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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost? Losing your car keys could be a huge hassle. Finding a replacement is usually an appointment at an auto dealership or a locksmith. Based on the type of key, prices vary. Certain car keys are less expensive to replace than others. Here are the various types of ignition keys that are available: mechanical, remote key fob, switchblade, and transponder. Mechanical Key There's a good chance that you have a traditional mechanical key if your car was manufactured prior to the 1990s. These keys have a metal head that is inserted into the ignition, and then turned to start the car. They are simple to duplicate and do not contain any electronic components. If you have a traditional key, it can be easily cut and programmed by an auto locksmith. It will cost you less than $50. Key fobs became popular in the 1990s and are designed to be operated by an electronic remote instead of being placed into the ignition. These are easier to duplicate and do not require any special tools. However they are more expensive than a standard key. Transponder keys were introduced in 1995 and are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the immobilizer on the vehicle, ensuring that only the appropriate key is used to start the engine. Transponder keys can be harder to duplicate and cost more to cut and program. If you are having trouble starting your car, it could be due to a defective switch. Having this part replaced is likely to cost more than the average key replacement however the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your vehicle is safe is worth the investment. If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or isn't able to be inserted Try gently jiggling the key. This can help free the lock wafers that might have gotten damaged over time from frequent use. This method isn't always efficient and may result in further damage. Remote Key You'll spend less on a replacement key if you have a traditional key. These keys feature 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 software to work with your vehicle. If you're driving a brand newer vehicle, the key might have a transponder chip in it to help in preventing theft. These chips work by sending an electronic signal from the key to a receiver in the ignition to ensure that only a genuine 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 ensures that if anyone is able to steal the key, your car won't start. Key fobs work as remote controls that allow you to unlock, lock and even open your car without the need to put it in the ignition. Key fobs are also more popular in cars built in the 1990s, since they're a convenient way to make your vehicle more secure from theft and to give you added convenience. You'll have to pay more when you need to replace a keyfob as it requires extra programming. Most dealers will charge the cost of programming a new one, but you can save money by following the steps in your owner's manual that describe the exact sequence of button presses and turns to reprogram it yourself. The key fob will cost between $50 and $100. Switchblade Key The switchblade car key may seem like a weapon with blades to defend yourself in the parking lot, but it's actually an innovative key that folds into the fob. This type of key can be bought at a locksmith, auto dealer, or even online but the cost will be more than traditional keys. Key fobs are electronic devices that manage the functions of keys and send an alert to your vehicle when they are within reach. The car's computer or immobilizer will detect the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips, in use since 1995, are embedded in many modern vehicles. They transmit a unique code that only your car can read. Professional locksmiths in the car can reprogram your key and chip in the event that it is damaged or lost. Simple, inexpensive fobs without an embedded chip can be used to replace traditional keys. They are typically available at auto parts stores or other retail outlets between $25 and $100. A replacement key fob that comes with a chip into it can cost as high as $500, depending on features and manufacturer. A key fob equipped with a switchblade can cost between $200 to $300, which includes the cost of replacing batteries and the programming. The parts can typically be purchased separately, meaning that if the key fob itself isn't harmed you can just replace the shank and blade. Some keys include VATS-Keys 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 deters thieves from attempting to take over your ignition cylinder and makes it more difficult for them to duplicate the key. Transponder Key Transponder keys are likely be used on vehicles that were made in the past 20 years. The chip inside keys can help prevent theft by sending a code to your car when you insert it into the ignition. The code is verified by the computer in your car, and the engine starts when the code is found to match. Without a working transponder key it will be impossible to start your vehicle. Be aware that a car dealership will charge a premium for you to purchase a new transponder. This is because they're often the only place who can create the kind of key your car needs. Locksmiths, on other hand can cut and program your new key at a a fraction of the cost. Transponder keys were introduced as an additional security measure in the 1980s, when car thieves started using a method known as hot-wiring to prevent vehicle theft. General Motors began incorporating a tiny RFID chip inside its key fobs in order to fight this. The chip is able to communicate with the car and start it. This technology can help prevent car theft as it renders hot-wiring useless. If you have transponder keys you may observe that the grooves on the metallic portion of your key are starting to wear down. The grooves on the lock are able to move the pins to a position where your car is able 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 any of these issues it's time to contact an auto locksmith professional to change your key. Smart Key Smart keys take technology one step further. The fob instead of a standard key, contains a computer that connects to your vehicle, allowing it to perform standard tasks like unlocking the trunk and doors and activating the car with a push a button. These keys are more expensive than traditional keys or transponder ones due to the technology integrated. The smart keys function by having the LF (low-frequency) antennas that transmit inside and outside 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 car is identified, it disables its immobilizer and starts the engine. Smart keys can be a security risk. How ignition lock cylinder repair says that if you're far away from your car, someone could intercept the low-frequency signal and start your car by inserting it into an ignition that is compatible with. Some manufacturers restrict the transmission range to 10cm to reduce this risk. The kind of vehicle you drive and its model year can also affect the cost of replacing keys. As a rule older cars tend to have more expensive replacement keys than newer ones. Also, some models may require a keyless entry system that's connected to the fob to allow features such as remote locking and trunk opening. If you're worried about how much your replacement will cost, call the local Pop-A-Lock branch to receive a quote before you head to the dealership. Our locksmiths can provide an upgrade at a lower cost and usually provide better service than the dealership.