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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost? The loss of your car keys can be a major hassle. A replacement key is usually made by scheduling an appointment with an auto locksmith or a dealer. Costs differ based on the kind of key. Certain kinds of keys for cars are less expensive to replace than others. Here are the various types of ignition keys: mechanical, remote key fob as well as transponder and switchblade. Mechanical Key If your car was manufactured before the 1990s There is a good possibility that you still have a mechanical key. These keys are simple and come with a metal head that is placed in the ignition, and then turned to turn the car on. These are easy to duplicate and don't contain any electronic components. If you already have a traditional, non-electronic lock an auto locksmith could easily cut the key and program it for less than $50. Key fobs became popular in the 1990s and are designed to be operated by an electronic remote, rather than being placed into the ignition. These are easier to duplicate, and don't require any special tools. However they are more expensive than a normal key. Transponder keys, first introduced in 1995, are equipped with microchips that communicate with the vehicle immobilizer to ensure that only the right key can be used to start the motor. Transponder keys can be harder to duplicate, and they cost more to cut and program. If you have difficulty starting your car, it could be due to a defective switch. This component will cost more than a standard key, but it's a worthwhile investment to ensure your vehicle is secure. If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or isn't able to be placed in, try gently jiggling the key. This could help to release the lock wafers, which could have been damaged due to frequent use. However, it is important to keep in mind that this method isn't always successful 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 spend less money to replace it. The keys are made of a metal shaft that is placed into the ignition of the vehicle and then turned to start it. They can be found at places like AutoZone or a locksmith, and they don't require any special programming to work with your car. If you're driving a more modern car, your key could include a transponder chip within it to help in preventing theft. These chips transmit signals from the key to the receiver inside the ignition. This ensures only a working and valid key is used to start the engine. The most advanced versions of these keys are known as rolling keys, which send an entirely different signal each time they're used. This ensures that even if someone does manage to take the key and then open your car, it won't be able to start. Key fobs are basically an electronic remote control that lets you to lock or unlock your vehicle, as well to set off the alarm or open the trunk, without having to insert it into the ignition. They are more popular on vehicles built after the 1990s. They're a great method to protect your vehicle from theft and provide you more convenience. You'll have to pay more when you need to replace a keyfob as it requires additional programming. Most dealerships will charge a fee to program the new one, but you can save money by following the steps in your owner's manual for the exact sequence of button presses and turns to program it yourself. The key fob will cost you between $50-$100. Switchblade Key The car key with a switchblade may seem like a weapon with blades to defend yourself in the parking lot, but it's actually a novel key that folds into a fob. This kind of key is available from a locksmith, auto dealer, or even online but the cost will be higher than conventional 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 detect the signal and permit the engine to start. Transponder chips are integrated into newer vehicles since 1995. They transmit a unique, exclusive-to-your-car read code. car ignition switch repair for cars can reprogram your key and chip in the event that it is damaged or lost. Simple, cheap fobs that don't have an integrated chip can be used to replace traditional keys. They are typically sold at auto parts stores and other retail outlets between $25 and $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 features offered by. A key fob equipped with an adjustable blade costs between $200 to $300, which includes the cost of new batteries and programming. The parts can typically be bought separately, so if the key fob itself isn't damaged, it's possible to replace the shank and blade. In addition to that, certain kinds of keys can include VATS or PASS-Key circuit. These chips have resistors that make it impossible for unauthorized use to be inserted in the ignition cylinder. They transmit various codes to the computer and to the immobilizer of the car. This prevents thieves from attempting to take over your ignition cylinder and also makes it much more difficult for them to copy the key. Transponder Key If your car was made in the past two decades, chances are it is equipped with a transponder. These keys transmit a code when you insert them into the ignition. This can help prevent theft of your vehicle. The car's computer is able to check the code and start the engine in the event that it matches. Without a functioning transponder key you won't be able to start your car. If you're thinking about getting a new transponder key you must be aware that the car dealership will charge you a fee for the service. They are often the only ones in town that can create the exact type of key your car requires. Locksmiths, on other hand, can cut and program your new key for only a fraction of the price. Transponder keys are a security measure that came into play when car thieves began using a technology known as hot-wiring to steal cars in the 80s. General Motors began incorporating a tiny RFID chip inside its key fobs to stop this. The chip can communicate with the car and then start it. This technology stops car theft by making hot-wiring useless. If you have a transponder key you may observe that the grooves on the metal portion of your key are beginning to wear down. This is due to the grooves moving tiny pins inside the lock into a position that allows your car to begin. You'll also be able to see that the key symbol on the dashboard of your car doesn't appear when you insert the key into the ignition. If you are having these issues you should contact an auto locksmith in order to repair your keys. Smart Key Smart keys take technology one step further. Instead of using a standard key, this type of key has an electronic chip that communicates with your car, allowing you perform standard tasks like unlocking the door and trunk and even starting the engine with just the push of a button. The keys are more expensive than traditional keys or transponder keys due to the technology integrated. To function the smart keys, they are equipped with LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas inside and outside the vehicle that activate when you open the trunk or door. The LF signal travels through the body and door to the interior electronics that identify the smart key as valid. Once recognized, the car removes its immobilizer, and then starts the engine. But smart keys can also pose a risk to your safety. If you're too far away from your car there's a chance that someone can take the low-frequency signal and start your vehicle by placing it in an ignition slot, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. Some manufacturers restrict the range of transmission to 10 centimeters to limit this risk. The model of car you drive and its model year can also affect the cost of replacing keys. In general, older models have lower replacement keys than newer models. Some models may also require an electronic keypad that's connected to the fob in order to allow features such as remote locking and trunk access. Contact a Pop-A-Lock to receive an estimate before you go to the dealer if you're concerned about how much a replacement would cost. Our locksmiths can provide a replacement for less money and provide better service than a dealership.