Are You Responsible For An Ignition Key Replacement Cost Budget? 10 Amazing Ways To Spend Your Money

How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

Losing your car keys is a huge hassle. Finding a replacement is usually an appointment at the dealership or an auto locksmith.

Depending on the type of key, prices vary. Certain kinds of car keys are cheaper to replace than others. Here are the different types of ignition keys such as mechanical, remote keys fob, switchblade, and transponder.

Mechanical Key

If your car was constructed before the 1990s There is a good chance that you still have mechanical keys. These keys feature a head made of metal that is placed in the ignition, then turned to turn the car on. They are simple to duplicate and don't contain any electronic components. If you have a traditional key, it can be cut and programmed by an auto locksmith and will cost less than $50.

Key fobs gained popularity in the '90s and are designed to operate by remote controls instead of being put into the ignition. These are easier to duplicate, and do not require any special tools. However they are more expensive than the standard key.

Transponder keys were introduced in 1995 and are fitted with a microchip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer, ensuring that only the appropriate key is used to start the engine. Transponder keys are difficult to duplicate and generally cost more to cut and programmed.

If you've experienced problems when your car starts, it could be the result of an ignition switch that is not working properly. This part will cost more than a standard key but it's a worthwhile investment to ensure your vehicle is secure.

If your ignition lock cylinder gets stuck or cannot be inserted by gently turning the key. This will help release the lock wafers, which may have become slightly damaged over time from frequent use. However, it is important to remember that this is not always successful and may cause more damage.

Remote Key

If your car is equipped with traditional keys and lock, you'll pay less to replace it. They are made of 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 special software to work with your vehicle.

Transponder chips are commonly included in the keys of newer automobiles to help in preventing theft. These chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver in the ignition. This ensures that only a genuine and functioning key is used to start the engine. The more sophisticated versions of these keys are referred to as rolling keys, which transmit a different signal every time they're used, so that even if someone does manage to steal the key and open your car, it won't be in a position to start.

Key fobs work as remote controls that allow you to unlock, lock, and open your car without the need to insert them into the ignition. These are more common on vehicles built after the 1990s. They're a great method to protect your vehicle from theft, and give you more convenience.

If you have a key fob that needs replacing you should be prepared to spend more for it because they require additional programming. The majority of dealers will charge a fee to program the new key fob, however you can save money by following the steps in your owner's manual that describe specific sequences of turns and button presses to program it yourself. The key fob is priced between $50 and $100.

Switchblade Key

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

Key fobs manage the functions of your key and will send a signal when they are within reach. The computer or immobilizer inside the car will detect the signal and permit the engine to start. Transponder chips are integrated into modern vehicles since 1995. They transmit a unique, only-your-car-can read-code. Professional locksmiths can change the chip and key if they become damaged or lost.

Simple, cheap fobs that don't have an integrated chip could be used to replace traditional keys. They are typically sold at auto parts stores or other retail outlets that cost between $25 to $100. A replacement key fob with a chip into it can cost as high as $500, depending on the features and manufacturer.

A key fob that incorporates an electronic switchblade will cost you between $200 to $300, which includes the cost of a brand new battery and programming. The components can usually be purchased separately, meaning that when the key fob isn't damaged, it's possible to replace the blade and shank. Some keys also come with a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips contain resistors that stop unauthorized use by sending different codes to the car's computer and immobilizer when they are inserted into the ignition cylinder. This will stop thieves from putting pressure on the ignition cylinder and will make it difficult for them to copy the key.

Transponder Key

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

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 one in town who can create the kind of key your car needs. A locksmith can program and cut your new key at less than the cost.

Transponder keys are a security measure that was implemented when car thieves began using a method known as hot-wiring to steal cars in the 80s. General Motors began incorporating a tiny RFID chip into its key fobs in order to fight this. The chip is able to communicate with the car, and even start it. This technology helps prevent theft of cars by rendering hot-wiring ineffective.

If you have a transponder key you may be noticing that the grooves on the metal part of your key are starting to wear down. This is due to the grooves moving tiny pins inside the lock into a position that allows your car to start up. Also, when you insert your key into the ignition the key symbol will not appear on the dashboard of your car. If you're experiencing issues like this you should contact an expert auto locksmith to change your key.

Smart Key

Smart keys take technology one step further. Rather than using a regular key, this one has 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 at just the push of one button. The keys are more expensive than traditional keys or transponder keys due to the technology integrated.

They function by having they have LF (low-frequency) antennas which transmit outside and inside of the vehicle. They are activated when you pull the trunk or door handle. The LF signal travels between the body and door to the interior electronics which recognize the smart key as valid. Once the smart key has been identified, the vehicle shuts off the immobilizer and begins its engine.

But smart keys can also be a safety risk. If you're too far away from your vehicle there's a chance that someone can detect the low-frequency signal, and then start your vehicle by placing it in an ignition slot, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Certain manufacturers set the maximum transmission range to 10 cm to mitigate this risk.

The model of car you drive and its model year can also affect the cost of replacing keys. In general older cars tend to have lower key replacements than newer ones. Additionally,  ignition cylinder repair  might require a keyless entry system that's integrated with the fob to allow features such as remote locking and trunk opening. If you're concerned about the replacement will cost, call a local Pop-A-Lock branch to get an estimate prior to heading to the dealer. Our locksmiths are able provide a replacement at cheaper and provide better service than dealerships.