 Replacing Car Keys: Prices Up Due To Anti Theft Systems
Posted by carsandtrucks on Monday, February 04 @ 08:39:34 PST
Have you had to buy a replacement ignition key for your car or truck lately? If you have, then you have learned that a replacement key can run up to $100.00. Anti-theft systems have been incorporated into the ignition keys for about 10 years. The system is referred to as PATS. This is car jargon for Passive Anti Theft System. This anti theft system is what makes the key so expensive to replace. The anti theft system interrupts the vehicles ability to start. Different vehicle lines use
different methods to interrupt the starting system. In some cases the starter is affected, in other vehicles it is the fuel delivery that is interrupted. These systems work through a transceiver that is mounted somewhere close to the ignition switch. When the key is turned in the ignition the transceiver sends out a signal to the key. The key has a small chip built into it that also sends out a signal. If the transceiver recognizes the signal from the key the vehicle will start. If the signals don’t connect the car will not start. If your vehicle fails to start and the anti theft light is flashing rapidly that is a good indication that the PATS is the cause. This means you will have to find a dealership that can retrieve the fault code that is affecting the passive anti theft system. If you loose your keys you will have to have your vehicle towed to the dealer so new keys can be made and programmed to match up with the transceiver signal. This takes time and special equipment so you can expect the dealership to charge around 50.00 for the service. The key itself range in price from 15.00-40.00. So by protecting your vehicle from theft the manufacturer has taken away your ability to visit the local hardware store for a 3.00 key.
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