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

How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

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

Costs differ based on the kind of key. Some types of keys for cars are less expensive to replace than others. Here are the four kinds of ignition keys available that include mechanical remote keyfob, remote, transponder and switchblade.

Mechanical Key

If your car was constructed before the 1990s there is a good possibility that you still have mechanical keys. These basic keys are made of steel with a head that is placed in the ignition and turned to turn the car on. They are simple to duplicate and do not contain any electronic components. If you already have a traditional non-electronic lock, an auto locksmith can easily cut it and program it for a cost of less than $50.

Key fobs gained popularity in the early 1990s and are designed to be operated from a distance with a remote controller instead of being placed into the ignition. They are easy to duplicate and don't require any special tools. However they are more expensive than a standard key.

Transponder keys, introduced in 1995, come with microchips that communicate with the vehicle immobilizer to ensure that only the right key can be used to start the motor. Transponder keys can be harder to duplicate, and cost more to cut and program.

If you have difficulties starting your car it could be due to a malfunctioning switch. This component will cost more than a standard key, but it's a worthwhile investment to ensure that your vehicle is safe.

If your ignition lock cylinder is stuck or cannot be put in, try gently jiggling the key. This will help release the lock wafers which may have been damaged from frequent use. This method is not always effective and can sometimes cause further damage.

Remote Key

If your car ignition lock is equipped with a traditional key, you can expect to spend less money to replace it. They have a shaft that's inserted in the ignition and key replacement and then turned to start your vehicle. These keys can be found at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and do not require any special programming in order to function with your vehicle.

If you're driving a newer vehicle, the key might have a transponder chip in it to help in preventing theft. These chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver located in the ignition lock repair. This ensures only a working and valid key is used to start the engine. The keys can be upgraded to rolling keys which send an updated signal each time they are used. This ensures that if someone is able to steal the key the car won't be able to start.

Key fobs function as remote controls, allowing you to unlock, lock and even open your car without having to insert them into the ignition and key replacement. 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 provide you with additional convenience.

You'll have to pay more when you need to replace a keyfob because it requires additional programming. The majority of dealers charge a fee for programming the new key fob, but you can save some money by following the owner's guide to reprogram your key yourself. The key fob will cost you between $50 and $100.

Switchblade Key

The switchblade car key might appear like a bladed weapon to defend yourself in the parking lot, but it's actually a unique key that folds up into a fob. This type of key can be available from an auto dealer, or online but it's more than traditional keys.

Key fobs regulate the functions of your key and send a signal when they are within reach. The computer or immobilizer within the car will recognize the signal and allow the engine start. Transponder chips are integrated into newer vehicles since 1995. They transmit a unique, exclusive-to-your-car read code. Professional locksmiths for cars can change the chip and key in the event that they are damaged or lost.

Simple, low-cost fobs that do not have an integrated chip can be used to replace traditional keys. These are usually available at auto parts stores or other retail outlets that cost between $25 to $100. The cost of a new key fob that has a built-in chip can range from $500 or more, depending on the manufacturer and features included.

A key fob that has a switchblade can cost from $200 to $300, including the price of a new battery and programming. The component pieces can often be bought separately, so if the key fob itself isn't damaged, it's possible to replace the blade and shank. Some of these keys may also include a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips are equipped with resistors to 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 deters thieves from trying to use force on your ignition and key replacement cylinder, and also makes it much more difficult for them to copy the key.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are likely to be found on vehicles built in the past 20 years. The chip in these keys helps prevent vehicle theft by transmitting a 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. Without a working transponder key you won't be able to start your car.

Be aware that a car dealer will charge you a fee for you to purchase an updated transponder. They are often the only people in town who can make the exact type of key your car requires. Locksmiths can program and cut your new key for a fraction of the price.

Transponder keys are a security measure that came into play when car thieves began using a technology called hot-wiring to steal vehicles in the 80s. General Motors began incorporating a tiny RFID chip into its key fobs to stop this. The chip is able to communicate with the car, and even start it. This technology stops car theft by making hot-wiring useless.

If you own a transponder key you may be noticing that the grooves on the metal portion of your key are starting to wear down. This is because the grooves move tiny pins within the lock to a position that allows your car to start. You'll also be able to see that the key symbol on your car's dashboard doesn't appear when you insert the key into the ignition. If you are experiencing these issues you should contact an auto locksmith in order to change your keys.

Smart Key

Smart keys bring technology to the next level. The fob instead of being a standard key, contains an electronic device that communicates with your vehicle, allowing it to do basic tasks like locking the trunk and doors and activating the car with a pressing of a button. The keys are more expensive than standard keys or transponder ones due the integrated technology.

To work the smart keys work, they have LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas inside and outside the vehicle that are activated when you open a door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels through the body and door to the interior electronics which determine that the smart key is valid. Once it is recognized, the car stops its immobilizer and begins the engine.

Smart keys could present a risk to safety. If you're too far away from your car, someone could take the low-frequency signal, and then start your vehicle by simply placing it in a compatible ignition slot, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. Some manufacturers limit the transmission range to 10cm to minimize the risk.

The model of vehicle you drive and the model year can also affect the cost of replacing keys. As a rule older cars tend to have cheaper key replacements than the newer models. Some models also require a keyless entry system that's integrated with the fob to allow features like remote locking and trunk opening. Contact Pop-A-Lock to receive an estimate before you go to the dealer if you're concerned about how much a replacement will cost. Our locksmiths are able to provide a replacement at a lower price and usually provide better service than the dealership.