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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost? Losing your car keys can be a major hassle. A replacement key is usually found by making an appointment with an auto locksmith or dealer. Costs vary based on type. Certain car keys are less expensive to replace than others. Here are the different types of ignition keys such as mechanical, remote keys fob as well as transponder and switchblade. Mechanical Key If your car was built before the year 1990 there is a good chance that you still have a mechanical key. These simple keys are metal with a head which is placed in the ignition and turned to turn the car on. They are easy to duplicate and do not contain electronic components. If you already have a conventional, non-electronic lock An auto locksmith can easily cut the key and program it for the price of less than $50. Key fobs were popular in the '90s and are designed to be operated 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 however they cost a bit more than traditional keys. Transponder keys, which were introduced in 1995, are equipped with microchips that communicate with the immobilizer of the vehicle to ensure that only the right key is used to start the motor. Transponder keys can be harder to duplicate and cost more to cut and program. If you're having difficulties starting your car it could be due to a malfunctioning switch. Replacing this component will probably cost more than the average key replacement however the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your vehicle is safe makes it worth the cost. If the cylinder of your ignition lock is stuck or isn't able to be put in Try gently jiggling the key. This can help free the lock wafers that could have been damaged over time from frequent use. However, it's important to remember that this is not always successful and may cause further damage. Remote Key It is possible to spend less on an alternative key if your vehicle has an old-fashioned key. They are made of metal shaft that is placed into the ignition of the vehicle and then turned to turn it on to start it. They can be found at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and don't require any special programming in order to function with your vehicle. Transponder chips are commonly found in keys of newer vehicles to prevent theft. The chips transmit signals from the key to a device in the ignition to ensure that only a genuine key is inserted and able to start your engine. The most advanced versions of these keys are referred to as rolling keys, that send the same 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 in a position to start. Key fobs are basically a remote control that allows you to lock or unlock your vehicle, as to 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 a great way to protect your car from theft, and also give you more convenience. You will have to pay more for need to replace a keyfob because it requires extra programming. Most dealerships charge a fee to program the new key fob, however, you can save cash by following the owner's guide to reprogram the key yourself. The key fob is priced 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 is actually a novel key that folds up into the fob. This kind of key is available at a locksmith shop, an auto dealer, or even online but the cost will be higher than traditional keys. Key fobs regulate the functions of your keys and transmit an alert when they are within reach. The computer or immobilizer within the car will be able to recognize the signal and allow the engine start. Transponder chips have been embedded in modern vehicles since 1995 and transmit a unique, only-your-car-can read-code. Professional car locksmiths can reprogram your chip and key if damaged or lost. G28 Car Keys can still be replaced with simple, inexpensive fobs that do not have an integrated chip. They are typically sold at auto parts stores as well as other retail outlets for between $25 to $100. A key fob replacement that comes with a chip into it can cost as high as $500, depending on features and the manufacturer. A key fob that has a switchblade can cost between $200 and $300, which includes the cost of a new batteries and programming. If the key fob is not damaged, you can replace the blade or shank. Additionally certain types of keys can include VATS or PASS-Key circuit. These chips contain resistors which prevent unauthorized use when they are inserted into the ignition cylinder. They send different codes to the computer and to the immobilizer of the vehicle. This will stop thieves from forcing your ignition cylinder, and it will also make it harder for them to copy the key. Transponder Key If your car was built in the last two decades, it's likely that it has a transponder key. The chip on 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 will start when the code matches. If you don't have a transponder key that works, you won't be able to start your car. If you're considering buying an updated transponder key, you must be aware that the dealership selling your car will charge you a premium for the service. This is because they're usually the only place that can make the type of key that your car needs. A locksmith can program and cut your new key at a fraction of the price. Transponder keys are an important security measure that was implemented when car thieves began using a method called hot-wiring to steal vehicles in the 1980s. 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 since it renders hot-wiring useless. If you have a transponder key, you may observe that the grooves on the metal part of your key are starting to wear down. This is due to the grooves moving tiny pins inside the lock to a point that allows your car to start up. You'll also be able to see that the key symbol on your car's dashboard does not appear when you insert the key into the ignition. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's time to call an expert auto locksmith to repair your key. Smart Key Key A smart key takes technology a step further. The fob instead of an ordinary key, is equipped with a computer that connects to your vehicle, allowing it to perform basic tasks such as unlocking the trunk and doors and opening the car with the pressing of a button. The keys are more expensive than standard keys or transponder ones due the technology integrated. The smart keys function by using the LF (low-frequency) antennas which transmit outside and inside of the vehicle. They are activated when you pull the door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels through the body and door to the interior electronics which determine that the smart key is valid. Once the car is identified, it stops its immobilizer and begins the engine. However, smart keys can also pose a risk to your safety. If you're too far away from your car, someone could detect the low-frequency signal, and then start your car by simply putting it in an ignition slot, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Some manufacturers set the maximum transmission range to 10 cm to limit the risk. The model year and the type of vehicle you drive influence the cost of replacing a key. As a rule older models are more likely to have lower key replacements than those with more modern features. Additionally, certain models might require keys that are integrated with the fob to enable features such as remote locking and trunk opening. If you're worried about how the replacement cost will be, call the local Pop-A-Lock branch to obtain an estimate prior to heading to the dealer. Our locksmiths are able to provide an upgrade at a lower price and can often provide better service than the dealership.