How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?
Losing your car keys can be a major headache. A replacement key can usually be obtained by making an appointment with a dealer or auto locksmith.
(Image: https://g28carkeys.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mitsubishi-Motors-New.png)Costs vary depending on the type. Some types of car keys are cheaper to replace than others. Here are the different types of ignition keys that are available: mechanical, remote key fob, switchblade, and transponder.
Mechanical Key
There is a good chance that you own a traditional mechanical key if your car was manufactured before the '90s. These basic keys are made of steel with a head which is put into the ignition and turned to start the car. They are easy to duplicate and do not have any electronic components. If you have a traditional lock, it can be cut and programmed by an auto locksmith and will cost you less than $50.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popularized. They are designed to operate from a distance using the remote control instead of having to insert the keys into the ignition. They are simpler to duplicate, and don't require any special tools. However, they cost more than a standard key.
Transponder keys, first introduced in 1995, are fitted with microchips that communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer to ensure that only the correct key can be used to start the motor. Transponder keys can be harder to duplicate, and cost more to cut and program.
If you've been experiencing trouble when your car starts it may be due to a faulty ignition cylinder lock repair switch. Replacing this component is likely to cost more than the average key replacement but the security that comes from knowing that your car is safe is worth the investment.
If your ignition lock cylinder is stuck or unable to be placed into the ignition, gently jiggle the key. This will assist in releasing the lock wafers which may have been damaged from frequent use. This method is not always successful and may cause further damage.
Remote Key
If your car has traditional keys and lock, you'll pay less to replace it. These keys feature a metal shaft that is inserted into the vehicle's ignition key replacement cost and then turned to start it. They can be found at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and do not require any special programming to work with your car.
Transponder chips are commonly found in the keys of modern vehicles to help prevent theft. These chips work by sending an electronic signal from the key to a receiver inside the ignition to ensure that only a genuine key is inserted and able to start your engine. The keys can be upgraded to rolling keys that transmit an updated signal each time they are used. This ensures that even if someone is able to steal the key, your car ignition replacement won't start.
Key fobs work as remote controls, allowing you to lock, unlock, and open your car without having to put it in the ignition. They are more prevalent on vehicles built after the 1990s. They're a great way to secure your car ignition barrel replacement from theft, and also give you more convenience.
You'll have to pay more if you need to replace a keyfob because it requires additional programming. The majority of dealers will charge an additional fee to program the new one, but you can save money by following the instructions in your owner's manual for specific sequences of button presses and turns to program it yourself. The key fob itself could cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 or more.
Switchblade Key
The switchblade key sounds like the bladed weapon used for self-defense in parking lots, but this is just an innovative car key that folds down into the fob when it is not in use. This type of key can be available from a locksmith, an auto dealer, or on the internet, but it will cost more than traditional keys.
Key fobs manage the functions of your keys and will send an alert when they are within range. The computer or immobilizer in the car will recognize the signal, and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips, used since 1995, are present in many modern vehicles. They transmit an exclusive code that only your car is able to read. Professional locksmiths for cars can reprogram your key and chip in the event that it is lost or damaged.
Simple, cheap fobs that don't have an embedded chip can be used to replace traditional keys. These are usually available at auto parts stores and other retail outlets that cost between $25 to $100. A replacement key fob that has a chip built in could cost up to $500, depending on features and manufacturer.
A key fob equipped with an adjustable blade costs between $200 and $300, which includes the cost of new batteries and programming. The component pieces can often be purchased separately, so if the key itself isn't harmed you can just replace the shank and blade. In addition to that, certain kinds of keys come with VATS or PASS-Key circuit. These chips have resistors that prevent unauthorized use when they are inserted into the ignition cylinder. They transmit various codes to the computer and the immobilizer of the car. This will prevent thieves from putting pressure on your ignition cylinder to open, and will make it more difficult for them copy the key.
Transponder Key
Transponder keys are likely to be used on cars built in the last 20 years. The chip inside these keys prevents vehicle theft by transmitting a code to your car when you insert it into the ignition. The computer in your car examines the code and then starts the engine in the event that it matches. Without a working transponder key, you won't be able to start your car.
You should be aware that a car dealer will charge a premium for you to purchase an updated transponder. They are usually the only one who can make the specific type of key your car requires. Locksmiths can program and cut your new key for less than the cost.
Transponder keys were introduced as a security measure in the 1980s, when car thieves began using a method known as hot-wiring to prevent vehicle theft. General Motors began incorporating a tiny RFID chip inside its key fobs to stop this. The chip is able to communicate with the car and start it. This technology prevents car theft since it renders hot-wiring obsolete.
You may be noticing that the grooves on your transponder key are beginning to wear out. The grooves in the lock allow the pins to move to a point where 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 these problems then it's time to call an auto locksmith to replace your keys.
Smart Key
A smart key takes technology one step further. The key, instead of using a standard key, contains a computer that communicates with your vehicle, allowing it to perform basic tasks such as unlocking the doors and trunk, as well as activating the car with a press of a button. Despite their convenience they are an additional cost than transponder keys or traditional keys because of their integrated technology.
To work, these smart keys have the LF (low frequency) transmitting antennas inside and outside the vehicle that are activated when you open a door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels through the doors and body to reach the inside electronics which recognize it as an authentic smart key. Once the smart key is recognized, the vehicle disables the immobilizer, and then starts its engine.
Smart keys could pose a safety risk. If you're not far from your car it is possible for someone to intercept the low-frequency signal and start your vehicle by placing it in a compatible ignition slot, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. Some manufacturers limit the transmission range to 10 centimeters to reduce the risk.
The kind of vehicle you drive and its model year can impact the cost of replacement keys. In general, older models have lower replacement keys than modern models. Some models might also require a keyless system that is connected to the fob to provide features such as remote locking and trunk access. If you're worried about how the replacement will cost, call an area Pop-A-Lock branch to get an estimate prior to heading to the dealer. Our locksmiths can provide a replacement for less money and provide better service than a dealership.