15 Startling Facts About Ignition Key Replacement That You Never Knew

Types of Ignition Key Replacement The blade style car key is the easiest to use. Simply insert it into your ignition lock cylinder, and you're ready to go. Older cars come with these kinds of keys however modern models incorporate transponder chips in the keys that must be programmed to work with your vehicle. You can typically get these keys replaced at a dealership or an automotive locksmith. The VIN number of your car can be used to make a new key. Transponder Keys If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's a guarantee that it has a transponder chip embedded in. This technology is a perfect combination of mechanical and electronic security, and it works by sending a coded signal to the vehicle when you insert the key into the ignition. The engine control unit checks this code with its internal database to determine if you're the authorized owner of the vehicle. If you are, the car will begin. The process takes place in milliseconds and is invisible to the naked eye. If you own a transponder-type key, you'll be able to see tiny electronic chips on the surface of your key. Inserting the key into your ignition and turning it on is the simplest way to test. If your car responds to the keys this means that it was programmed and verified as a valid transponder. The reason for this extra layer of security is that while traditional keys rely on matching the lock tumblers, transponder chips actually send an electronic signal to the car's computer. This can stop people from hot-wiring their cars by ensuring that the right key is used to start the ignition system. To reprogram a transponder keys you must follow a few simple steps. First, make sure that the key is in working state and put it away. Then, you can insert the blank key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position. After about 15 minutes, turn off the ignition. After that, you are able to attempt to start the car once more. If it doesn't start then you'll need to repeat the process of turning off and turning on the car. Reprogramming the transponder key is more complicated and expensive than duplicating a standard mechanical car key. You'll also need to have your key cut professionally and a car key programmer is required to extract the code and then match it to a new transponder. 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. The fob has an RFID chip that communicates with an immobilizer inside the vehicle, disarming it to ensure that the car can begin. The fob is usually equipped with remote control function buttons that control door locks, release the trunk and open the tailgates. Some include a panic switch which, when activated, blasts the horn of the vehicle in order to scare away thieves. Smart keys are no different. They come with pros and cons, just like any other technology. They do provide increased security and convenience – especially for those who have the tendency to forget to secure their vehicle. car ignition repair can save you money in the long run. Smart keys aren't just a great way to prevent thieves from stealing vehicles and other valuables, but they also aid you in avoiding the infamous phrase, “it's somewhere in here.” Instead of utilizing a metal key shaft, smart keys communicate with your car via radio frequency signals. They are not duplicated using a traditional key. However, this doesn't mean you can't find the key in case it's lost. Depending on the manufacturer, smart keys can be more expensive than traditional groove cut keys. The main reason is that smart keys are equipped with electronic components, which makes them more complex and difficult to fix in the event of a malfunction. Pop-A Lock can replace and program smart keys at a fraction of what dealerships charge. We can even complete the process in a shorter time frame, saving you the hassle of having to find alternative transportation until your vehicle is fixed. So, if you're considering getting a smart key for your vehicle, do yourself a favour and purchase a spare key to keep in a secure location, or purchase motor insurance that has a substantial pay out should you lose your keys. Be sure to keep it away from prying eyes – low frequency transmissions could allow someone to 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 available. Traditional keys are the old standby, with a metal shaft with distinct cuts or notches that correspond to the lock tumblers inside the door and the ignition cylinder. They lack advanced features like remote unlocking or keyless entry however, they are durable and simple to use. Transponder keys represent an important advancement in the field of automotive security technology. These keys feature an electronic chip embedded in the head of the key that communicates with a receiver inside the vehicle that allows it to begin only when the correct code is transmitted. This type of key is extremely effective in reducing crime within the automotive. The procedure of programming a transponder and key for a locksmith who is experienced is fairly simple. Another type of key is the flip-style that tucks the key blade inside a housing when not in use. This helps protect the blade of the key from damage, and makes it easier to carry. This kind of key comes with a key fob that includes remote control features. Drivers can lock and unlock car trunks, doors, or even start their engines remotely. Laser cut keys are available for those looking to add an additional security measure against auto theft. The shanks of these keys are cut using the help of a laser, resulting in an extremely precise and difficult to duplicate pattern. While these keys are more expensive than basic key fobs and traditional keys however, they provide a greater level of protection against theft by unauthorised users. Switchblade keys are also available as bladed weapons and can fold down into a handle when they are not being utilized. When the user presses a button the handle opens 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 a bit more costly than basic replacements. Smart keys are the latest technology in security for cars that provides a completely electronic method of unlocking and starting your vehicle. The keys communicate with your vehicle through 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 are able to lock and start your car without having to be inserted into the ignition at all but this requires you be within the range of the vehicle. Key Fobs Key fobs function as remotes that allow you to lock and start your car without touching the ignition. They are small, rectangular and have buttons that perform various functions. From locking the doors to starting the car remotely, they can do it all. They are attached to the key with a small plastic case, which may have buttons that open the trunk and set off an alarm. Certain newer vehicles come with a combination key, which combines a traditional key shank and an electronic key fob. This is typically used to control the ignition. These are also referred to as “transponder keys.” The majority of modern car owners don't realize that they use their key fobs to unlock their vehicles. These devices are an excellent way to make driving more convenient, but they also have a few drawbacks. The most obvious issue is that the battery of the key fob could be dead. The key fob transmits an encrypted code to unlock and start your vehicle. If the signal is lost or broken the key will not be able to work the car. Fortunately modern key fobs are designed to ward off these kinds of threats. They are usually programmed with a sequence of random numbers that can be used to create unique unlocking sequences each time they send an indication to the car's system. This prevents the old codes from being reused, and makes any key stolen unusable for thieves. Key fobs can also be used as a backup method to unlock and start the car if the key is somehow misplaced. Some manufacturers have even taken it a step further by offering apps that can be downloaded onto phones and used to control a car in the event that you aren't able to locate your key fob. A professional locksmith can help replace the lost key fob. They will be able to help you out, and their services tend to be more affordable than a dealership.