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Types of Ignition Key Replacement The simplest kind of car key is the blade style that you insert into the ignition lock cylinder in order to start your vehicle. Older cars come with these kinds of keys, but newer models use transponder chips inside the keys that need to be programmed to work with the car. It is common to get these keys replaced at an auto dealership or locksmith. They can create an replacement with your car's VIN number. Transponder Keys Transponder chips can be present in vehicles built within the last 20-years. This technology is a perfect combination of electronic and mechanical security. It works by sending a coded signal to the vehicle when you insert the key into the ignition. The engine control unit compared this code against its internal database to determine if you're the owner of the vehicle who is authorized. If it is then, the car will start. The process is invisible and takes milliseconds. If you own a transponder key, you will be able see a small electronic chip on the face of your key. Inserting the key into your ignition and turning it on is the easiest way to test. If your car responds, it means that the key is programmed and successfully verified as a valid transponder key. This is because, while traditional keys match the lock tumblers to unlock the vehicle, transponder chip sends an electronic signal directly to the computer. ignition system repair cost helps prevent people from hot-wiring cars by making sure that the correct key is used to activate the ignition system. Follow these simple instructions to reprogram a transponder. First, make sure that the key is in working condition and set it aside. Then, you can insert the blank key into the ignition and turn the key to the “on” position. After about 15 minutes, turn off the ignition. Then, you can try to start the car again. If the car doesn't start after switching it off and back on, you'll need repeat the procedure. Reprogramming a transponder key is a bit more complex and costly than making a duplicate of the regular mechanical car key. It is also necessary to have your key cut professionally and a key programmer is required to take the code and match it to a transponder that is new. Smart Keys Keys Smart keys allow drivers to unlock doors and start their engines by pressing a button without the need to insert the key in the ignition. Inside the fob is a transponder chip which communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer and disarms it to allow the car to start. The fob has remote control buttons that open the tailgate, open the trunk and operate the door locks. Some also include a panic button that when activated, blasts the vehicle's sound to dissuade intruders. Smart keys aren't any different. They come with pros and cons, just like every other technology. But they do offer enhanced security and ease of use – particularly for those who have the tendency to forget to lock the car. These features can save you money over the course of time. Smart keys are not only an effective way to keep thieves from stealing vehicles as well, but they can help you avoid the age-old phrase, “it's somewhere in here.” Instead of using a metal key shaft smart keys communicate with your car using radio frequency signals. As such, they can't be duplicated by keys cut in the traditional way. However, this doesn't mean you can't find the key in case it's lost. Depending on the manufacturer, smart keys may be more expensive than traditional groove cut keys based on the manufacturer. The main reason is that smart keys come with built-in electronic components, which makes them more complicated and difficult to repair in the event of a malfunction. Fortunately, Pop-A Lock can replace and program most smart keys for a fraction of the cost of your dealer. We can even do it in a shorter time, avoiding the hassle of having to arrange for alternative transportation until your car is repaired. If you're considering purchasing a smart car key, you can purchase one spare to keep in a secure location or purchase a motor covers that pay out in the event of losing your keys. Be sure to keep it out of reach from prying eyes. Low frequency transmissions could let someone pick up your signal and take your car, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Switchblade Keys There are many options available when replacing the ignition key. The traditional key is the most commonly used one, and has a steel shaft that has distinct notches or cutouts which correspond to lock tumblers in the ignition cylinder and door. They do not have advanced features such as remote unlocking or keyless entry however, they are durable and easy to use. Transponder keys are a major advance in automotive security technology. They are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the receiver in the vehicle. The vehicle will only start if the correct code has been transmitted. This kind of key has proven effective in reducing the theft of vehicles and the process of programming a new key with a transponder is quite simple for a professional locksmith for cars. Another type of key is the flip-style key that is designed to tuck the key blade inside a housing when not in use. This helps protect the blade of the key from being damaged and makes it more convenient to carry. This type of key has an accessory key fob that has remote control features. Drivers can lock and unlock their car doors, trunks, and start their engines from a distance. Laser cut keys are offered to those who want to add an additional layer of protection against auto theft. Lasers are used to cut the shanks of these keys, forming patterns that are difficult to duplicate. They cost more than traditional keys and key fobs, but they provide a higher level of security. Switchblade keys are also available as bladed weapons. They can fold up into a handle when they are not being utilized. When the user presses a button, the handle snaps open and exposes the key blade just like a switchblade knife. Locksmiths can repair the key blade or the key fob portion of this type of key, however, they can be somewhat more expensive than simple replacements. Smart keys are the most recent innovation in automotive security. They offer a fully-electronic system for unlocking and opening your car. The keys communicate with your vehicle through antennas embedded in the car frame and body. This eliminates the requirement for traditional key blades and the necessity of inserting the key into the ignition. Some of the most advanced models can even lock and start the car without the key being inserted in the ignition. However, you must be within the range of. Key Fobs Key fobs are essentially remotes for cars that permit you to lock and open the vehicle without ever needing to touch the ignition. They are typically small and rectangular, and feature buttons that perform a range of functions, ranging from locking the doors to remotely starting the car. They attach to the key with a small plastic case, which may have buttons that open the trunk and set off an alarm. Some of the latest vehicles also come with a combination key that is a combination of a traditional key shank and a key fob. The latter is usually used to control the ignition. These are also known as “transponder keys.” Many modern car owners use their key fobs as a way to access their vehicle, and a lot of them aren't aware of it. These devices can be an excellent way to make driving easier however they also have some downsides. The most obvious problem is that the battery of the key fob can die. The electronic signals that unlock your car and then start it operate by sending a code to the car's computer therefore, if the signal is interrupted or is lost the key fob won't be capable of operating the car. Luckily, the majority of modern key fobs are made to be resilient against such threats. They are typically programmed with a series of random numbers that can be used to generate unique unlocking sequences every time they send an alert to the car's system. This prevents old codes from being re-used and renders any keys stolen from the car useless to thieves. If the key is lost, the key fob will serve as a backup device to start and unlock the vehicle. Some manufacturers have even gone a step further by offering apps that can be downloaded to the phone and used to control a car in the event you aren't able to find your key fob. If you have a key fob that needs to be replaced, it is recommended to connect with an experienced locksmith. They can assist you and their services are typically less expensive than those offered by dealerships.