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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost? Losing your car key could be a major headache. Finding ignition lock repair is usually an appointment at the dealership or an auto locksmith. Costs vary depending on the type. Some types of keys for cars 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's an excellent chance that you have a traditional mechanical key if the car was manufactured before the '90s. These simple keys are metal with a head that is inserted into the ignition, then turned to start the car. These keys are easy to copy and do not have any electronic components. If you have a traditional key, it can be easily cut and programmed by an auto locksmith. It will cost well under $50. Key fobs gained popularity in the early 1990s and are designed to be operated by an electronic remote, rather than being placed into the ignition. They are simpler to duplicate and do not require any special tools. However they are more expensive than a regular key. Transponder keys, first introduced in 1995, come with microchips that communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer to ensure that only the correct key is used to start the motor. Transponder keys can be difficult to duplicate, and cost more to cut and program. If you are having difficulties starting your car it could be due to a faulty switch. Having this part replaced is likely to cost more than a typical key replacement, but the security that comes with knowing your vehicle is safe is worth the cost. If your ignition lock cylinder is stuck or cannot be placed in by gently turning the key. This can assist in releasing the lock wafers which may be a little damaged from frequent use. This method is not always effective and can sometimes result in further damage. Remote Key It is possible to pay less for the replacement key if your vehicle has an old-fashioned key. They have a shaft that's inserted in the ignition and then turned to start the vehicle. These keys are available at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and do not require any special programming to function with your vehicle. Transponder chips are commonly included in the keys of newer automobiles to help in preventing 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 inserted to start the engine. The more sophisticated versions of these keys are called 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 capable of starting. Key fobs are basically an electronic remote control that lets you to unlock or lock your car, as well to set off the alarm or open the trunk without the need to insert it into the ignition. They are also more prevalent in cars built in the 1990s, since they're an easy method to make your vehicle more secure from theft and give you added convenience. You'll need to pay more for have to replace a keyfob as it requires extra programming. The majority of dealers charge a fee to program the new key fob, however, you can save money by following your owner's guide to reprogram the key yourself. The key fob itself could cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 or more. Switchblade Key The switchblade key sounded like the bladed weapon used for self-defense in parking lots however, it's actually an innovative car key that folds up into the fob when not being used. This kind of key is available from an auto dealer, or even online, but it will cost more than traditional keys. Key fobs are electronic devices that regulate the functions of the key and send signals to your car when they are within reach. The computer or immobilizer within the car will detect the signal, and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips, in use since 1995, are embedded in the majority of modern vehicles and transmit an exclusive code that only your car can read. Professional car locksmiths can reprogram your key and chip if lost or damaged. Simple, inexpensive fobs without an embedded chip can be used to replace traditional keys. They are typically sold at auto parts stores and other retail outlets for between $25 to $100. The cost of a new key fob that has a built-in chip can run up to $500 or more, depending on the manufacturer and the features that are included. A key fob that has an electronic switchblade will cost you between $200 to $300, including the cost of a new battery and programming. The components can usually be bought separately, so when the key fob isn't harmed you can just replace the blade and shank. Some of these keys may also include a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips contain resistors which prevent unauthorized use when placed in the ignition cylinder. They send different codes to the computer and the immobilizer of the vehicle. This stops thieves from attempting to take over your ignition cylinder and also makes it much more difficult for them to duplicate the key. Transponder Key If your car was manufactured in the past two decades, chances are it is equipped with a transponder. The keys transmit a code when you insert them into the ignition. This helps to prevent the theft of your vehicle. The car's computer is able to check the code and start the engine if it matches. You won't be allowed to start your vehicle if you don't have an transponder key. If you're thinking of purchasing an updated transponder key, you need to know that the dealership for your car will charge you a premium for the service. This is due to the fact that they're the only shop in town that can make the type of key that your vehicle requires. A locksmith can program and cut your new key at only a fraction of the cost. Transponder keys are a security measure that came into play when car thieves began using a method known as hot-wiring to steal cars in the 1980s. General Motors began incorporating a tiny RFID chip into its key fobs to stop this. The chip can communicate with the car and start it. This technology stops car theft by making hot-wiring ineffective. You might be noticing that the grooves on your transponder keys are beginning to wear out. This is because the grooves shift little 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 issues like this you should contact a professional auto locksmith to replace your key. Smart Key Key Smart keys take technology one step further. The fob instead of a standard key, contains a computer that connects to your vehicle, allowing you perform basic tasks such as unlocking the trunk and doors and starting the car with the push a button. Despite their ease of use however, these keys are an additional cost than traditional or transponder keys due to their integrated technology. They function through LF (low-frequency) antennas which transmit outside and inside of the vehicle. They are activated when you turn on the trunk or door. The LF signal travels through the body and doors to reach the inside electronics that recognize it as an authorized smart key. When the smart key is identified, the vehicle shuts off the immobilizer and begins its engine. Smart keys could pose a safety risk. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you're too far from your vehicle, someone could be able to intercept the low frequency signal and begin your car by putting it into a compatible ignition. Certain manufacturers limit the transmission range to 10 centimeters to limit this risk. The type of vehicle you drive and the model year can impact the cost of replacement keys. In general, older cars have cheaper keys to replace than the latest models. Also, some models may require a keyless entry system that's connected to the fob to enable features such as remote locking and trunk opening. If you're worried about how the replacement cost will be, call a local Pop-A-Lock branch to obtain a quote before you head to the dealer. Our locksmiths are able to provide an upgrade at a lower price and often offer better service than the dealership.