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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

The loss of your car keys can be a major headache. Getting a replacement usually involves an appointment at a dealership or an auto locksmith.

Costs vary depending on the type. Certain keys for cars are more affordable to replace than others. Here are the various types of ignition keys such as mechanical, remote keys fob, switchblade, and transponder.

Mechanical Key

There is a good chance that you have a traditional mechanical key if your car was built prior to the '90s. These keys come with a metal head that is inserted in the ignition, then turned to start the car. They are simple to duplicate and do not contain any electronic components. If you have a traditional lock, it can be easily cut and programmed by an auto locksmith and cost well under $50.

Key fobs were popular in the '90s and are designed to be operated from a distance with an electronic remote instead of being placed into the ignition. They are easy to duplicate and don't require any special tools. However they are more expensive than the standard key.

Transponder keys, introduced in 1995, are fitted with microchips that communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer to ensure that only the right key is used to start the motor. Transponder keys are harder to duplicate and will generally cost more to have cut and programmed.





If you've experienced problems with your car starting it might be the result of an ignition switch that is not working properly. This part will cost more than a standard key but it is worth the investment to ensure that your car is secure.

If your ignition lock cylinder has become stuck or cannot be inserted into the ignition, gently jiggle the key. This can help free the lock wafers, which might have gotten damaged over time due to frequent use. This method isn't always effective and can sometimes cause further damage.

Remote Key

You can expect to pay less for a replacement key if your vehicle has traditional keys. The keys are made of metal shaft that's inserted in the ignition and turned to start the vehicle. They can be found at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and don't require any special programming in order to work with your car.

If you're driving a newer car, your key could contain a transponder chip inside it to help in preventing theft. The chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver in the ignition. This ensures that only a genuine and functioning key can be used to start the engine. The keys can be upgraded to rolling keys which send every time they are used. This ensures that if someone steals the key and your car doesn't start.

Key fobs are essentially remote controls that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle, as well being able to activate the alarm or open the trunk, without having to insert it into the ignition. These are more common for vehicles manufactured after the 1990s. They're a great way to protect your vehicle from theft and provide you more convenience.

If you own a key fob that needs replacing you should be prepared to spend more because they require extra programming. The majority of dealers charge a fee for programming a new key fob but you can save some money by following the owner's guide to reprogram your key yourself. The key fob itself could cost between $50 to $100 or more.

Switchblade Key

The switchblade car key may seem like a weapon with blades to defend yourself in the parking lot, but it's actually a unique key that folds into the fob. This type of key can be bought at a locksmith shop, an auto dealer, or even online but the cost will be higher than conventional keys.

Key fobs regulate the functions of your keys and send an alert when they are within range. The car's computer or immobilizer will recognize the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips, which have been in use since 1995, are embedded in the majority of modern vehicles and transmit an unique code that only your car is able to read. Professional car locksmiths are able to modify your key and chip if they become damaged or lost.

Traditional keys can still be substituted with cheap, simple fobs with no integrated chip. You can usually find these at auto parts stores and other retail outlets for between $25 to $100. A key fob replacement that has a chip built in can cost up to $500, depending on features and the manufacturer.

A key fob with a switchblade can cost from $200 to $300, not including the cost of a new battery and programming. If the key fob is not damaged you can replace the blade or shank. In addition to that, certain kinds of keys come with VATS or PASS Key circuit. These chips contain resistors which make it impossible for unauthorized use to be placed in the ignition cylinder. They transmit different codes to the computer and the immobilizer of the car. This deters thieves from trying to use force on your ignition cylinder, and also makes it more difficult for them to duplicate the key.

Transponder Key

If your car was built in the last two decades, chances are it uses a transponder key. ignition lock repair services on keys can help prevent theft by sending the car with a code when you insert it into the ignition. The car's computer examines the code and then starts the engine when it matches. If you don't have a transponder key that works, you won't be able to start your car.

You should be aware that a car dealership will charge a premium when you're looking to purchase a new transponder. They are usually the only people in town who can cut the specific type of key that your car requires. A locksmith, on the other hand, can cut and program your new key for only a fraction of the price.

Transponder keys were introduced as an extra measure of security in the 1980s, when car thieves began using a technique called hot-wiring to facilitate vehicle theft. To combat this, General Motors started incorporating tiny RFID chip inside their key fobs that can communicate with your car to start it. This technology helps prevent car theft because it makes hot-wiring obsolete.

If you own a transponder key, you may observe that the grooves on the metal portion of your key are starting to wear down. The grooves inside the lock are able to move the pins into a position that allows your car can start. Also, when you insert your key into the ignition the key symbol does not appear on the dashboard of your vehicle. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's time to call an auto locksmith professional to repair your key.

Smart Key

Smart keys elevate technology to a new level. This fob instead of being a standard key, contains an electronic device that communicates with your vehicle, allowing you to perform basic tasks such as unlocking the doors and trunk, as well as starting the car with the push a button. Although they are convenient, these keys come at a higher price than transponder keys or traditional keys because of their integrated technology.

To function the smart keys, they are equipped with to function, they have LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas both inside and outside of the vehicle. They activate when you open the trunk or door. The LF signal travels from the door and body to the inside electronics that identify the smart key as valid. Once the smart key is identified, the vehicle shuts off the immobilizer and begins its engine.

Smart keys can pose a safety risk. If you're not far from your car, someone could detect the low-frequency signal, and then start your car by simply putting it in a compatible ignition slot, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Certain manufacturers set the maximum transmission range to 10 centimeters to limit the risk.

The model of car you drive and the model year can affect the cost of replacing keys. In general, older models have lower keys to replace than the latest models. Some models might also require an electronic keypad that's connected to the fob in order to allow features such as remote locking and trunk access. Call a Pop-A-Lock to get an estimate prior to going to the dealer if you're concerned about how much a replacement would cost. Our locksmiths are able to provide a replacement at a lower price and can often provide better service than the dealership.