![]() One small advantage of the switchblade key fob is that its components can be purchased separately. They can have a basic cut or a laser cut. Switchblade keys have shanks that fold into the key fob when they're not in use and pop out with the press of a button. Including labor, they can range from $150 to $250. You can search for a certified locksmith near you by visiting the ALOA website.Īll-in-one laser-cut keys are becoming more popular, but as we mentioned, these keys are more expensive and typically need to be replaced at the dealer. ![]() Laser-cut keys also have built-in transponder chips, and they need to be programmed at the dealership or by a locksmith, preferably one who is a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). The machines needed to cut these keys are significantly more expensive than standard key-cutting machines and are not as likely to be found at every locksmith or hardware store. Laser-cut keys are often referred to as sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut on the shank. You can tell a laser-cut key apart from a basic car key because the shank is slightly thicker and has fewer carved-out grooves. But before you try this method and spend money on a key, we suggest you check with the dealership or your local automotive locksmith to see if the process is one that will reliably work with your car. Now insert the new third key and again turn it to the "on" position for another few seconds. Insert one of your two working keys and turn the ignition to the "on" position for at least 3 seconds (the car does not need to be started), then repeat the process with the second key. Our searches found a method that is said to work on many domestic vehicles. Try "How to program a (insert your year, make, model) key" as your search terms. If the manual doesn't show you how, try searching online for the procedure. You can have a locksmith cut this new key and then you follow the procedure for programming, which can frequently be found in your owner's manual. If you already have two car keys, a number of vehicle brands will allow you to program a third key on your own. If you're the type who frequently loses car keys or locks them inside the car, you might be able to save money on the programming by creating a third car key to have as a spare. ![]() This key will do everything but start the engine and can come in handy if you ever leave your keys inside the vehicle. If you go to a locksmith, expect to pay about $20 to $30 less.Ī potential low-cost alternative for access to your car is to order a basic car key without the transmitter. ![]() The dealer quoted us $160 for the new key and an additional $75 for the fob. We checked the price of a basic transponder key on an older Ford F-150. In some vehicles, the transponder key and the fob are an all-in-one unit, which adds to the price of the car key replacement and limits the places you can find a replacement. Most auto locksmiths should also have these machines. Some might program it for free, but others will charge up to an hour of labor. All dealerships have the machines necessary to program the key. The major difference between a basic car key and a transponder key is that the chip in the transponder key must be programmed before it can start the vehicle. If this "immobilizer" detects the wrong signal - meaning that the wrong key is in the ignition - the vehicle will not start.Ī transponder shank is either a basic car key or a laser-cut key (more on laser-cut keys later). The chip emits a signal to a receiver in the ignition. Transponder KeysĪfter the mid- to late 1990s, manufacturers began placing a transponder chip in the plastic head of the car key. Like most aftermarket products, the quality will vary, but they are a less expensive alternative. Some owner's manuals will show you how to do it, and you can also find this information online.įinally, you can purchase aftermarket key fob remotes online or from a locksmith. Most key fobs can be programmed with a specific combination of button presses on the remote and key turns in the ignition. Some dealerships will do it for free, while others will charge a half-hour to an hour of labor.īut there is a way around this fee. The cost of replacing a key fob remote can range from $50 to over $100 depending on the automaker and complexity of the design. On most modern cars, an electronic key fob - also known as a remote or transmitter - is an integral part of the key set.
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