How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?
Losing your car keys could be a huge hassle. A replacement key is usually obtained by making an appointment with an auto locksmith or a dealer.
Depending on the kind of key, prices depend on the type of key, costs can vary. Certain keys for cars are more affordable to replace than others. Here are the four kinds of ignition keys that are available: mechanical, remote keyfob, transponder and switchblade.
Mechanical Key
There is a good chance that you own a traditional mechanical key if the car was manufactured before the ’90s. These keys are simple and come with a metal head that is inserted into the ignition, then turned to turn the car on. They are simple to duplicate and do not have any electronic components. If you already have a conventional, non-electronic key an auto locksmith could easily cut the key and program it for a cost of less than $50.
Key fobs were popular in the 1990s and are designed to operate from a distance using remote controls, rather than being placed into the ignition. They are much simpler to duplicate and do not require any special tools to do so although they will cost a little more than traditional keys.
Transponder keys, introduced in 1995, come with microchips that communicate with the vehicle immobilizer to ensure that only the right key is used to start the motor. Transponder keys are harder to duplicate and generally cost more to cut and programmed.
If you’ve had trouble with your car starting it might be the result of an ignition switch that is not working properly. Replacing this component is likely to cost more than a typical key replacement however the assurance from knowing that your car is safe makes it worth the cost.
If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or isn’t able to be placed in Try gently jiggling the key. This will help release the lock wafers that might have been slightly damaged by frequent use. However, it’s important to note that this is not always effective and may cause further damage.
Remote Key
It is possible to spend less on an alternative key if your car has an old-fashioned key. The keys are made of metal key shaft that’s inserted into the ignition, and then turned to turn the engine. They can be found at places like AutoZone or a locksmith, and they don’t require special programming to work with your vehicle.
If you’re driving a brand newer vehicle, the key might include a transponder chip within it to prevent theft. The chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver in the ignition. This ensures that only a working and valid key is used to start the engine. The more advanced versions of these keys are called rolling keys, which send an entirely different signal each time they’re used. This ensures that even if someone does manage to get the key and enter your car, it won’t in a position to start.
Key fobs are essentially an electronic remote control that lets you to lock or unlock your vehicle, as well as set off the alarm or open the trunk, without having to physically insert it into the ignition. They are more popular for vehicles manufactured after the 1990s. They’re an excellent way to secure your car from theft, and also give you more convenience.
You’ll have to pay more when you require replacing a keyfob as it requires extra programming. Most dealers will charge an additional fee to program a new one, but you can save money by following the instructions in your owner’s manual for specific sequences of turns and button presses to reprogram it yourself. The key fob itself could 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 is actually an innovative key that folds into the fob. This kind of key is available from an auto ignition key replacement dealer, or on the internet however it will cost more than traditional keys.
Key fobs are electronic devices that control the functions of keys and send signals to your car when they are within reach. The computer or immobilizer inside the car will be able to 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 reprogram your chip and key if damaged or lost.
Keys that are traditional can be replaced with inexpensive, basic fobs that do not have an integrated chip. You can usually find these at auto parts stores and other retail outlets for $25 to $100. The cost of a new key fob with an integrated chip can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the manufacturer and the features that are included.
A key fob that has a switchblade can cost from $200 to $300, including the cost of a brand new battery and programming. If the key fob isn’t damaged, you can replace the blade or shank. Some keys also include a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips have resistors that stop misuse by sending various codes to the car’s computer as well as an immobilizer when they are inserted into the ignition cylinder. This deters thieves from attempting to use force on your ignition cylinder, and also makes it much more difficult for them to duplicate the key.
Transponder Key
If your car was made in the past two decades, it’s likely that it uses a transponder key. The chip in these keys prevents vehicle theft by sending the car with a code when you insert it into the ignition. The code is checked by the computer in your car, and the engine is started if the code matches. Without a working transponder key you won’t be able to start your car.
It is important to know that a car dealer will charge a higher price for you to purchase a new transponder. They are usually the only ones in town who can cut the specific type of key your car requires. Locksmiths can program and cut your new key for less than the cost.
Transponder keys are a security measure that was implemented when car thieves began using a method known as hot-wiring for stealing vehicles in the 1980s. To stop this, General Motors started incorporating a small RFID chip inside their key fobs that can communicate with your car’s engine to start it. This technology prevents car theft by making hot-wiring useless.
If you have transponder keys, you may notice that the grooves on the metal portion of your key are beginning to wear down. This is because the grooves shift tiny pins inside the lock into a position that allows your car to start. Also, when you insert your key into the ignition, the key symbol does not appear on the dashboard of your car. If you’re experiencing issues like this it’s time to contact an expert auto locksmith to repair your key.
Smart Key Key
A smart key takes technology a step further. The fob instead of being an ordinary key, is equipped with a computer that communicates with your vehicle, allowing you do basic tasks like locking the doors and trunk, as well as opening the car with the pressing of a button. Despite their ease of use however, these keys are more expensive than transponder keys that are traditional because of the integrated technology.
These smart keys work through they have LF (low-frequency) antennas which transmit outside and inside of the vehicle. They are activated when you turn on the trunk or door handle. The LF signal travels through the body and door to the inside electronics that recognize the smart key as valid. Once the smart key has been identified, the vehicle shuts off the immobilizer, and then starts its engine.
However, smart keys can also pose a risk to your safety. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you’re too far from your car someone could intercept the low-frequency signal and start your car by inserting it in an ignition compatible with. Certain manufacturers set the maximum transmission range to 10 cm to mitigate this risk.
The year of manufacture and the type of vehicle you drive influence the cost of replacing a key. In general, older models have cheaper keys to replace than the latest models. Additionally, certain models might require keys that are connected to the fob in order to enable features such as remote locking and trunk opening. Call a Pop-A-Lock to get an estimate prior to heading to the dealer if you’re worried about how much a replacement will cost. Our locksmiths are able to provide a replacement at less money and provide better service than a dealership.
