Automotive Locksmith Car Key Replacement Dunwoody

You may need a replacement car key made when the teeth on the key no longer match the lock enough to turn it due to the wear. The key only works after trying to open the car door a couple of times or the transponder chip stops working. It's a good sign that your car key needs replacement soon since the car might not start when you need it.

It's important to recognize when your car keys need to be replaced so you know when you need to call a car locksmith. Before you're stuck with a car that won't start.

Cars and Light Trucks manufactured from 1996 onward have extra security features built in to the key to prevent theft. These features include a “transponder chip” embedded inside the head of the key.  

This technology prevents the engine from starting by turning the ignition by force or picking the ignition lock and makes “hot wiring” the vehicle impossible.

When a key is inserted into the ignition and the ignition is switched on, a transponder embedded in the head of the key is energized by an exciter coil that surrounds the ignition lock cylinder. 

The energized transponder transmits a signal that contains its unique alphanumeric code. If the code received doesn’t match what is stored in the vehicle's anti-theft system, engine starting is disabled. 

The same way the dealership does.  

Our NASTF Registered car locksmith is authorized to retrieve a "keycode" using your car's VIN from the automakers' database. From that keycode, our car key-cutting machine knows which key profile to cut to fit your car's locks. Then, we'll insert the new blade into the door lock and unlock the door. Once we're in, we hook up the car key programming equipment and tell the car to let the engine start with the new key.

If you're the registered owner of the vehicle, give SOS Auto Locksmith a call. 

We'll gather the information we need to get the right replacement keys, a 100% Guaranteed Quote, and let you know how soon we can be there.

Next, you'll just need to be ready to show our NASTF VSP your unexpired driver's license and ONE of the following documents: Certificate of Vehicle Title, Motor Vehicle Registration, Insurance ID Card (pulling it up on a phone app works), OR a Bill of Sale.

In order to access the automakers keycode database, the NASTF VSP Registry requires us to verify and upload a photo of the Registered Owners Valid Driver’s License and ONE of the following documents: Certificate of Vehicle Title, Motor Vehicle Registration, Insurance ID Card (pulling it up on a phone app works), OR a Bill of Sale. 

If your car keys can be cut by VIN, why not order the keys online and avoid paying a locksmith to come out or tow the car to the dealer? 

Newer cars have transponder keys (often called chipped keys). This means that the car key must be programmed into the car in order for the car to recognize the key, unlock the vehicle's immobilizer system, and start the car. A replacement car key won’t start the car until it is programmed to the car by an auto locksmith or a dealership.

Replacing a car key can be expensive and time-consuming. Car key replacement costs vary depending on the make, model year, and type of key, fob or remote required.

Transponder keys are the cheapest to replace at an average cost of $150 - $250 for two new keys.

Keyless entry remotes can add an extra $50 - $100 per fob.

Smart key fob replacement cost range between $350 - $800 for 2 new keys.