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Types of Ignition Key Replacement The most basic type of car key is the blade that you insert into an ignition lock cylinder to begin your car. Older cars have keys like this however, modern models have transponder chips inside the keys that need to be programmed to work with your car. You can typically replace these keys at an auto dealer or locksmith. They can make the replacement using your vehicle's VIN number. Transponder Keys Transponder chips can be present in vehicles built within the last 20 years. It's a combination of electronic and mechanical security. It transmits an encrypted message to the vehicle when you insert the ignition key. The engine control unit then checks this code against its own database to determine if you are the owner of the vehicle. If you are, the car will start. The process happens in milliseconds, and is not visible to the naked eye. There will be a tiny chip on the front of your key if it is a transponder. The easiest method to test it is to insert the key into your ignition and turn it on. If your car responds, it means that the key has been programmed and successfully verified as a genuine transponder key. This is due to the fact that, while traditional keys are used to match the lock tumblers to unlock the vehicle, the transponder chip sends an electronic signal directly to the computer. This can stop people from hot-wiring their cars by ensuring that the right key is used to activate the ignition system. Follow these easy steps to reprogram a transponder. First, make sure that the key functions before putting it away. Then, sit in your driver's seat and insert your new key blank into the ignition and turn it to the off position. You should leave it for about 15 minutes, and then turn the ignition off. After that, you are able to try to start the car again. If the car isn't starting after turning it off and on, you'll have to repeat the process. The process of reprogramming transponder keys is more complicated and costly than the process of duplicated a standard mechanical car key. car ignition switch repair is also necessary to have your key cut professionally and a key programmer is needed to decode the code and match it to a transponder that is new. Smart Keys Keys Smart keys enable drivers to unlock doors and start engines by pressing a button, without the need to put the key in the ignition. Inside the fob is an electronic transponder that communicates with the immobilizer of the car, disarming it to allow the car to start. The fob typically has remote control function buttons that control door locks, open the trunk, and open the tailgates. Some have the panic button, which, when activated, loudly blasts the vehicle's horn to repel intruders. Smart keys are no different. They come with advantages and disadvantages, just like every other technology. They do offer convenience and increased security, especially for those who frequently not lock their cars. These features can also save you money over the long term. In addition to preventing thieves from taking your car smart keys can also help you avoid the old phrase “it's in here somewhere.” Contrary to traditional groove cut keys, which require a physical metal shaft to unlock and start your vehicle, smart keys use radio frequency signals to communicate with your vehicle. They aren't duplicated by the traditional key. However, that does not mean that you won't be able to find the key if it should happen to get lost. Smart keys are more expensive based on the manufacturer. This is mainly because they come with built-in electronics which make them more complex and difficult to repair if something goes wrong. Pop-A-Lock can replace and program smart keys for a fraction of what your dealership would charge. We can complete the process in a shorter amount of time, saving you from having to arrange alternative transportation while your vehicle is being repaired. So, if you're considering buying a smart key to your vehicle consider doing yourself a favor and buy a spare fob to keep in a secure place, or consider motor insurance that has a substantial payment in case you lose your keys. Just make sure you keep it out of reach from the eyes of anyone who might be watching – low frequency transmissions can let someone pick up your signal and take your car, as per How Stuff Works Electronics. Switchblade Keys When it is time to replace the ignition key, there are a few different options to choose from. The traditional key is the most popular one, and has a steel shaft that has distinct notches or cutouts that correspond to lock tumblers in the door and ignition cylinder. They are not equipped with advanced features such as remote unlocking and keyless entry, but are durable and easy to use. Transponder keys, on other hand, are an enormous leap forward in automotive security technology. These keys have an electronic chip in the head of the key that communicates with a receiver in the vehicle and allows it to start only when the correct code is sent. This type of key has been very successful in reducing automotive theft, and the process of programming a new key and transponder is quite simple for a professional locksmith for cars. Flip-style keys are a different kind of key that folds away the blade when not in use. This protects the blade from damage and reduces weight for easier carrying. This type of key features keys that come with remote control features. Drivers can lock and unlock car trunks, doors, and start their engines remotely. Laser cut keys are offered for those looking to add an additional layer of protection against auto theft. These keys have their shanks cut with a laser, creating a more precise and difficult to replicate pattern. While these keys are more expensive than standard keys and traditional key fobs, they also offer more security against theft by unauthorised users. Switchblade keys are also available that resemble bladed weapons, and can fold up into a handle when not being utilized. The handle opens when a button is pressed, showing the blade of the key. Locksmiths can replace the key blade, or the key fob in this kind of lock. However, they are more expensive than standard replacements. Smart keys are the newest innovation in automotive security. They offer a fully-electronic system for unlocking and starting your car. These keys communicate with your vehicle via antennas embedded in the car's frame and body, removing the requirement for a traditional blade, and the need to physically insert the key into the ignition cylinder. The most advanced models are able to lock and start your car without being placed in the ignition but this requires you be within the range of the car. Key Fobs Key fobs work as remotes that let you lock and start your vehicle without touching the ignition. They are small, rectangular, and feature buttons for various functions. From locking the doors to remotely starting the car, they can do it all. They are connected to the car key using tiny plastic cases that could also include buttons to open the trunk or activate an alarm. Some newer cars also have a combination key that provides the traditional key shank as well the key fob, the latter usually controlling the ignition. They are also referred to as “transponder keys.” Many modern car owners do not know that they use their key fobs to unlock their cars. These devices are fantastic for making driving easier however they also have their own drawbacks. The most obvious problem is that a key fob can run out of battery. The key fob sends a code that is used to unlock and start your car. If the signal is lost or broken the key will not be able to start the car. Fortunately, modern key fobs have been designed to resist such threats. They are typically programmed to send random numbers to the car system every time they send a signal. This prevents old codes from being reused and makes keys stolen from the car useless to thieves. A key fob can also serve as a backup method to unlock and start the car, in the event that the key is lost. Some manufacturers go one step further by offering applications that can be used to control the vehicle in the event you cannot locate your key fob. If you have an old key fob that requires to be replaced, it is recommended to get in contact with an experienced locksmith. They will be able to help you out, and their services tend to be cheaper than dealerships.