20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In Ignition Key Replacement Cost

How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

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

Costs vary depending on the type. Certain car keys are less expensive to replace than others. Here are the four types of ignition keys available that include mechanical keys, remote keyfobs, transponder and switchblade.

Mechanical Key

There's an excellent chance that you have 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 in the ignition and then turned to turn the car on. They are simple to duplicate and don't contain any electronic components. If you have a traditional lock, it can be cut and programmed by an auto locksmith and cost well under $50.

Key fobs were popular in the 1990s and are designed to be operated from a distance using a remote controller instead of being placed into the ignition. They are easy to duplicate, and don't require any special tools. However, they cost more than a regular key.

Transponder keys were introduced in 1995 and come with an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer, ensuring that only the correct key is used to start the engine. Transponder keys are more difficult to duplicate, and cost more to cut and program.

If you've been experiencing trouble with your car starting, it could be a sign of an ignition switch that is not working properly. Replacing this component is likely to cost more than the average key replacement but the security that comes with knowing your vehicle is secure makes it worth the investment.

If your ignition lock cylinder gets stuck or cannot be put in by gently turning the key. This will help release the lock wafers that might have gotten damaged over time due to frequent use. This method is not always effective and can sometimes cause further damage.

Remote Key

If your car is equipped with a traditional key and lock, you'll spend less money to replace it. The keys are made of a metal shaft that is put into the ignition and then turned to turn it on 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 vehicle.

Transponder chips are typically included in the keys of newer vehicles to prevent theft. The chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver inside the ignition. This ensures that only a genuine and functioning key can be used to start the engine. The more advanced versions of these keys are referred to as rolling keys, which send an entirely different signal each time they're used. This ensures that even if someone manages to take the key and then open your car, it won't able to start.

Key fobs work as remote controls that allow you to unlock, lock and even open your car without having to insert it into the ignition. Key fobs are also more popular in cars manufactured in the 1990s, since they're a convenient way to make your car more safe from theft and give you added convenience.

G28 Car Keys 'll have to pay more when you have to replace a keyfob as it requires extra programming. The majority of dealers charge a fee to program a new key fob however, you can save money by following your owner's guide to reprogram the key yourself. The key fob will cost you between $50 to $100.

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 down into the fob when not in use. 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 manage the functions of your key and send signals when they are within reach. The car's computer or immobilizer will detect the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips are embedded in modern vehicles since 1995 and transmit a unique, exclusive-to-your-car read code. Professional locksmiths in the car can reprogram your key and chip if damaged or lost.

Simple, inexpensive fobs without an embedded chip can be used to replace traditional keys. You can usually find these at auto parts stores and other retail outlets for anywhere from $25 to $100. The cost of a replacement key fob that has a built-in chip can be as high as $500 or more, based on the manufacturer and features offered by.

A key fob with a switchblade costs between $200 and $300, which includes the cost of new batteries and programming. If the key fob isn't damaged you can replace the blade or shank. In addition to that, certain kinds of keys can include VATS or PASS-Key circuit. These chips contain resistors that prevent misuse by sending various codes to the car's computer and 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 copy the key.

Transponder Key





Transponder keys can be used on cars built in the past 20 years. The keys transmit a code when they are inserted into the ignition. This helps to prevent the theft of your vehicle. The code is verified by your car's computer, and the engine starts if the code matches. Without a working transponder key you won't be able to start your vehicle.

If you're thinking of purchasing a new transponder key you need to know that the car dealership will charge you a fee for the service. This is because they're usually the only one in town that can make the type of key your vehicle requires. A locksmith, on the other hand can cut and program your new key for a fraction of the cost.

Transponder keys are a safety measure that was implemented when car thieves began using a technique known as hot-wiring to steal cars in the 80s. To stop this, General Motors started incorporating tiny RFID chip inside their key fobs, which can communicate with your car to start it. This technology prevents car theft as it renders hot-wiring useless.

If you have a transponder key, you may observe that the grooves on the metallic portion of your key are starting to wear out. The grooves inside the lock allow the pins to move to a position where your car can start. You'll also notice that when you insert your key into the ignition the key symbol will not appear on the dashboard of your vehicle. If you're experiencing any of these issues you should contact an auto locksmith professional to replace your key.

Smart Key

Smart keys take technology to the next level. The key instead of being an ordinary key, is equipped with an electronic device that communicates with your vehicle, allowing you to do basic tasks like locking the trunk and doors, and opening the car with the press of a button. Despite their ease of use however, these keys are more expensive than transponder keys or traditional keys due to their integrated technology.

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

But smart keys can also be a safety risk. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you're too far away from your car, an individual could pick up the low frequency signal and begin your car by inserting it in an ignition compatible with. Some manufacturers set the maximum transmission range to 10 centimeters to mitigate this risk.

The type of vehicle you drive and its model year can also affect the cost of replacing keys. In general, older vehicles have cheaper keys to replace than the latest models. Some models also require keys that are connected to the fob to allow features like remote locking and trunk opening. Call a Pop-A-Lock to receive an estimate prior to heading to the dealer if you're concerned about the price of a replacement cost. Our locksmiths can offer an upgrade at a lower price and often offer better service than the dealership.