5 The 5 Reasons Ignition Key Replacement Is Actually A Great Thing
Types of Ignition Key Replacement
The most basic type of car key is the blade style that you insert into an ignition lock cylinder to start your car. These keys are commonly used in older cars, however the latest models come with transponder chips that need to be programmed into your car to work.
Keys can be replaced by a dealer or automotive locksmith. The VIN number of your car can be used to make a new key.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are almost always found in vehicles manufactured in the last 20 years. This technology is a blend of electronic and mechanical security. It works by sending a coded message to the vehicle when you insert the ignition key. The engine control unit then compares this code with its internal database to determine whether or not you are the owner of the vehicle. If it is the case, the car will begin. The process is invisible and takes milliseconds.
You will see a small chip on the front of your key if it is transponders. Inserting the key in your ignition and turning it on is the most efficient way to test. If your vehicle responds to the key this means that it was programmed and verified as a valid transponder.
This is because, while traditional keys work with lock tumblers to unlock the car, a transponder chip sends an electronic signal directly to the computer. This prevents people from hot-wiring their cars by ensuring that the correct key is used.
Follow these easy steps to reprogram the transponder. First, ensure that the key is in good state and put it away. Next, sit in your driver's chair and insert your new key blank into the ignition and turn it to the on position. It should remain there for around 15 minutes, and then switch off the ignition. After G28 , you can attempt to start the car once more. If it isn't starting then you'll have to repeat the procedure of turning off and on the car.
Reprogramming a transponder car key is more complex and expensive than replicating a mechanical key. You will also need to cut your key professionally, and a car key programmer is required to decode the code and then match it to a transponder that is new.
Smart Keys Keys
With smart keys, a driver can unlock their doors and start their engine by simply pressing a button without needing to insert the key into the ignition. The fob contains an RFID chip that communicates with an immobilizer inside the car, disarming it so that the car can begin. The fob has remote control buttons that open the tailgate, unlock the trunk and operate the door locks. Some have the panic button, which when activated, blasts the vehicle's horn to scare off intruders.
Like all technologies smart keys have their advantages and disadvantages. They offer convenience and enhanced security particularly for those who often forget to lock their vehicle. These features can save you money over the course of time.
In addition to stopping thieves from stealing your car smart keys can also help you avoid that age-old phrase "it's there somewhere." In contrast to traditional groove cut keys which require a key shaft made of metal to unlock and start the vehicle, smart keys use radio frequency signals to communicate with your vehicle. They are therefore unable to be duplicated using the traditional key cut. This does not mean that you cannot find the key in case it is lost.
Depending on the manufacturer, smart keys could be more expensive than traditional groove cut keys, depending on the manufacturer. This is because they are equipped with electronic components which makes them more complicated and difficult to repair if something goes wrong.
Luckily, Pop-A-Lock is able to replace and program the majority of smart keys for less than the cost of your dealership. We can do it in a fraction of the time, and you won't be having to plan alternative transportation while your car is being repaired. If you're considering purchasing a smart car key, you can purchase one spare to keep in a secure place or invest in motor cover that will pay out if you lose your keys. Make sure to keep it away from prying eyes - low frequency transmissions can allow someone to pick up your signal and steal your car, reports How Stuff Works Electronics.
Switchblade Keys
There are a variety of options when it comes to changing the ignition key. Traditional keys are a classic standby, with a metal shaft with distinct cuts or notches that correspond to the lock tumblers in the door and the ignition cylinder. They lack advanced features like remote unlocking or keyless entry however they are reliable and simple to use.
Transponder keys on the other hand, are an important leap forward in automotive security technology. These keys feature an electronic chip inside the head of the key that communicates with a receiver within the vehicle, allowing it to start only if the correct code is transmitted. This kind of key has been very successful in reducing automotive theft, and the process of programming a new key with a transponder is relatively simple for an experienced locksmith for cars.
Another kind of key is the flip-style that is designed to tuck the key blade into an enclosure when not in use. This helps to protect the key blade from damage and also reduces weight for easier carrying. The key fob part of this kind of key typically includes remote control functions, allowing users to lock and unlock trunk or car doors and even start the engine remotely.
Laser cut keys are offered to those who want to add an extra layer of security against auto theft. Lasers are used to cut the shanks of these keys, forming patterns that are more difficult to duplicate. While these keys are more expensive than standard key fobs and traditional keys, they also offer more security against theft by unauthorised users.
Switchblade keys are also available, which resemble bladed weapons, and can fold up into a handle when they are not being utilized. The handle opens when a button is pressed, which exposes the blade of the key. Locksmiths can replace the key blade or key fob part of this kind of key, however, they are somewhat more expensive than basic replacements.
Smart keys are the most recent innovation in automotive security that provides a completely electronic system for unlocking and starting your vehicle. The keys communicate with the vehicle using antennas inserted in the car frame and body, removing the need for a traditional blade and the requirement to physically insert the key into the ignition cylinder. Some of the most advanced models can even start and lock the car without the key being inserted into the ignition. However, you must be within the range.
Key Fobs
Key fobs are basically remotes for cars that allow you to lock and open the vehicle without 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 be used for everything. They attach to the car keys via a tiny plastic case which may also have buttons to open the trunk or activate an alarm.
Some of the latest vehicles also include a combination key, which combines a traditional key shank and an electronic key fob. The latter is usually used to control the ignition. They are also referred to as "transponder keys."
Many modern car owners do not realize that they use their key fobs to unlock their cars. While these devices are fantastic for adding convenience to driving, they also come with certain disadvantages that need to be considered.
The most obvious issue is that a key-fob can be unable to charge. The electronic signals that unlock your vehicle and allow it to start work by sending an electronic code to the computer in your car, so when the signal is disrupted or is lost the key fob won't be able to operate the car.
Fortunately, most modern key fobs are built to withstand such threats. They are usually programmed to send random numbers to the car system every time they transmit signals. This stops old codes from being reused and makes stolen keys useless for thieves.
If the key is lost the key fob can serve as a backup to unlock and start the vehicle. Some manufacturers have even taken it a step further and offer apps that can be downloaded onto the phone and used to control a vehicle in the event you're not able to find your key fob.
If you have a key fob that needs to be replaced, it's best to connect with an experienced locksmith. They can assist you and their services are generally less expensive than those offered by a dealership.