How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?
Losing your car keys is a huge hassle. Getting a replacement usually involves an appointment at the dealership or an auto locksmith.
Based on the type of key, prices differ based on the type of key. Certain types of keys for cars are more affordable to replace than others. Here are the four kinds of ignition keys that are available that include mechanical keys, remote keyfobs, switchblade and transponder.
Mechanical Key
There's an excellent chance that you own a traditional mechanical key if your car was manufactured prior to the 1990s. These basic keys are made of steel with a head that can be put into the ignition and turned to start the car. They are easy to duplicate and don't contain electronic components. If you have a traditional key, it can be easily cut and programmed by an auto locksmith and cost you less than $50.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s and are designed to be operated by an electronic remote, rather than being placed into the ignition. These are much easier to duplicate and do not require any special tools to do so although they will cost more than traditional keys.
Transponder keys were introduced in 1995 and come with a microchip that communicates with the immobilizer of the vehicle and ensures that only the correct key is used to start the engine. Transponder keys are harder to duplicate and generally cost more to have cut and programmed.
If you have trouble starting your car, it could be due to a malfunctioning switch. The replacement of this component is likely to cost more than a typical key replacement however the assurance from knowing that your car is safe makes it worth the investment.
If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or can't be put into the ignition, gently move the key. This could help to release the lock wafers, which might have gotten damaged due to frequent use. This method is not always effective and can sometimes result in further damage.
Remote Key
If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key, you can expect to pay less for replacing it. They have a key shaft that's inserted into the ignition and then turned to start the vehicle. They can be found at places like AutoZone or a locksmith and they don't need any special software to work with your car.
Transponder chips are typically found in keys of newer vehicles to help prevent theft. These chips transmit an electronic signal from the key to a device in the ignition to ensure that only a valid key is in use and able to start your engine. The most advanced versions of these keys are known as rolling keys, which transmit the same signal each time they're used so that even if someone manages to take the key and then open your vehicle, it won't be in a position to start.
Key fobs are essentially remote controls that allow you to lock or unlock your car, as well to set off the alarm or open the trunk, without the need to insert it into the ignition. They are more prevalent on cars built after the 1990s. They're a great method to secure your car from theft, and also give you more convenience.
You will have to pay more if you have to replace a keyfob as it requires additional programming. Most dealers will charge an additional fee to program a new one, but you can save money by following the instructions in your owner's manual that describe the exact sequence of button presses and turns to program it yourself. The key fob will cost you between $50 and $100.
Switchblade Key
The switchblade key sounds like the bladed weapon used for parking lot self-defense however it's really an innovative car key that folds down into the fob when not in use. This type of key is available from locksmiths, an auto dealer, or on the internet but it's more than traditional keys.
Key fobs regulate the functions of your key and transmit signals when they are within range. The computer or immobilizer in the car will detect the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips, which have been in use since 1995, are embedded in many modern vehicles. They transmit an unique code that only your car can read. Professional locksmiths for cars can modify your key and chip if they become damaged or lost.
Simple, inexpensive fobs without an integrated chip can be used to replace traditional keys. They are typically sold at auto parts stores or other retail outlets between $25 and $100. A key fob replacement with a chip in can cost up to $500, based on the features and the manufacturer.
A key fob equipped with an adjustable blade costs between $200 and $300, which includes the cost of a new batteries and programming. The parts can typically be purchased separately, meaning that when the key fob isn't harmed you can just replace the blade and shank. In addition certain types of keys come with VATS or PASS Key circuit. These chips have resistors that hinder 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 stop thieves from putting pressure on your ignition cylinder to open, and will make it difficult for them to duplicate the key.
Transponder Key
If your car was built in the last two decades, it's likely that it has a transponder key. The keys transmit a code when they are inserted into the ignition. This helps prevent the theft of your vehicle. The code is checked by the computer in your car, and the engine starts when the code is found to match. Without a working transponder key you won't be able to start your vehicle.
You should be aware that a car dealer will charge a premium for you to purchase an updated transponder. This is due to the fact that they're the only shop in town who can create the type of key that your vehicle requires. A locksmith, on the other hand can cut and program your new key at a a fraction of the cost.
Transponder keys are a security measure that came into play when car thieves began using a method known as hot-wiring to steal cars in the 1980s. To stop this, General Motors started incorporating the small RFID chip inside their key fobs that can communicate with your car's engine to start it. visit this web page link stops car theft by making hot-wiring useless.
If you have transponder keys you may notice that the grooves on the metal part of your key are beginning to wear out. The grooves inside the lock are able to move the pins into a position that allows your car can begin. Also, when you insert your key into the ignition the key symbol will not appear on the dashboard of your car. If you are having these issues, it is time to contact an auto locksmith to change your keys.
Smart Key
A smart key takes technology one step further. The key, instead of using the standard key, has an electronic device that communicates with your vehicle, allowing you to perform basic tasks such as unlocking the doors and trunk, as well as opening the car with the press of a button. Despite their ease of use however, these keys are an additional cost than transponder keys or traditional keys due to their integrated technology.
They function through the LF (low-frequency) antennas that transmit inside and outside of the vehicle. They are activated when you open the trunk or door. The LF signal travels through the body and doors to reach the inside electronics that recognize it as a valid smart key. When the smart key is identified, the vehicle shuts off the immobilizer and starts its engine.
However, smart keys can also be a safety risk. If you're not far from your car there's a chance that someone can intercept the low-frequency signal and start your car by simply putting it in a compatible ignition slot, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. Certain manufacturers limit the transmission range to 10 centimeters to limit this risk.
The model of car you drive and its model year can impact the cost of replacing keys. In general, older models have cheaper replacement keys than modern models. Some models also require a keyless entry system that's connected to the fob to enable features such as remote locking and trunk opening. Contact Pop-A-Lock to get an estimate prior to heading to the dealer if you're worried about the price of a replacement cost. Our locksmiths are able provide a replacement for a lower cost and offer superior service than a dealership.