easily cut it and program it for the price of less than $50.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are designed to operate from a distance with the remote control instead of having to insert the keys into the ignition. They are easy to duplicate and don’t require any special tools. However, they cost more than a normal key.

Transponder keys were introduced in 1995 and come with a microchip that communicates with the immobilizer of the vehicle and ensures that only the right key is used to start the engine. Transponder keys can be difficult to duplicate, and they cost more to cut and program.

If you’re having difficulties starting your car it could be due to a faulty switch. This part will cost more than a standard one, however, it’s worth the investment to ensure that your vehicle is secure.

If your ignition lock cylinder has become stuck or cannot be inserted into the ignition, gently move the key. This can help free the lock wafers that may have become slightly damaged over time from frequent use. This method isn’t always successful and may cause further damage.

Remote Key

It is possible to pay less for a replacement key if your vehicle has a traditional key. They are made of metal shaft that is inserted into the vehicle’s van ignition repair and then turned to turn it on to start it. You can find these keys at places like AutoZone or a locksmith, and they don’t need any special software to work with your car.

Transponder chips are commonly included in the keys of newer automobiles to help in preventing theft. These chips transmit a signal from the key to a device in the ignition to ensure that only a genuine key is inserted and is able to turn on your engine. The keys can be upgraded to rolling keys that send a new signal each time they are used. This ensures that if anyone is able to steal the key, your car won’t start.

Key fobs function as a remote control, allowing you to unlock, lock and even open your car without having to insert them into the ignition. They are more prevalent for vehicles manufactured after the 1990s. They’re an excellent way to secure your car from theft, and give you more convenience.

You’ll need to pay more if you have to replace a keyfob because it requires extra programming. Most dealerships charge a fee for programming a new key fob but you can save some money by following your owner’s guide to reprogram your key yourself. The key fob itself will typically cost between $50 to $100 or more.

Switchblade Key

The switchblade car key might appear like a bladed weapon to defend yourself in the parking lot, but it’s actually an innovative key that folds into a fob. This type of key can be purchased at a locksmith, auto dealer or even on the internet but the cost will be higher than conventional keys.

Key fobs are electronic devices that regulate the functions of keys and send an alert to your vehicle when they are within range. The computer or immobilizer within the car will recognize the signal and allow the engine start. Transponder chips are embedded in modern vehicles since 1995 and transmit a unique, exclusive-to-your-car read-code. Professional locksmiths can change the chip and key if they become damaged or lost.

Simple, inexpensive fobs without an integrated chip could be used to replace traditional keys. These are usually available at auto parts stores and other retail outlets between $25 to $100. The cost of a replacement key fob with an integrated chip can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the manufacturer and the features that are included.

A key fob that has an electronic switchblade will cost you between $200 to $300, which includes the cost of a new battery and programming. The component pieces can often be bought separately, so when the key fob isn’t harmed you can just replace the shank and blade. In addition certain types of keys can include a VATS or PASS-Key circuit. These chips have resistors that prevent unauthorized use when placed in the ignition cylinder. They transmit different codes to the computer and the immobilizer of the vehicle. This prevents thieves from trying to take over your ignition cylinder and also makes it more difficult for them to duplicate the key.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are likely to be used on vehicles that were made in the last 20 years. The chip inside these keys helps prevent vehicle theft by sending an electronic code to your car when you insert it into the ignition. The code is verified by your car’s computer, and the engine is started when the code is found to match. You won’t be able to start your vehicle if you don’t have a transponder key.

If you’re considering buying a new transponder key, you need to know that the dealership for your car will charge you a premium for the service. They are usually the only people in town who can make the exact type of key your car requires. Locksmiths, on the other hand can cut and program your new key at a a fraction of the cost.

Transponder keys are a safety measure that was introduced when car thieves began using a technique known as hot-wiring for stealing vehicles in the 80s. To combat this, General Motors started incorporating a 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.

You might observe that the grooves of your transponder key are beginning to wear out. The grooves on the lock are able to move the pins to a point where your car can start. You’ll also be able to see that the key symbol on the dashboard of your car doesn’t appear when you insert the key into the ignition. If you’re experiencing these issues, it’s time to call an expert auto locksmith to repair your key.

Smart Key

Smart keys take technology one step further. The fob instead of being an ordinary key, is equipped with an electronic device that communicates with your vehicle, allowing you do basic tasks like locking the trunk and doors, and activating the car with a push a button. Although they are convenient, these keys come at an additional cost than traditional or transponder keys because of their integrated technology.

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

However, smart keys can also pose a risk to your safety. If you’re too far away from your vehicle it is possible for someone to detect the low-frequency signal and begin your vehicle by placing it in an ignition slot, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Certain manufacturers set the maximum transmission range to 10 cm to mitigate this risk.

The model year and type of vehicle you drive can affect the cost of a replacement key. As a general rule older models are more likely to have cheaper key replacements than the newer models. Some models may also require an electronic keypad that’s integrated with the fob in order to enable features like remote locking and trunk access. If you’re worried about how much your replacement will cost contact the local Pop-A-Lock branch to obtain an estimate prior to heading to the dealer. Our locksmiths are able to provide a replacement at a lower cost and offer better service than a dealership.