How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost?

The loss of your car keys can be a major hassle. Finding a replacement is usually an appointment at the dealership or an auto locksmith.

Based on the kind of key, prices vary. Some car keys are less expensive to replace than others. There are four types of ignition keys available that include mechanical keys, remote keyfobs, switchblade and transponder.

Mechanical Key

There's the possibility that you have a classic mechanical key if your vehicle was manufactured before the '90s. These keys are simple and have a metal head that is inserted in the ignition key replacement cost, then turned to start the car. They are simple to duplicate and don't contain electronic components. If you have a traditional key it can be cut and programmed by an auto locksmith. It will cost well under $50.

Key fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are designed to be operated from a distance using a remote controller, rather than being placed into the ignition. They are much easier to duplicate and don't require any special tools to accomplish this although they will cost more than traditional keys.

Transponder keys, introduced in 1995, come 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 cost more to cut and program.

If you have difficulties starting your car it could be due to a malfunctioning switch. Having this part replaced is likely to cost more than a typical key replacement but the security that comes from knowing that your car is safe is worth the expense.

If your ignition lock cylinder gets stuck or cannot be put in Try gently jiggling the key. This can aid in releasing the lock wafers which may have been slightly damaged from frequent use. It is important to keep in mind that this is not always successful and can sometimes cause more damage.

Remote Key

If your car has a traditional key that is a traditional key, you will pay less for replacing it. They are made of metal shaft that is placed into the ignition of the vehicle and then turned to begin it. You can find these keys at places like AutoZone or a locksmith, and they don't require any special software to work with your vehicle.

If you're driving a newer vehicle, your key may contain a transponder chip inside it to in preventing theft. These chips work by sending signals from the key to the receiver inside the ignition. This ensures only a genuine and functioning key can be inserted to start the engine. Keys can be upgraded to rolling keys which send a new signal each time they are used. This means that if anyone takes the key away and your car doesn't start.

Key fobs work as remote controls, allowing you to lock, unlock, and open your car without having to insert it into the ignition. They are also more prevalent in cars manufactured after the 90s, as they're a convenient method to make your vehicle more secure from theft and provide you with additional convenience.

If you have keys that need replacement, be prepared to pay more because they require extra programming. Most dealerships will charge an additional fee to program a new one, but you can save money by following the steps in your owner's manual that describe specific sequences of turns and button presses to program it yourself. The key fob itself will typically cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 or more.

Switchblade Key

The car key with a switchblade may seem like a weapon with blades to defend yourself in the parking lot, ignition key replacement but it's actually a unique key that folds up into a fob. This type of key can be available from locksmiths, an auto dealer, Ignition Key Replacement or online, but it will cost more than traditional keys.

Key fobs are electronic devices that control the functions of keys and send a signal to your car when they are within reach. The computer or immobilizer in the car will recognize the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips are integrated into modern vehicles since 1995. They transmit a unique, only-your-car-can read code. Professional locksmiths can change the chip and key in the event that they are damaged or lost.

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 or other retail outlets ranging between $25 and $100. A replacement key fob with a chip in could cost up to $500, based on the features and the manufacturer.

A key fob that incorporates the switchblade could cost between $200 to $300, including the cost of a new battery and programming. If the key fob is not damaged, you can replace the blade or shank. Some of these keys may also come with a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips contain resistors that hinder unauthorized use by sending different codes to the car's computer as well as an immobilizer when they are inserted into the ignition cylinder. This stops thieves from trying to force your ignition cylinder and makes it more difficult for them to duplicate the key.

Transponder Key

If your car was manufactured in the past two decades, chances are it uses a transponder key. The keys transmit a code when you insert them into the ignition. This helps prevent vehicle theft. The code is checked by your car's computer, and the engine will start if the code matches. You won't be able to start your vehicle if you don't have a transponder key.

If you're thinking of purchasing a new transponder key, you must be aware that the dealership selling your car will charge you a premium for the service. They are often the only ones in town who can make the exact type of key your car requires. A locksmith can program and cut your new key at only a fraction of the cost.

Transponder keys were introduced as an extra measure of security in the 1980s when car thieves started using a technology known as hot-wiring for vehicle theft. To stop this, General Motors started incorporating tiny RFID chip inside their key fobs. These can communicate with your car to initiate it. This technology can help prevent car theft because it makes hot-wiring useless.

If you own transponder keys, you may be noticing that the grooves on the metallic portion of your key are beginning to wear down. This is due to the grooves moving little pins inside the lock to a point that allows your car to begin. You'll also notice that when you insert your key into the ignition the key symbol does not appear on the dashboard of your car. If you're experiencing issues like this, it's time to call an auto locksmith professional to replace your key.

Smart Key

Smart keys take technology a step further. This fob instead of a standard key, contains a computer that communicates with your vehicle, allowing you to perform standard tasks like unlocking the trunk and doors, and starting the car with the press of a button. These keys are more expensive than traditional keys or transponder ones due the technology integrated.

These smart keys work by using the LF (low-frequency) antennas which transmit outside and inside of the vehicle. They are activated when you turn on the trunk or door handle. The LF signal travels through the doors and body to reach the inside electronics which recognize it as an authorized smart key. Once the smart key has been identified, the vehicle shuts off the immobilizer and starts its engine.

However, smart keys can also be a safety risk. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you're too far from your vehicle, someone could intercept the low frequency signal and start your car by putting it in an ignition compatible with. Certain manufacturers restrict the range of transmission to 10cm to reduce this risk.

The kind of vehicle you drive and the model year can affect the cost of replacement keys. In general older models are more likely to have lower key replacements than those with more modern features. Additionally, certain models might require keys that are connected to the fob in order to allow features such as remote locking and trunk opening. If you're worried about how much your replacement will cost, call the local Pop-A-Lock branch to obtain a quote before you head to the dealer. Our locksmiths are able to provide an alternative at a lower price and often offer better service than the dealership.