How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

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

Costs vary depending on the kind of key. Certain keys for cars are less expensive to replace than others. These are the various kinds of ignition keys: mechanical, remote key fob as well as transponder and switchblade.

Mechanical Key

If your car was manufactured before the year 1990 there is a good chance that you still have a mechanical key. These keys are made of metal with a head which is put into the ignition and turned to turn the car on. They are simple to duplicate and don't have any electronic components. If you have a traditional key it can be easily cut and programmed by an auto locksmith and will cost less than $50.

Key fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are designed to operate from a distance with remote controls instead of being put into the ignition. These are much easier to duplicate and don't require any special tools for doing so however they cost a bit more than a traditional key.

Transponder keys were introduced in 1995 and are fitted with microchips that communicate with the immobilizer on the vehicle to ensure that only the right key is used to start the engine. Transponder keys are more difficult to duplicate and cost more to cut and program.

If you've experienced problems with your car starting it might be the result of an ignition switch that is not working properly. This part will cost you more than a standard one, 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 into the ignition, gently jiggle the key. This could help to release the lock wafers that might have gotten damaged over time due to frequent use. This method is not always successful and may cause further damage.

Remote Key

If your car is equipped with a traditional key, you can expect to pay less to replace it. They are made of metal shaft that is placed into the ignition of the vehicle and then turned to start it. They can be found at places like AutoZone or a locksmith and they don't need any special programming to work with your fix car ignition.

Transponder chips are often found in the keys of modern automobiles to help in preventing theft. The chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver located in the ignition. This ensures that only a genuine and functioning key can be inserted to start the engine. The more sophisticated versions of these keys are known as rolling keys, that send an entirely different signal each time they're used so that even if someone manages to take the key and then 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 being able to activate the alarm or open the trunk, without the need to insert it into the ignition. These are more common on cars built after the 1990s. They're a great method to protect your vehicle from theft, and give you more convenience.

If you own keys that need replacing, be prepared to pay more because they require extra programming. The majority of dealers will charge the cost of programming the new key fob, however you can save money by following the instructions in the owner's manual to the exact sequence of turns and button presses to reprogram it yourself. The key fob is priced between $50-$100.

Switchblade Key

The switchblade key sounds like the bladed weapon used for self-defense in parking lots, but this is just an innovative car key that folds down into the fob when it is not in use. This type of key can be purchased at a locksmith shop, an 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 signals to your car ignition switch when it is within range. The car's computer, or immobilizer will recognize the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips have been embedded in modern vehicles since 1995. They transmit a unique, exclusive-to-your-car read code. Professional locksmiths for cars can reprogram your chip and key if damaged or lost.

Traditional keys can be replaced with inexpensive, basic fobs that do not have an integrated chip. They are usually available at auto parts stores as well as other retail outlets for $25 to $100. A replacement key fob with a chip in can cost up to $500, depending on the features and the manufacturer.

A key fob that has a switchblade costs between $200 to $300, which includes the cost of a new batteries and the programming. The components can usually be purchased separately, so when the key fob isn't harmed you can just replace the blade and shank. Some keys also come with a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips contain resistors that stop unauthorised use by sending different codes to the car's computer and immobilizer when inserted into the ignition cylinder. This will stop thieves from putting pressure on your ignition cylinder, and also makes it more difficult for them duplicate the key.

Transponder Key

If your car was manufactured in the past two decades, it's likely that it has a transponder key ignition replacement. The chip in keys can help prevent theft by sending an electronic code to your car when you insert it into the ignition. The car's computer checks the code and starts the engine if it matches. If you don't have a transponder key that works it will be impossible to start your vehicle.

If you're considering buying a new transponder key you must be aware that the car key ignition replacement near me dealership will charge you a premium for the service. They are often the only ones in town who can make 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 security measure that was implemented when car thieves began using a technique known as hot-wiring to steal cars in the 80s. General Motors began incorporating a tiny RFID chip in its key fobs in order to fight this. The chip is able to communicate with the car and start it. This technology stops car theft by making hot-wiring ineffective.

If you own a transponder key, you may observe that the grooves on the metal part of your key are beginning to wear down. The grooves inside the lock are able to move the pins into a position that allows your car is able to start. You'll also be able to see that the key symbol on your dashboard isn't visible when you insert the key into the ignition. If you're experiencing issues like this, it's time to call an auto locksmith professional to repair your key.

Smart Key Key

Smart keys take technology to the next level. Instead of a traditional key, this one has a computer chip that connects with your car, allowing you do standard tasks such as unlocking the trunk and door and even starting the engine at the click of the button. The keys are more expensive than traditional keys or transponder keys due to the integrated technology.

To work the smart keys work, they have to function, they have LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas both inside and outside of the vehicle that activate when you turn the door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels from the door and body to the inside electronics that identify the smart key as valid. Once the smart key is recognized, the vehicle removes the immobilizer and begins its engine.

Smart keys can present a risk to safety. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you're too far away from your car, an individual could pick up the low frequency signal and begin your car by inserting it into an ignition compatible with. Some manufacturers limit the transmission range to 10 cm to limit the risk.

The model of vehicle you drive and its model year can affect the cost of replacing keys. In general, older models have cheaper replacement keys than modern models. Some models might also require a keyless system that is connected to the fob to enable features like remote locking and trunk access. Contact a Pop-A-Lock to receive an estimate prior to going to the dealer if you're anxious about how much a replacement will cost. Our locksmiths are able to provide a replacement at a lower cost and usually provide better service than the dealership.