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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost? Losing your car key is a huge hassle. A replacement key is usually made by scheduling an appointment with a dealer or auto locksmith. Depending on the type of key, prices differ based on the type of key. Some car keys are more affordable to replace than others. Here are the different types of ignition keys: mechanical, remote key fob, switchblade, and transponder. Mechanical Key There is the possibility that you own a traditional mechanical key if your vehicle was manufactured prior to the 1990s. These simple keys feature a head made of metal that is inserted in the ignition and then turned to turn the car on. These keys are easy to copy and do not have any electronic components. If you already have a traditional, non-electronic key An auto locksmith can 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 by a remote controller instead of being placed into the ignition. These are much easier to duplicate and don't require any special tools to accomplish this, although they do cost more than a traditional key. Transponder keys, introduced in 1995, are fitted with microchips that communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer to ensure that only the right key can be used to start the motor. Transponder keys are more difficult to duplicate, and they cost more to cut and program. If you've been experiencing trouble when your car starts it may be due to a faulty ignition switch. Having this part replaced is likely to cost more than a typical key replacement, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your vehicle is safe makes it worth the investment. If your ignition lock cylinder gets stuck or cannot be inserted by gently turning the key. This will help release the lock wafers that may have become slightly damaged over time from frequent use. It is important to note that this approach isn't always successful and may cause further damage. Remote Key If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key and lock, you'll spend less money to replace it. The keys are made of metal key shaft that's inserted into the ignition and turned to start the vehicle. These keys are available at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and don't require any special programming to work with your car. Transponder chips are typically included in the keys of newer vehicles to prevent theft. These 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 inserted to start the engine. The more advanced versions of these keys are called rolling keys, that send a different signal every time they're used. This ensures that even if a person manages to take the key and then open your vehicle, it won't be in a position to start. Key fobs are basically remote controls that allow you to unlock or lock your car, as well as set off the alarm or open the trunk without having to insert it into the ignition. They are also more prevalent in cars built after the '90s, as they're a simple method to make your vehicle more safe from theft and give you additional convenience. You will have to pay more for need to replace the keyfob since it requires extra programming. Most dealers will charge the cost of programming the new key fob, however you can save money by following the steps in your owner's manual for a specific sequence of button presses and turns to reprogram it yourself. The key fob will cost between $50 to $100. Switchblade Key The switchblade key sounds like the bladed weapon used to defend yourself in the parking lot, but this is just an innovative car key that folds up into the fob when not in use. This type of key is available at a locksmith, auto dealer or even on the internet but the cost will be higher than traditional keys. car ignition locked regulate the functions of your key and will send signals when they are within range. The computer or immobilizer inside the car will detect the signal, and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips are embedded in modern vehicles since 1995 and provide a unique, only-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 have no integrated chip. 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, depending on the manufacturer and the features that are included. A key fob that has a switchblade costs between $200 to $300, which includes the cost of replacing batteries and programming. The parts can typically be purchased separately, so if the key itself isn't damaged, you can replace the shank and blade. In addition certain types of keys may include VATS or PASS-Key circuit. These chips are equipped with resistors to prevent unauthorized use by sending different codes to the car's computer and immobilizer when they are inserted into the ignition cylinder. This will stop thieves from putting pressure on your ignition cylinder, and it will also make it more difficult for them duplicate the key. Transponder Key Transponder keys are likely to be used on vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. They transmit a number when you insert them into the ignition. This helps to prevent theft of your vehicle. The code is checked by your car's computer and the engine will start when the code matches. You will not be able to start your vehicle if you don't have the transponder key. Be aware that a car dealer will charge a higher price if you want to get a new transponder. This is because they're often the only one in town that can produce the specific kind of key your vehicle requires. Locksmiths, on the other hand can cut and program your new key at a less than the cost. Transponder keys are a safety measure that was implemented when car thieves began using a method known as hot-wiring to steal cars in the 80s. To combat this, General Motors started incorporating tiny RFID chip inside their key fobs, which can communicate with your car to initiate it. This technology helps prevent theft of cars by rendering hot-wiring ineffective. If you own transponder keys, you may observe that the grooves on the metal portion of your key are starting to wear out. The grooves on the lock are able to move the pins into a position that allows your car is able to start. You'll also notice that when you insert your key into the ignition, the key symbol does not appear on the dashboard of your vehicle. If you're experiencing these issues you should contact an auto locksmith professional to replace your key. Smart Key A smart key takes technology a step further. Rather than using a regular key, this fob contains a computer chip that communicates with your car, allowing you to do standard tasks such as unlocking the door and trunk and even starting the engine at the press of one button. Despite their convenience, these keys come at a higher price than transponder keys or traditional keys because of the integrated technology. These smart keys work through the LF (low-frequency) antennas that transmit inside and outside of the vehicle. They are activated when you pull the trunk or door handle. The LF signal travels through the body and doors to reach the interior electronics that recognize it as a valid smart key. Once the smart key is recognized, the vehicle removes the immobilizer and begins its engine. But smart keys can also pose a security risk. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you are too far from your vehicle, an individual could pick up the low frequency signal and start your car by placing it into an ignition compatible with. Some manufacturers restrict the range of transmission to 10 centimeters to limit the risk. The type of vehicle you drive and its model year can affect the cost of replacement keys. As a rule, older models tend to have more expensive replacement keys than the newer models. Some models might also require an electronic keypad that's integrated with the fob in order to enable features like remote locking and trunk access. Call a Pop-A-Lock to receive an estimate prior to going to the dealer if you're worried about how much a replacement would cost. Our locksmiths are able to provide an alternative at a lower price and usually provide better service than the dealership.