How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

Losing your car keys could be a major headache. A replacement key is usually made by scheduling an appointment with an auto locksmith ignition replacement locksmith or dealer.

Costs vary based on type. Certain car keys are less expensive to replace than others. These are the various kinds of ignition keys that are available: mechanical, remote key fob, switchblade, and transponder.

Mechanical Key

If your car was constructed prior to the 1990s there is a good possibility that you still have a mechanical key. These keys are made of metal with a head that is inserted into the ignition and turned to start the car. These keys are easy to copy and do not have any electronic components. If you already have a traditional, non-electronic lock, an auto locksmith can easily cut it and program it for less than $50.

Key fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are designed to be operated from a distance with an electronic remote, rather than being inserted into the ignition. They are simpler to duplicate, and do not require any special tools. However they are more expensive than a regular key.

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

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

If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or can't be placed in by gently turning the key. This can aid in releasing the lock wafers which may have been slightly damaged from frequent use. This method is not always effective and can sometimes cause further damage.

Remote Key

If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key that is a traditional key, you will pay less to replace it. These keys have a metal key shaft that's inserted into the ignition lock repair services, and then turned to start the vehicle. You can find these keys at places like AutoZone or a locksmith and they don't require any special programming to function with your vehicle.

Transponder chips are typically found in the keys of modern vehicles to help prevent theft. These chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver inside the ignition lock repair. This ensures only a valid and working key is used to start the engine. The most advanced versions of these keys are called rolling keys, which transmit a different signal every time they're used, so that even if someone manages to take the key and then open your car, it won't able to start.

Key fobs are essentially a remote control that allows you to unlock or lock your vehicle, as as set off the alarm or open the trunk without having to insert it into the van ignition repair. These are also more common in vehicles made in the 1990s, since they're an easy method to make your vehicle more safe from theft and provide you with additional convenience.

You'll have to pay more for require replacing a keyfob as it requires additional programming. Most dealers charge a fee for programming a new key fob however, you can save money by following your owner's guide to reprogram your key yourself. The key fob will cost you between $50 and $100.

Switchblade Key

The switchblade key sounds as if it's an armed weapon with blades for self-defense in parking lots however, it's actually an innovative car key that folds down into the fob when it is not in use. This type of key can be bought at a locksmith, auto dealer or even online but the cost will be higher than traditional keys.

Key fobs control the functions of your key and will send an alert when they are within range. The car's computer, or immobilizer will be able to recognize the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips have been embedded in modern vehicles since 1995 and transmit a unique, exclusive-to-your-car read-code. Professional car locksmiths are able to change the chip and key in the event that they are damaged or lost.

Keys that are traditional can be replaced with simple, inexpensive fobs that do not have an integrated chip. They are usually available at auto parts stores and other retail outlets for anywhere from $25 to $100. A replacement key fob that has a chip built into it can cost as high as $500, depending on the features and the manufacturer.

A key fob with an electronic switchblade will cost you between $200 to $300, which includes the cost of a new battery and programming. If the key fob is not damaged it is possible to replace the blade or shank. In addition certain types of keys come with VATS or PASS-Key circuit. These chips are equipped with resistors to prevent unauthorized use when they are inserted into the ignition cylinder. They transmit various codes to the computer and immobilizer of the vehicle. This will stop thieves from forcing your ignition cylinder to open, and it will also make it more difficult for them duplicate the key.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are likely to be used on cars built in the past 20 years. These keys transmit a code when they are inserted into the ignition. This helps to prevent the theft of your vehicle. The code is checked by your car's computer, and the engine will start when the code matches. You will not be able to start your vehicle without an transponder key.

It is important to know that a car dealership will charge you a fee if you want to get an updated transponder. They are often the only people in town who can make the exact type of key your vehicle requires. Locksmiths can program and cut your new key at only a fraction of the cost.

Transponder keys were introduced as an additional security measure in the 1980s when car thieves began using a technology known as hot-wiring to prevent vehicle theft. To stop this, General Motors started incorporating a small RFID chip into their key fobs that can communicate with your car to start it. This technology stops car theft by making hot-wiring ineffective.

You may be noticing that the grooves on your transponder keys are beginning to wear out. This is because the grooves move tiny pins within the lock to a point that allows your car to start up. You'll also notice that the key symbol on your dashboard does not appear when you insert the key into the ignition. If you're experiencing issues like this it's time to contact an expert auto locksmith to repair your key.

Smart Key

Smart keys bring technology to the next level. This fob, instead of using a standard key, contains an electronic device that communicates with your vehicle, allowing it to perform basic tasks such as unlocking the doors and trunk, as well as activating the car with a press of a button. The keys are more expensive than traditional keys or transponder ones due to the technology integrated.

To work the smart keys work, they have LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas inside and outside the vehicle. They activate when you turn the trunk or door. The LF signal travels through the body and doors to reach the electronics in the interior that recognize it as an authentic smart key. Once the smart key has been identified, the vehicle shuts off the immobilizer and starts its engine.

Smart keys could present a risk to safety. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you're far from your vehicle, someone could intercept the low frequency signal and start your car by putting it into an ignition that is compatible with. Certain manufacturers restrict the transmission range to 10cm to reduce this risk.

The type of vehicle you drive and the model year can also affect the cost of replacement keys. As a general rule, older models tend to have cheaper key replacements than the newer models. Some models also require a keyless entry system that's connected to the fob to allow features like remote locking and trunk opening. If you're worried about how the replacement will cost contact a local Pop-A-Lock branch to get an estimate prior to going to the dealer. Our locksmiths can provide a replacement at a lower cost and usually provide better service than the dealership.