9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Ignition Key Replacement Cost

How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

Losing your car keys can be a major hassle. The process of replacing them usually requires an appointment at an auto dealership or a locksmith.

Costs vary based on kind of key. Certain kinds of keys for cars are more affordable to replace than others. These are the various kinds of ignition keys such as mechanical, remote keys fob as well as transponder and switchblade.

Mechanical Key

There is a good chance that you own a traditional mechanical key if your car was manufactured before the '90s. These simple keys are metal with a head that is put into the ignition and turned to start the vehicle. These keys are easy to copy and do not contain any electronic components. If you have a traditional lock, it can be easily cut and programmed by an auto locksmith. It will cost well under $50.

Key fobs were popular in the '90s and are designed to be operated from a distance using an electronic remote, rather than being placed into the ignition. They are easy to duplicate, and do not require any special tools. However they are more expensive than a standard key.

Transponder keys were introduced in 1995 and come with an electronic chip that communicates with the immobilizer of the vehicle to ensure that only the correct key is used to start the engine. Transponder keys can be harder to duplicate, and they cost more to cut and program.

If you have difficulties 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 ignition key replacement is safe.

If your ignition lock cylinder is stuck or cannot be inserted, try gently jiggling the key. This could assist in releasing the lock wafers that may have been slightly damaged from frequent use. It is important to note that this method isn't always effective and may cause more damage.

Remote Key

If your car has traditional keys that is a traditional key, you will spend less money to replace it. The keys are made of a metal shaft that is placed into the ignition of the vehicle and then turned to turn it on to start it. They can be found at places like AutoZone or a locksmith, and they don't require any special programming to function with your vehicle.

Transponder chips are often included in the keys of newer vehicles to prevent theft. These chips work by sending signals from the key to a device in the ignition to ensure that only a valid key is in use and is able to start the engine. The keys can be upgraded to rolling keys that send a new signal each time they are used. This ensures that if anyone takes the key away, your car won't start.

Key fobs are essentially remote controls that allow you to unlock or lock your vehicle, as well being able to activate the alarm or open the trunk, without having to physically insert it into the ignition. These are more common on cars built after the 1990s. They're an excellent way to protect your car from theft, and also give you more convenience.

If you have keys that need replacement you should be prepared to spend more because they require extra programming. The majority of dealers will charge a fee to program the new key fob, however you can save money by following the instructions in your owner's manual for a specific sequence of turns and button presses to reprogram it yourself. The key fob itself could cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 or more.

Switchblade Key

The switchblade key sounds as if it's the bladed weapon used for parking lot self-defense however, it's actually an innovative car key that folds up into the fob when it is not being used. This kind of key can be purchased at a locksmith shop, an auto dealer or even online however the price will be more than traditional keys.

Key fobs regulate the functions of your key and transmit an alert when they are within range. The car's computer, or immobilizer will recognize the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips, in use since 1995, are present in most modern vehicles and transmit an unique code that only your car can read. Professional car locksmiths can reprogram your key and chip if damaged or lost.

Simple, inexpensive fobs without an integrated chip could be used to replace traditional keys. They are typically sold at auto ignition key replacement parts stores or other retail outlets ranging between $25 to $100. A replacement key fob that comes with a chip in can cost up to $500, depending on the features and manufacturer.

A key fob with the switchblade could cost between $200 to $300, not including the cost of a new battery and programming. The parts can typically be bought separately, so if the key itself isn't damaged, it's possible to replace the shank and blade. Certain keys might also include a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips contain resistors which stop unauthorized use when they are inserted in the ignition cylinder. They send different codes to the computer and the immobilizer of the vehicle. This deters thieves from attempting to force your ignition cylinder and also makes it more difficult for them to copy the key.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys can be used on cars made in the last 20 years. These keys transmit a code when they are inserted into the ignition. This helps prevent theft of your vehicle. The code is verified by your car's computer, and the engine is started if the code matches. You won't be allowed to start your car without the transponder key.

Be aware that a car dealer will charge a higher price when you're looking to purchase a new transponder. They are often the only people in town that can create the specific type of key your car ignition switch requires. Locksmiths, on other hand can cut and program your new key for less than the cost.

Transponder keys were introduced as an extra measure of security in the 1980s when car thieves started using a technology called hot-wiring to facilitate vehicle theft. General Motors began incorporating a tiny RFID chip into its key fobs to combat this. The chip can communicate with the car and start it. This technology prevents car theft by rendering hot-wiring ineffective.

You may observe that the grooves of your transponder keys are beginning to wear out. The grooves inside the lock allow the pins to move to a point where your car can begin. Also, when you insert your key into the ignition, the key symbol does not appear on the dashboard of your car. If you're experiencing issues like this you should contact a professional auto locksmith to repair your key.

Smart Key

A smart key takes technology a step further. Rather than using a regular key, this fob contains a computer chip that connects with your car, allowing you to perform basic tasks such as unlocking the trunk and door and even starting the engine with the press of one button. Although they are convenient however, these keys are a higher price than traditional or transponder keys due to their integrated technology.

To function, these smart keys have to function, they have LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas both inside and outside of the vehicle. These antennas activate when you open the door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels from the door and body to the interior electronics that identify the smart key as valid. Once the smart key has been recognized, the vehicle disables the immobilizer, and then starts its engine.

However, smart keys could also pose a security risk. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you're too far from your car an individual could pick up the low-frequency signal and start your car by inserting it into an ignition compatible with. Some manufacturers limit the transmission range to 10cm to minimize this risk.

The model of car you drive and its model year can affect the cost of replacing keys. As a general rule older cars tend to have cheaper key replacements than those with more modern features. Certain models may require a keyless system that is integrated with the fob in order to provide features such as remote locking and trunk access. Contact a Pop-A-Lock to get an estimate before you go to the dealer if you're concerned about the price of a replacement cost. Our locksmiths can offer an alternative at a lower price and often offer superior service than the dealership.