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Types of Ignition Key Replacement The car key with a blade is the simplest to use. It's as simple as inserting it into your ignition lock cylinder and you're good to go. Older cars have these keys however modern models incorporate transponder chips inside the keys that need to be programmed to work with your car. Keys can be replaced by a dealer or an automotive locksmith. The VIN number of the vehicle can be used to make a new key. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are typically present in vehicles built in the last 20 years. This technology is a perfect blend of mechanical and electronic security. It works by sending a coded message to the vehicle when you put the key in the ignition. The engine control unit compares this code with its own database to determine whether or not you are the owner of the vehicle. If it is, then the car will begin. The process is invisible and takes only milliseconds. You'll see a tiny chip on the front of your key if it is transponders. Insisting the key into your ignition and turning it on is the easiest method to test. If your car responds to the key, it means that it was programmed and verified as a valid transponder. The reason this provides an additional layer of security is because while traditional keys rely on a match with the tumblers of the lock transponder chips actually transmit an electronic signal to the car's computer. This prevents people from hot-wiring cars by making sure that the correct key is used to turn on the ignition system. To reprogram a transponder keys you must follow a few simple steps. First, ensure that the key is working and then set it aside. Next, sit in your driver's chair and insert your new key blank into the ignition, turning it on. After about 15 minutes, switch off the ignition. After 15 minutes, you are able to attempt to start the car again. If the car doesn't start after turning it off and on, you will have to repeat the procedure. Reprogramming a car key with a transponder is more complex and expensive than replicating the mechanical key. Additionally, you'll require the key professionally cut and a specific car key programer is required to remove the code from your ECM and then match it to the new transponder key. Smart Keys With smart keys, drivers can open their doors and start the engine by simply pressing a button without having to insert the key into the ignition. Inside the fob is a transponder chip that communicates with the car's immobilizer disarming it, allowing the car to start. The fob is equipped with remote control buttons that open the tailgate, unlock the trunk and control the door locks. Some also have a panic button which, when activated, blasts the horn of the vehicle in order to scare away thieves. Like all technologies smart keys have advantages and disadvantages. They can provide security and convenience, especially for those who tend to forget to lock their vehicle. These features can also help save money in the long run. Smart keys are not only a great way to prevent thieves from stealing vehicles, but they can also aid you in avoiding the infamous phrase, “it's somewhere in here.” Instead of utilizing a metal key shaft smart keys communicate with your car using radio frequency signals. They aren't duplicated by traditional keys. However, this doesn't mean you can't find the key if it does occur to be lost. Smart keys are more expensive based on the manufacturer. The main reason is that smart keys have built-in electronic components, which make them more complex and difficult to fix in the event of malfunction. Pop-A Lock can replace and program smart keys for less than what dealerships charge. We can even complete the process in a much less time frame, saving you the hassle of having to plan alternative transportation until your vehicle is repaired. If you're thinking of getting a smart key for your car consider doing yourself a favor and purchase a spare fob to keep in a safe location, or purchase motor insurance with a hefty pay out should you lose your keys. Be sure to keep it out of reach from prying eyes – low frequency transmissions can permit someone to detect your signal and take your car, according to How Stuff Works Electronics. Switchblade Keys There are several options when replacing the ignition key. The traditional key is the most popular, and it has a steel shaft that has distinct notches or cutouts that correspond to lock tumblers on the ignition cylinder and door. They do not have modern features like remote unlocking and keyless entry, but are reliable and easy-to-use. Transponder keys, on the other hand, are an enormous advancement in security technology. These keys have an electronic chip in the head of the key that communicates with a receiver within the vehicle that allows it to begin only when the correct code is transmitted. This kind of key has proven effective in reducing theft from vehicles and programming a new key with a transponder is quite simple for a professional locksmith for cars. ignition key replacement cost of key is the flip-style, which tucks the key blade into the housing when not in use. This helps to protect the key blade from damage and also reduces bulk for more convenient carrying. The key fob component of this type of key usually has remote control functions, allowing drivers to lock and unlock car doors or trunk and start the engine remotely. Laser cut keys are readily available to those who want to add an extra layer of security against auto theft. These keys have their shanks cut using lasers, creating an extremely precise and difficult to duplicate pattern. While they are more expensive than basic keys and traditional key fobs however, they provide a greater level of security against theft by unauthorised users. Switchblade keys are also available, which resemble bladed weapons. They fold into a handle when not being utilized. When the user presses a button the handle opens and exposes the key blade just as a switchblade knife would. Locksmiths can replace the key blade or the key fob, of this type of lock. However they are more expensive than standard replacements. Smart keys are the latest technology in security for cars. They offer a fully-electronic system for unlocking and launching your car. These keys communicate with your vehicle using antennas that are embedded into the car's frame and body. This eliminates the requirement for traditional key blades and the need to insert the key into the ignition. The most sophisticated models even can be used to lock and start your car without needing to be inserted into the ignition at all but this requires you are within reach of the vehicle. Key Fobs Key fobs are remotes that let you start and lock your vehicle without touching the ignition. They are small, rectangular and come with buttons that perform many functions. From locking the doors to starting the car remotely they can do it all. They attach to the car key via tiny plastic cases that could also include buttons to open the trunk or set off an alarm. Some of the latest vehicles also come with a combination key, which is a combination of a traditional key shank and an electronic key fob. This is typically used to control the ignition. It is also referred to as a “transponder key.” Many modern-day car owners use their keys as a means of accessing their vehicle, and most of them don't even realize that they are doing it. While these devices are fantastic for adding convenience to driving however, they have some downsides that should be taken into consideration. The most obvious issue is that a key-fob can be unable to charge. The key fob transmits an encoded code to unlock and start your car. If the signal is lost or broken the key will not be able to start the car. Fortunately, most modern key fobs are designed to withstand such threats. They are usually programmed to send random numbers to the car system every time they transmit a signal. This stops old codes from being used again and renders stolen keys useless for thieves. If the key is lost the key fob can serve as a backup device to unlock and start the vehicle. Some manufacturers go a step further by providing apps that allow you to control the car in the event you cannot find your key fob. A professional locksmith can assist you replace a lost key fob. They can assist you and their services are typically less expensive than those offered by dealerships.