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. Older cars use these kinds of keys however, modern models have transponder chips in the keys that must be programmed to work with your vehicle.
Keys can be replaced by a dealer or automotive locksmith. They can create the replacement using your vehicle's VIN number.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in vehicles manufactured in the last 20 years. This technology is a perfect combination 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 internal database to determine if you are the authorized owner of the vehicle. If you are then, the car will start. The process is completely invisible and takes milliseconds.
You will see a small chip on the front of your key if you have transponder. Insisting the key into your ignition and turning it on is the simplest method to test. If your vehicle responds to the key it means it was programmed and verified as a valid transponder.
This is due to the fact that, while traditional keys match the lock tumblers to unlock the car, a transponder chip sends an electronic signal directly to the computer. This is a way to prevent individuals from hot-wiring their car by ensuring that the right key is used.
Follow these simple instructions to reprogram a transponder. First, make sure that the key is working and then set it aside. Then, get in your driver's seat and insert your new blank key into the ignition, turning it to the on position. After about 15 minutes, switch off the ignition. After 15 minutes, you can try to start the car again. If it doesn't start then you'll need to repeat the process of turning off and on the car.
Reprogramming ignition cylinder lock repair with a transponder is more difficult and costly than replicating the mechanical key. You'll also need to cut your key professionally and a key programmer is needed to decode the code and then match it to a transponder that is new.
Smart Keys
Smart keys enable drivers to unlock doors and start their engines by pressing a button without having to put the key in the ignition. Inside the fob is a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer and disarms it to allow the car to start. The fob typically has remote control buttons that control door locks, unlock the trunk, and open the tailgates. Some have a panic switch that, when pressed, blasts the horn of the vehicle in order to scare away criminals.
Smart keys aren't any different. They have their advantages and disadvantages, just as any other technology. But they do offer enhanced security and comfort - especially for those with the tendency to forget to lock their car. These features can save you money over time.
Smart keys are not only a great way to prevent thieves from stealing vehicles, but they can also assist you in avoiding the old phrase, "it's somewhere in here." Instead of utilizing a metal key shaft smart keys communicate with your car via radio frequency signals. Therefore, they cannot be duplicated by the traditional key cut. However, that doesn't mean that you can't locate the key if it does occur to be lost.
Depending on the manufacturer, smart keys may be more expensive than traditional groove cut keys. This is mainly due to the fact that they are equipped with electronic components, making them more complex and difficult to repair if something goes wrong.
Pop-A Lock can replace and program smart keys at less than what your dealer would charge. We can even complete the process in a much less time, avoiding the hassle of having find alternative transportation until your vehicle is repaired. If you're thinking about buying a smart key to your vehicle consider doing yourself a favor and purchase a spare fob to keep in a secure place, or invest in motor insurance with a hefty pay out should you lose your keys. Make sure to keep it out of reach from prying eyes. Low frequency transmissions can let someone pick up the signal and steal your car, according to How Stuff Works Electronics.
Switchblade Keys
When it comes to ignition key replacement there are several different options to choose from. Traditional keys are the old standby, with a metal shaft with distinct notches or cuts that correspond to the lock tumblers inside the door and the ignition cylinder. They do not have modern features like remote unlocking and keyless entry, however they are reliable and easy-to-use.
Transponder keys, on other hand, represent an enormous leap forward in automotive security technology. These keys have an embedded electronic chip that communicates with the receiver in the vehicle. The vehicle will only begin to start when the correct code has been transmitted. This type of key has been very effective in reducing the theft of vehicles and programming a new key and transponder is quite easy for a skilled car locksmith.
Flip-style keys are another type of key that can be tucked away the blade when not when not in use. This helps protect the key blade from damage and also reduces the size for easier carrying. The key fob part of this type of key usually comes with remote control features, which allow drivers to lock and unlock the trunk or doors of their car and start the engine from a distance.
Laser cut keys are available to those who want to add an additional layer of protection against auto theft. These keys have their shanks cut using lasers, creating an extremely precise and difficult to duplicate pattern. Although these keys are more expensive than standard key fobs and traditional keys however, they provide a greater level of protection against theft by unauthorised users.
Switchblade keys are also available that resemble bladed weapons. They fold into a handle when not being used. When the user presses a button the handle snaps open and exposes the key blade exactly as a switchblade knife would. A locksmith can replace either the key blade or key fob part of this kind of key, however, they can be somewhat more expensive than simple replacements.
Smart keys are the newest innovation in automotive security. They provide a completely electronic system for unlocking and starting your car. The keys communicate with your vehicle via antennas embedded in the car's body and frame, eliminating the requirement for a traditional key blade, and the need to physically insert the key into the ignition cylinder. The most sophisticated models have the ability to lock and start your car without needing to be inserted into the ignition at all, though this requires that you be within range of the car.
Key Fobs
Key fobs are basically remotes for cars that permit you to lock and start the vehicle without ever having to touch the ignition. They are typically small, rectangular, and have buttons that serve a variety of functions, from locking the doors to remotely starting the vehicle. They are attached to the car key via a tiny plastic case that could also include buttons to open the trunk or activate an alarm.
Some newer vehicles also come with the combination key, which is a combination of a traditional key shank and an electronic key fob. This is typically used to control the ignition. They can also be called a "transponder key."
Most modern car owners don't realize that they are using their keys to unlock their cars. These gadgets can be an excellent way to make driving more convenient however, they also have their own drawbacks.
The most obvious issue is that the key fob's battery can die. The key fob sends an encrypted code to unlock and start your vehicle. If the signal is lost or interrupted the key will not be able to operate the car.
Fortunately, modern key fobs are designed to ward off such threats. They are usually programmed with a series of random numbers that can be used to generate unique unlocking sequences every time they transmit an alert to the car's system. This prevents old codes from being reused, and makes any key stolen unusable for thieves.
If the key is lost, the key fob will serve as a backup to unlock and start the car. Some manufacturers even go one step further by offering applications that can be used to control the vehicle in the event you cannot find your key fob.
If you have an old key fob that requires to be replaced, it is recommended to contact a professional locksmith. They can help you out, and their services are likely to be cheaper than dealerships.