How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle. A replacement key is typically found by making an appointment with a dealer or auto locksmith ignition replacement cost.

Costs vary depending on the type. Some car keys are more affordable to replace than others. Here are the different types of ignition keys that are available: mechanical, remote key fob switchblade, transponder, and switchblade.

Mechanical Key

If your car was built prior to the 1990s There is a good likelihood that you have a mechanical key. These simple keys are metal with a head that is inserted into the ignition and then turned to turn the car on. They are simple to copy and do not contain 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 became popular in the 1990s and are designed to be operated from a distance using remote controls instead of being placed into the ignition lock repair. They are simpler to duplicate and do not require any special tools. However they are more expensive than a normal key.

Transponder keys, which were introduced in 1995, are fitted with microchips that communicate with the vehicle’s immobilizer to ensure that only the right key is used to start the motor. Transponder keys are difficult to duplicate and will generally cost more to cut and programmed.

If you’ve been experiencing trouble with your car starting it might be the result of a faulty ignition switch. This part will cost more than a standard key, but it is worth the investment to ensure that your car is secure.

If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or unable to be inserted into the ignition, gently move the key. This could help to release the lock wafers, which may have become slightly damaged due to frequent use. However, it is important to keep in mind that this method isn’t always successful and can sometimes cause more damage.

Remote Key

If your car is equipped with a traditional key, you can expect to pay less to replace it. These keys feature a metal shaft that is inserted into the vehicle’s ignition and then turned to begin it. These keys are available at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and do not require any special programming in order to work with your vehicle.

Transponder chips are typically included in the keys of newer vehicles to help prevent theft. These chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver located in the ignition. This ensures that only a valid and working key is used to start the engine. These keys can be upgraded to rolling keys that transmit every time they are used. This ensures that if anyone is able to steal the key and your car doesn’t start.

Key fobs are basically a remote control that allows you to lock or unlock your vehicle, as well being able to activate the alarm or open the trunk without the need to insert it into the ignition. Key fobs are also more popular in cars built after the ’90s, as they’re an easy way to make your car more secure from theft and to provide you with additional convenience.

If you have keys that need replacement, be prepared to pay more for it because they require additional programming. The majority of dealers will charge an additional fee to program a new one, but you can save money by following the steps in your owner’s manual that describe the exact sequence of turns and button presses to reprogram it yourself. The key fob itself can cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 or more.

Switchblade Key

The car key with a switchblade may appear like a bladed weapon to defend yourself in the parking lot, but it’s actually a novel key that folds up into a fob. This type of key is available from an auto dealer, or online, but it will cost more than traditional keys.

Key fobs are electronic devices that manage the key’s functions and transmit a signal to your car when they are within reach. The computer or immobilizer inside the car will recognize the signal and allow the engine start. Transponder chips, in use since 1995, are incorporated into many modern vehicles. They transmit an unique code that only your car can read. Professional car locksmiths can reprogram your key and chip if lost or damaged.

Keys that are traditional can be substituted with cheap, simple fobs that have no integrated chip. They are typically sold at auto parts stores and other retail outlets for $25 to $100. The cost of a replacement key fob with an integrated chip can range from $500 or more, based on the manufacturer and features included.

A key fob with a switchblade can cost between $200 and $300, which includes the cost of a new batteries and programming. The parts can typically be purchased separately, meaning that if the key fob itself isn’t damaged, you can replace the blade and shank. In addition to that, certain kinds of keys may include VATS or PASS-Key circuit. These chips contain resistors which make it impossible for unauthorized use to be inserted in the ignition cylinder. They send different codes to the computer and to the immobilizer of the car. This will prevent thieves from forcing the ignition cylinder and it will also make it difficult for them to copy the key.

Transponder Key

If your car was manufactured in the last two decades, it’s likely that it has a transponder key. The chip on these keys prevents vehicle theft by transmitting a code to your car when you insert it into the ignition. The code is verified by your fix car ignition‘s computer and the engine starts when the code is found to match. Without a functioning transponder key, you won’t be able to start your vehicle.

If you’re thinking about getting an updated transponder key, you must be aware that the dealership selling your car will charge you a premium for the service. They are often the only people in town who can cut the specific type of key your vehicle requires. Locksmiths can program and cut your new key for less than the cost.

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

You might observe that the grooves of your transponder keys are beginning to wear out. The grooves on the lock move the pins to a point where your car can begin. You’ll also notice that the key symbol on the dashboard of your car does not appear when you insert the key into the ignition. If you’re experiencing these issues, it is time to contact an auto locksmith in order to change your keys.

Smart Key Key

Smart keys elevate technology to a new level. Instead of a traditional key, this one has a computer chip that communicates with your car, allowing you do standard tasks such as unlocking the door and trunk and starting the engine with the press of one button. The keys are more expensive than standard keys or transponder keys due to the technology integrated.

To function the smart keys, they are equipped with the LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas both inside and outside the vehicle that are activated when you open a door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels through the doors and body to reach the interior electronics which recognize it as an authentic smart key. When the smart key is recognized, the vehicle removes the immobilizer, and then starts its engine.

Smart keys could pose a safety risk. If you’re too far away from your vehicle, someone could intercept the low-frequency signal and start your vehicle by simply placing it in a compatible ignition slot, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. Some manufacturers set the maximum transmission range to 10 centimeters to mitigate this risk.

The year of manufacture and the type of vehicle you use can affect the cost of a replacement key. In general, older models tend to have more expensive replacement keys than the newer models. Some models also require a keyless entry system that’s integrated with the fob to allow features such as remote locking and trunk opening. Contact a Pop-A-Lock to get an estimate before you go to the dealer if you’re concerned about how much a replacement would cost. Our locksmiths can offer an upgrade at a lower price and can often provide better service than the dealership.