Everything You Need To Know About Ignition Key Replacement Dos And Don'ts
Types of Ignition Key Replacement The most basic type of car key is the blade that you insert into an ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. Older cars come with keys like this however, modern models have transponder chips inside the keys that must be programmed to work with the car. Keys can be replaced by a dealer or an automotive locksmith. They can provide a replacement using your car's VIN number. Transponder Keys If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's an absolute guarantee that it has a transponder embedded inside. This technology is a combination of mechanical security and electronic security. It sends a coded message to the vehicle once you insert the ignition key. The engine control unit checks the code against its own database to determine if you are the authorized vehicle owner. If you are, the car will start. The process takes milliseconds and is unnoticeable to the naked eye. If you own a transponder key, you'll be able see a small electronic chip on the front of your key. Insisting the key into your ignition and turning it on is the most efficient method to test. If your car responds, it indicates that the key has been programmed and successfully verified as a valid transponder key. This is because, whereas traditional keys work with lock tumblers to unlock the car, a transponder chips send an electronic signal directly to the computer. This stops people from hot-wiring their cars by ensuring the right key is used. To reprogram a transponder device you must follow some simple instructions. First, ensure that the key is in good working condition and then put it aside. Then, get in the driver's seat and insert your new blank key into the ignition, turning it on. It should remain there for around 15 minutes, and then turn off the ignition. After 15 minutes, you can then attempt to start the car again. If the car isn't starting after switching it off and on, you'll have repeat the process. The process of reprogramming a transponder key is more complicated and costly than making a duplicate of a standard mechanical car key. In addition, you will require the key cut professionally and a car key programming device is needed to remove the code from your ECM and then match it to a new transponder key. Smart Keys With smart keys, drivers can unlock their doors and start their engine by pressing a button without having to insert the key into the ignition. The fob contains an RFID chip that communicates with an immobilizer inside the vehicle, disarming it to ensure that the car can start. The fob typically has remote control function buttons that control door locks, unlock the trunk and open the tailgates. Some also include a panic button that when activated, blasts the vehicle's horn in order to scare off intruders. Smart keys are no different. They come with advantages and disadvantages, just like any other technology. However, they can provide greater security and comfort – especially for those with an inclination to not secure their vehicle. These features can save you money over time. Smart keys are not only an excellent way to stop thieves from stealing cars as well, but they can aid you in avoiding the infamous phrase, “it's somewhere in here.” Instead of using a metal key shaft, smart keys communicate with your car using radio frequency signals. Therefore, they cannot be duplicated with a traditional key cut. This does not mean that 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. This is due to the fact that they have built-in electronics, making them more complex and difficult to repair in the event that something goes wrong. Pop-A Lock can replace and program smart keys at less than what your dealership would charge. We can complete the process in a fraction of the time, and you won't be having to plan alternative transportation while your vehicle is being repaired. So, if you're considering buying a smart key to your vehicle Do yourself a favor and buy a spare fob to keep in a safe place, or invest in motor insurance with a hefty pay out should 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 could permit someone to detect your signal and take your car, reports How Stuff Works Electronics. Switchblade Keys When it comes to ignition key replacement, there are a few different options available. The traditional key is the most popular one, and has a steel shaft that has distinct cutouts or notches that correspond with tumblers for the lock in the ignition cylinder and door. They do not have advanced features such as remote unlocking or keyless entry, however they are reliable and easy to use. Transponder keys, on other hand, represent an important leap forward in automotive security technology. These keys have an embedded electronic chip that communicates with the receiver inside the vehicle. The vehicle will only start if the proper code has been transmitted. This kind of key has been very successful in reducing automotive theft and programming the new key and transponder is relatively easy for a skilled locksmith for cars. Flip-style keys are a different kind of key that folds away the blade when in use. This protects the blade of the key from being damaged and makes it more convenient to carry. This type of key has a key fob that includes remote control features. auto ignition key replacement can lock and unlock their car trunks, doors, or even start their engines remotely. For those who are looking for an added security measure against automobile theft, the laser cut key is available. Lasers are used to cut the shanks of these keys, creating a pattern that is more difficult to duplicate. While they are more expensive than standard key fobs and traditional keys but they also provide more protection against theft by unauthorised users. Finally, there are switchblade keys that resemble the bladed weapons that helped popularize the term “switchblade.” These keys fold up into a key fob handle when they are not being used. The handle opens when the button is pressed, showing the blade of the key. Locksmiths can replace the key blade or the key fob component of this type of key, however they can be slightly more expensive than standard replacements. Smart keys are the most recent technology in security for cars that provides a completely electronic system for unlocking and starting your car. These keys communicate with your vehicle through 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 have the ability to lock and start your car without having to be inserted into the ignition at all, though this requires that you are within reach of the vehicle. Key Fobs Key fobs are remotes that allow you to start and lock your car without having to touch the ignition. They are usually small, rectangular, and feature buttons that can perform a variety of functions, ranging from locking the doors to remotely starting the car. They are attached to the key using a small plastic case, which may have buttons that open the trunk or set off an alarm. Some of the latest vehicles also include 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 do not realize that they use their key fobs to unlock their cars. While these gadgets are great for adding convenience to driving but they do have some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration. The most obvious issue is that the key fob's battery may die. The key fob sends a code that is used to unlock and start your vehicle. If the signal is lost or disrupted, the key will not be able to work the car. Fortunately, modern key fobs have been designed to resist these threats. They are usually programmed to send random numbers to the car system every time they transmit an alert. This prevents the old codes from being reused, and makes any key stolen useless for thieves. Key fobs can be used as a backup method to unlock and start the car, if the key is somehow lost. Some manufacturers even go one step further and offer apps that allow you to control the vehicle in the event that you are unable to locate your key fob. A professional locksmith can assist you replace the lost key fob. They can assist you, and their services are generally cheaper than those of a dealership.