“I went to Crest Cadillac dealership in Frisco, TX, to get my car key replaced since mine was broken. They told me that it would be $550. I was shocked at how expensive it was. I didn’t even want to ask how much it would be to replace the key fob. I ended up calling Meyer’s local locksmith to get my key replaced for half the price”. Timothy C.
Why are Cadillac Keys Expensive at Dealerships?
Car dealerships charge a high price for Cadillac keys and fobs because many people are willing to pay, not knowing that a mobile locksmith is cheaper. It is often simpler to pay $550 than to drive around without a car key or in need of 2 car keys.
You might think that since dealerships buy car keys wholesale, they should sell them cheaper than an independent locksmith. However, that is not true.
Dealerships have to pay for labor and overhead just like any other business would. It wouldn’t be financially sound for them to sell Cadillac keys at a price that would lose money on every sale.
How do Modern Cadillac Car Keys Work?
Modern car keys are complex devices. They contain a microchip that stores information about your vehicle, as well as a battery for power. The chip allows the key to communicating with the vehicle’s computer system through a “rolling code” system.
The rolling code system works by your car key sharing an encryption key with your vehicle’s computer. When using your original car key to turn on the ignition, start the engine, or unlock/lock the doors, it uses this encryption key to transmit information between itself and the car’s computer.
How to Get Your Car Key Replaced
If you want to look for a cheaper way than using Cadillac dealerships, consider getting an expert locksmith to replace your car keys. Locksmiths can replace car keys for far less than dealership prices.
How Does Meyer’s Locksmith Replace Your Cadillac Keys?
Meyer’s Locksmiths replaces your Cadillac keys using the latest computer equipment to decode the encryption key.
When your ignition, doors, and other features are working, you will know that Meyer’s Locksmiths has successfully replaced your Cadillac car keys.
Fast Response, Efficient, and Affordable Locksmith
Meyer’s locksmith is a mobile locksmith company that provides affordable, efficient, and quality service in McKinney and the surrounding area. Our technicians are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call Meyer’s Locksmith today at (469)-922-9966 for your Cadillac car key replacement or any other make and model.
My car key is stuck in the ignition switch. Can you help?
Yes, Meyer’s Locksmiths can help you with that. You will need to provide us with some information regarding your car key. If the key is broken off in the switch, we will extract it and duplicate a new one on the spot.
Can you replace a bad ignition switch on a Cadillac?
Yes, we can replace a bad ignition switch on your Cadillac. We can also fix faulty locks, unlock your car door when you are locked out, etc. We do all the work on-site, so you won’t have to take it to another shop or dealership.
My trunk won’t open with my key fob. What should I do?
Meyer’s locksmith can help you with trunk problems. We use state-of-the-art computer equipment to read the encryption code used between your key fob and vehicle. If it has a problem, we can re-program any non-working key fobs on your car.
The Advantage of Having a Locksmith Near Me
A McKinney locksmith is a business that specializes in the installation, repair, and replacement of locks and other types of locking mechanisms. Locksmiths can be used for various services, including residential, automotive, commercial, safes, and more.
There are many reasons to use a locksmith. The main reason is car keys. If you find that you are locked out of your car, then a locksmith is the best person to call. They can use various methods and techniques to unlock your car using many different tools such as:
- Key duplication
- Transponder chip keys
- Broken key extraction
The services of a locksmith are also crucial for new car owners. If you have just bought a new Cadillac Escalade and have electronic locks, you will need to re-program your car keys to get the locks working. A McKinney locksmith can do this for you quickly and efficiently.
What are the Types of Cadillac Keys out there?
There are many different types of Cadillac keys. If you have lost your car keys, then there are several ways that this can be solved. Here are some examples of the most common keys for Cadillac vehicles:
- Valet key
- Ignition keys
- Transponder chip keys
- Smart keys
- High-security VATs keys
If you are having problems with any of these Cadillac car keys, then Meyer’s locksmith is, of course, the best option to call. Our licensed locksmith will come to your location and fix the problem for you, rather than having to tow your Cadillac to a dealership and deal with them, who will end up charging you an arm and a leg.
The History of Cadillac Car Keys
Cadillac car keys have been around since the first Cadillac was manufactured in 1902. In that year, cars were still a luxury item and were mainly owned by wealthy families.
The only way to turn on your car’s engine without starting it was to use a cut pin attached to a string to start the engine.
In 1912, Cadillac introduced its first electric ignition system. By this time, cars were becoming more popular among the middle classes.
1929 saw Cadillac’s first remote control car key. This meant that you could leave your vehicle running after inserting the key into the ignition switch to let it warm up or cool down while still in range of the transmitter.
This was a great convenience since it avoided the need to physically stick around and wait for a vehicle’s engine to warm up or cool down.
In 1937, Cadillac introduced its first car fob. It was a small metal disc that fits into a pocket on your dashboard. When you wanted to turn off your car, you would press the button on the fob, and after turning it off, you would put your key fob back in your pocket.
In 1949, Cadillac introduced the first car keys with a built-in lock and ignition system within its rectangular shape. It also had a hole that could fit on a keyring instead of carrying around as a pocket object like in earlier versions.
These keys could be seen as the first “key fobs” because they were small and fit on a key ring. However, unlike modern key fobs, you still had to stick your original car key into the ignition switch to start your engine.
In 1984, Cadillac introduced the first factory-installed remote control for its vehicles. It eliminated the need to use a key fob at all and instead could be turned on and off from your original car key.
It also made it possible to lock your car doors from a distance, as long as you have your original car key.
In 1998, Cadillac introduced the first dash-mounted “keyless” ignition on its Deville model. A year later, it became a factory-installed option for other models. Instead of needing to insert your key into the ignition switch, you could now press a button to start your engine.
This is the type of system we have today. All you need to do is press a button on your original car key, and your engine will start.
How is a Cadillac key made?
Cutting a Cadillac car key with lasers was not possible until 1994. Previously, most keys had to be cut with a hand or rotary tools. Today, the most common way to make a new car key is by cutting it using laser machines.
The first step involves setting up your original model’s keys to fit the computerized car key machine. After that, several measurements are taken to make sure you get an accurate copy.
Can I duplicate a Cadillac key?
Probably not. Cadillac’s original keys are highly complex, and each part of it needs to be evaluated separately by a trained specialist, who takes time to measure every groove and curve.
Once that is done, then the computer software will cut and fabricate your new key. The laser cuts the grooves and engraves the plastic, which removes excess material without damaging any intricate details.
Once that is done, then all that remains is to assemble it, where a spring mechanism with metal contacts is inserted into your vehicle’s lock system. Finally, your Cadillac car key is ready to be used.
Get in touch with us at (469) 922-9966 if you need a new key for your Cadillac!
