10 Ignition Key Replacement Tricks Experts Recommend
Types of Ignition Key Replacement
The most basic type of car key is the blade type that you insert into an ignition lock cylinder in order to start your car. Keys like this are typically used in older vehicles, however the latest models come with transponder chips that must be programmed into your vehicle to function.
You can usually replace these keys at a dealership or an automotive locksmith. The VIN number of the vehicle can be used to create an entirely new key.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it's almost certain that it has a transponder embedded in. This technology is a combination of electronic and mechanical security. It works by sending a coded message to the vehicle after you insert the ignition key. The engine control unit then compares this code with its own database to determine if you are the authorized owner of the vehicle. If you are, the car will start. The process happens in milliseconds and is unnoticeable to the naked eye.
You'll see a tiny chip on the front of your key if it is transponder. Inserting the key into your ignition and turning it on is the most efficient way to test. If your car responds to the keys this means that it was programmed and verified as a valid transponder.
The reason this provides an additional layer of security is that while traditional keys rely on a match with the tumblers of the lock transponder chips transmit an electronic signal to the car's computer. This helps prevent individuals from hot-wiring vehicles by ensuring that the correct key is used to start the ignition system.
To reprogram a transponder key you must follow these simple steps. First, make sure that the key functions and then put it aside. Then, sit in your driver's chair and insert the new key blank into the ignition and turn it on. It should remain there for around 15 minutes and then turn off the ignition. Then, you can try to start the car again. If the car doesn't start after switching it off and on, you'll need repeat the procedure.
The process of reprogramming transponder keys is a little more complicated and expensive than duplicating a standard mechanical car key. It is also necessary to have your key professionally cut, and a car key programmer is needed to extract the code and match it to a transponder that is new.
Smart Keys
Smart keys enable drivers to unlock doors and start engines with a single touch, without having to put the key in the ignition. The fob is equipped with an electronic transponder that connects to an immobilizer inside the car, disarming it so the car can begin. The fob is usually equipped with remote control buttons that operate the door locks, release the trunk and open tailgates. Some also include a panic button that, when activated, loudly blasts the vehicle's horn in order to repel intruders.
Smart keys aren't different. They have their pros and cons like every other technology. They do provide increased security and convenience - especially for those with an inclination to not lock the car. These features can also help save money in the long run.
Smart keys are not only an effective way to keep thieves from stealing vehicles, but they can also help you avoid the age-old phrase, "it's somewhere in here." Instead of utilizing a metal key shaft, smart keys communicate with your car using radio frequency signals. As such, they can't be duplicated using a traditional key cut. But that doesn't mean that you can't locate the key if it should happen to disappear.
Depending on the manufacturer, smart keys may be more expensive than traditional groove cut keys. This is mainly due to the fact that they come with built-in electronics, making them more complex and difficult to repair if something goes wrong.
Pop-A-Lock is able to replace and program smart keys for less than what dealerships charge. We can complete the process in a shorter amount of time, avoiding having to arrange alternative transportation while your car is being repaired. So, if you're considering buying a smart key to your vehicle, do yourself a favour and purchase a spare fob to keep in a safe place, or invest in motor insurance with a hefty payment in case you lose your keys. Keep it from anyone's eyes. ignition key replacement can allow thieves to steal your car.
Switchblade Keys
There are a variety of options when it comes to changing the ignition key. The traditional key is the most common one, and has a metal shaft that features distinct cutouts or notches that correspond to lock tumblers in the ignition cylinder and door. They lack advanced features like remote unlocking or keyless entry, however they are reliable and simple to use.
Transponder keys represent an important advancement in the field of automotive security technology. They have an electronic chip inside the head of the key that communicates with a receiver inside the vehicle that allows it to begin only when the correct code is sent. This kind of key has been very effective in reducing theft from vehicles and the process of programming a new key and transponder is fairly easy for a skilled car locksmith.
Flip-style keys are a type of key that can be tucked away the blade when in use. This protects the blade from damage and also reduces weight for easier carrying. The key fob part of this kind of key usually comes with remote control functions that allow drivers to lock and unlock trunk or doors of their car, and start the engine remotely.
Laser cut keys are readily available for those looking to add an extra security measure against auto theft. Lasers are used to cut the shanks of these keys, creating patterns that are difficult to duplicate. They cost more than standard keys and key fobs, but they offer a higher level of security.
Finally, there are switchblade keys that resemble the bladed weapons that popularized the term "switchblade." These keys fold up into the shape of a key fob handle when they are not being used. When the user presses a button the handle snaps open and exposes the key blade 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 regular replacements.
Smart keys are the newest innovation in automotive security. They offer a fully-electronic system for unlocking and opening your car. They communicate with your vehicle using antennas that are embedded into the car's frame and body. This eliminates the need for traditional key blades and the necessity of inserting the key into the ignition. The most sophisticated models even have the ability to lock and start your car without needing to be inserted into the ignition at all however this requires you be within the range of the car.
Key Fobs
Key fobs are basically remotes for cars that allow you to lock and start your vehicle without ever having to touch the ignition. They are small, rectangular and come with buttons for many functions. From locking the doors to remotely starting the car they can do everything. They are attached to the car key via tiny plastic cases that could also include buttons to open the trunk or trigger an alarm.
Some cars of recent years also have a combination key that provides both a traditional key shank as well a key fob, with the latter typically controlling the ignition. They are also referred to as "transponder keys."
Many modern-day car owners use their keys to gain access to their vehicle, and most of them aren't aware of it. These devices are fantastic for making driving more enjoyable however they also have a few drawbacks.
The most obvious problem is that a key fob can run out of battery. The key fob transmits an encoded code to unlock and start your vehicle. If the signal is lost or interrupted the key won't be able to start the car.
Luckily, the majority of modern key fobs are built to be resilient against such threats. They are typically programmed to send random numbers to the car system each time they send out an alert. This stops the old codes from being reused and makes stolen keys ineffective for thieves.
A key fob can be used as a backup option to unlock and start the car in the event that the key is lost. Some manufacturers go a step further by providing apps that can be used to control the vehicle 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 usually less expensive than those offered by a dealership.