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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

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

Costs vary based on kind of key. Certain keys for cars are more affordable to replace than others. Here are the four kinds of ignition keys including mechanical keys, remote keyfobs, transponder and switchblade.

Mechanical Key

If your car was manufactured before the 1990s there is a good chance that you still have an electronic key. These simple keys are metal with a head that is put into the ignition lock repair services, then turned to start the car. 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 cost well under $50.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular. They are designed to operate from a distance with the remote control instead of needing to insert the key into the fix ignition switch. They are simpler to duplicate and do not require any special tools. However, they cost more than the regular key.

Transponder keys were introduced in 1995 and are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the immobilizer on the vehicle and ensures that only the right key is used to start the engine. Transponder keys are difficult to duplicate and generally cost more to cut and programmed.

If you've had trouble getting your car to start, it could be a sign of a faulty ignition switch. This part will cost more than a standard key however, it's worth the investment to ensure your vehicle is secure.

If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or isn't able to be inserted by gently turning the key. This can help free the lock wafers, which might have gotten damaged over time from frequent use. This method isn't always efficient and may cause further damage.

Remote Key

You'll pay less for a replacement key if you have traditional keys. They are made of metal shaft that is inserted into the vehicle's ignition and then turned to start it. These keys can be found at places like AutoZone or a locksmith and they don't need any special programming to work with your car.

If you're driving a more modern 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 a device in the ignition to ensure that only a valid key is inserted and able to start your engine. These keys can be upgraded to rolling keys which send an updated signal each time they are used. This means that even if someone takes the key away and your car doesn't start.

Key fobs are essentially an electronic remote control that lets you to lock or unlock your car, as well to set off the alarm or open the trunk, without having to insert it into the ignition. They are also more prevalent in cars manufactured in the 1990s, since they're a convenient method to make your vehicle more safe from theft and give you added convenience.

You'll need to pay more when you need to replace the keyfob since it requires additional programming. Most dealers charge a fee to program a new key fob but you can save money by following the owner's instructions to reprogram the key yourself. The key fob itself can cost between $50 to $100 or more.

Switchblade Key

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

Key fobs are electronic devices that regulate the key's functions and transmit an alert to your vehicle when it is within range. The computer or immobilizer in the car will be able to recognize the signal and permit the engine to start. Transponder chips are integrated into modern vehicles since 1995. They transmit a unique, exclusive-to-your-car read code. Professional car locksmiths are able to reprogram your chip and key if they become damaged or lost ignition key.

Keys that are traditional can be replaced with inexpensive, basic fobs with no integrated chip. They are typically sold at auto parts stores and other retail outlets between $25 to $100. A key fob replacement with a chip in can cost up to $500, depending on features and manufacturer.

A key fob equipped with a switchblade can cost between $200 to $300, which includes the cost of new batteries and the programming. The components can usually be purchased separately, so if the key itself isn't damaged, it's possible to replace the shank and blade. Some of these keys may also come with a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips are equipped with resistors to prevent unauthorised use by sending different codes to the car's computer as well as an immobilizer when inserted into the ignition cylinder. This will prevent thieves from putting pressure on your ignition cylinder, and will make it difficult for them to copy the key.

Transponder Key

If your car ignition locked was made in the past two decades, it's likely it has a transponder key. The keys transmit a code when they are inserted into the ignition. This helps to prevent vehicle theft. The code is checked by your car's computer, and the engine is started when the code matches. Without a functioning transponder key, you won't be able to start your vehicle.

If you're thinking about getting a new transponder key you need to know that the car dealership will charge you a fee for the service. They are often the only ones in town who can cut the specific type of key your vehicle requires. Locksmiths can program and cut your new key at a fraction of the price.

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 combat this, General Motors started incorporating a small RFID chip into their key fobs. These can communicate with your car's engine to start it. This technology helps prevent car theft because it makes hot-wiring useless.

If you have transponder keys you might notice that the grooves on the metallic portion of your key are beginning to wear out. This is because the grooves shift little pins inside the lock to a position that allows your car to start. You will also notice that when you insert your key into the ignition the key symbol will not appear on the dashboard of your car. If you're experiencing any of these issues it's time to contact a professional auto locksmith to change your key.

Smart Key

Smart keys take technology to the next level. Instead of using a standard key, this type of key has a computer chip that connects with your car, allowing you perform standard tasks like unlocking the trunk and door and even starting the engine with the press of one button. Although they are convenient however, these keys are an additional cost than transponder keys that are traditional because of their integrated technology.

To work, these smart keys have to function, they have LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas inside and outside the vehicle. They activate when you open the trunk or door. The LF signal travels between the body and door to the inside electronics that identify the smart key as valid. Once it is recognized, the car disables its immobilizer and starts the engine.

However, smart keys can also pose a security risk. If you're far from your vehicle there's a chance that someone can intercept the low-frequency signal, and then start your vehicle by placing it in an ignition slot, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Some manufacturers restrict the range of transmission to 10 centimeters to limit this risk.

The year of manufacture and the type of vehicle you drive influence the cost of replacing a key. As a rule older models are more likely 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. Contact a Pop-A-Lock to get an estimate before you go to the dealer if you're worried about the price of a replacement cost. Our locksmiths are able to provide an alternative at a lower cost and usually provide superior service than the dealership.