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How Much Does an Ignition Key Replacement Cost? The loss of your car keys is a huge hassle. Getting a replacement usually involves an appointment at the dealership or an auto locksmith. Costs vary based on type. Certain keys for cars are less expensive to replace than others. Here are the four types of ignition keys available that include mechanical, remote keyfob, switchblade and transponder. Mechanical Key If your car was manufactured prior to the 1990s there is a good likelihood that you have an electronic key. These simple keys are metal with a head that is placed in the ignition and turned to start the vehicle. They are simple 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 cost well under $50. In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are designed to operate from a distance with the remote control instead of having to insert the key into the ignition. They are easy to duplicate and do not require any special tools. However they are more expensive than a regular key. Transponder keys, introduced in 1995, are fitted with microchips that communicate with the vehicle immobilizer to ensure that only the right key is used to start the motor. Transponder keys are more difficult to duplicate and typically cost more to cut and programmed. 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 standard key replacement, but the assurance from knowing that your vehicle is safe is worth the expense. If your ignition lock cylinder has become stuck or cannot be inserted into the ignition, gently move the key. This will help release the lock wafers that could have been damaged due to frequent use. This method is not always successful and may cause further damage. Remote Key If your car has an old-fashioned key, you can expect to pay less to replace it. These keys feature a metal shaft that is put into the ignition and then turned to turn it on to start it. These keys are available at places like AutoZone and locksmiths, and don't require any special programming to function with your vehicle. Transponder chips are typically found in keys of newer vehicles to help prevent theft. These chips transmit signals from the key to the receiver in the ignition. This ensures only a working and valid key is used to start the engine. The keys can be upgraded to rolling keys that transmit a new signal each time they are used. This ensures that even if someone is able to steal the key the car won't be able to start. Key fobs are basically a remote control that allows you to unlock or lock your car, as well to set off the alarm or open the trunk without having to physically insert it into the ignition. These are also more common in cars built in the 1990s, since they're a simple way to make your car more secure from theft and give you additional convenience. If you own keys that need replacing, be prepared to pay more for it because they require additional programming. Most dealerships will charge a fee to program the new one, but you can save money by following the instructions in the owner's manual to specific sequences of button presses and turns to reprogram it yourself. The key fob itself could cost between $50 to $100 or more. Switchblade Key The switchblade key sounded like an armed weapon with blades to defend yourself in the parking lot, but this is just an innovative car key that folds up into the fob when it is not in use. This type of key can be bought at a locksmith shop, an auto dealer or even online, but the cost will be more than traditional keys. Key fobs regulate the functions of your key and transmit signals when they are within range. The car's computer or immobilizer will detect the signal and allow the engine to start. Transponder chips are integrated into modern vehicles since 1995 and transmit a unique, exclusive-to-your-car read-code. Professional locksmiths for cars can reprogram your chip and key if damaged or lost. Simple, cheap fobs that don't have an embedded chip can be used to replace traditional keys. You can usually find these at auto parts stores and other retail outlets for between $25 to $100. The cost of a new key fob with an integrated chip can range from $500 or more, depending on the manufacturer and features included. A key fob equipped with an adjustable blade costs between $200 to $300, which covers the cost of replacing batteries and the programming. The component pieces can often be purchased separately, so if the key itself isn't damaged, you can replace the shank and blade. Some of these keys may also include a VATS-Key or PASS Key circuit. These chips have resistors that prevent unauthorized use when inserted in the ignition cylinder. They transmit various codes to the computer and immobilizer of the car. This deters thieves from trying to take over your ignition cylinder and makes it more difficult for them to duplicate the key. Transponder Key Transponder keys are likely be found on vehicles built in the past 20 years. The chip inside these keys helps prevent vehicle theft by sending the car with a code when you insert it into the ignition. The car's computer is able to check the code and start the engine when it matches. Without a working transponder key, you won't be able to start your car. If you're thinking about getting a new transponder key, you need to know that the car dealership will charge you a fee for the service. They are usually the only one that can create the specific type of key that your car requires. Locksmiths can program and cut your new key for less than the cost. Transponder keys were introduced as an additional security measure in the 1980s, when car thieves began using a technique called hot-wiring to facilitate vehicle theft. General Motors began incorporating a tiny RFID chip in its key fobs in order to fight this. The chip can communicate with the car and then start it. This technology can help prevent car theft since it renders hot-wiring ineffective. You might notice that the grooves of your transponder key are beginning wear out. This is because the grooves move little pins inside the lock to a point that allows your car to begin. You will also notice that when you insert your key into the ignition, the key symbol does not appear on the dashboard of your vehicle. If you are having these issues, it is time to contact an auto locksmith in order to repair your keys. Smart Key Key Smart keys take technology to the next level. Rather than using a regular key, this one has a computer chip that communicates with your car, allowing you perform standard tasks like unlocking the door and trunk and even starting the engine with the press of a button. Despite their ease of use they are more expensive than transponder keys or traditional keys due to their integrated technology. They function through the LF (low-frequency) antennas that transmit both inside and outside of the vehicle. They are activated when you pull the trunk or door. The LF signal travels between the body and door to the interior electronics that recognize the smart key as valid. Once the smart key is recognized, the vehicle removes the immobilizer, and then starts its engine. However, smart keys can also pose a risk to your safety. How Stuff Works Electronics says that if you're too far away from your car, someone could be able to intercept the low-frequency signal and start your car by putting it into an ignition that is compatible with. Some manufacturers restrict the range of transmission to 10cm to reduce this risk. The type of car you drive and the model year can also affect the cost of replacement keys. In general, older cars have cheaper replacement keys than modern models. Also, some models may require a keyless entry system that's connected to the fob to allow features like remote locking and trunk opening. Contact G28 Car Keys -A-Lock to get an estimate prior to going to the dealer if you're concerned about the price of a replacement cost. Our locksmiths are able offer a replacement at a lower cost and offer superior service than a dealership.