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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost? Losing your car key is a huge hassle. A replacement key is typically found by making an appointment with a dealer or auto locksmith. Costs vary based on kind of key. Certain types of keys for cars are more affordable to replace than others. Here are car ignition key replacement of ignition keys that are available that include mechanical remote keyfob, remote, transponder and switchblade. Mechanical Key If your car was built prior to the 1990s there is a good chance that you still have an electronic key. These simple keys are metal with a head that can be put into the ignition and then turned to turn the car on. They are simple to duplicate and don't have any electronic components. If you already have a traditional, non-electronic lock an auto locksmith could easily cut it and program it for a cost of less than $50. Key fobs gained popularity in the 1990s and are designed to operate by an electronic remote, rather than being inserted into the ignition. They are much simpler to duplicate and do not require any special tools for doing so, although they do cost more than a traditional key. Transponder keys, introduced in 1995, are equipped with microchips that communicate with the vehicle immobilizer to ensure that only the right key is used to start the motor. Transponder keys are harder to duplicate and typically cost more to have cut and programmed. If you're having difficulty starting your car, it could be due to a malfunctioning switch. This component will cost more than a standard key however, it's 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 move the key. This could help to release the lock wafers, which might have gotten damaged over time due to frequent use. This method is not always successful and may result in further damage. Remote Key If your car is equipped with a traditional key, you can expect to pay less for replacing it. These keys have a metal key shaft that is inserted into the ignition and then turned to start the vehicle. They can be found at places like AutoZone or a locksmith, and they don't need any special programming to work with your vehicle. Transponder chips are commonly found in keys of newer vehicles to help prevent theft. The chips transmit signals from the key to a receiver in the ignition to ensure that only a valid key is used and is able to start the engine. The keys can be upgraded to rolling keys which send every time they are used. This means that if anyone is able to steal the key, your car won't start. Key fobs work as remote controls, allowing you to unlock, lock, and open your car without having to insert it into the ignition. These are also more common in cars manufactured after the '90s, as they're a simple method to make your vehicle more safe from theft and provide you with additional convenience. You'll need to pay more for require replacing the keyfob since it requires extra programming. The majority of dealers charge a fee to program a new key fob but you can save money by following the owner's instructions to reprogram the key yourself. The key fob itself can cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 or more. Switchblade Key The switchblade key sounds like the bladed weapon used for parking lot self-defense, but this is just an innovative car key that folds into the fob when not in use. This type of key is available from locksmiths, an auto dealer, or online, but it will cost more than traditional keys. Key fobs manage the functions of your key and will send an alert when they are within reach. The car's computer, or immobilizer will be able to recognize the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips, which have been in use since 1995, are present in many modern vehicles. They 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 be replaced with simple, inexpensive fobs with no integrated chip. They are typically sold at auto parts stores and other retail outlets for between $25 to $100. The cost of a replacement key fob that has a built-in chip can run up to $500 or more, depending on the manufacturer and features offered by. A key fob with a switchblade can cost from $200 to $300, not including the cost of a brand new battery and programming. If the key fob isn't damaged you can replace the blade or shank. In addition, some of these types of keys may include a VATS or PASS-Key circuit. These chips have resistors that make it impossible for unauthorized use to be they are inserted into the ignition cylinder. They transmit different codes to the computer and immobilizer of the vehicle. This will prevent thieves from putting pressure on the ignition cylinder and it will also make it more difficult for them copy the key. Transponder Key Transponder keys are likely be used on cars made in the past 20 years. These keys transmit a code when you insert them into the ignition. This can help prevent the theft of your vehicle. The computer in your car examines the code and then starts the engine in the event that it matches. You won't be able to start your vehicle if you don't have the transponder key. If you're thinking of purchasing a new transponder key you need to know that the dealership for your car will charge you a fee for the service. They are often the only ones in town that can create the exact type of key your vehicle requires. Locksmiths, on the other hand, can cut and program your new key at a 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 for stealing vehicles in the 80s. To combat this, General Motors started incorporating a small RFID chip into their key fobs. These can communicate with your car to initiate it. This technology stops car theft by making hot-wiring useless. You might observe that the grooves of your transponder keys are beginning to wear out. The grooves on the lock move the pins to a point where your car can start. 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 having these issues you should contact an auto locksmith in order to change your keys. Smart Key Smart keys elevate technology to a new level. Instead of using a standard key, this one has a computer chip that connects with your vehicle, allowing you to perform standard tasks like opening the trunk and door and even starting the engine at the click of a button. The keys are more expensive than traditional keys or transponder ones due to the integrated technology. The smart keys function through the LF (low-frequency) antennas that transmit inside and outside of the vehicle. They are activated when you open the door or trunk handle. The LF signal travels through the doors and body to reach the interior electronics that recognize it as an authorized smart key. When the smart key is identified, the vehicle shuts off the immobilizer and starts its engine. But smart keys can also be a safety risk. If you're far from your car there's a chance that someone can detect the low-frequency signal and begin your vehicle by placing it in an ignition slot, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Some manufacturers limit the transmission range to 10 cm to mitigate this risk. The model year and the type of vehicle you drive influence the cost of replacing a key. In general, older vehicles have cheaper keys to replace than the latest models. Some models may also require an electronic keypad that's integrated with the fob to provide features such as remote locking and trunk access. Contact a Pop-A-Lock to receive an estimate before you go to the dealer if you're concerned about how much a replacement will cost. Our locksmiths are able to provide a replacement at a lower price and usually provide better service than the dealership.