Potential Problems with Your Transponder Keys

What is a Transponder Key?

Transponder keys are also known as transponder “chip” keys. These ignition keys for your vehicle make getting in and out of your car very easy by allowing you to unlock your doors without putting the key in the lock, activating and deactivating your alarm remotely, opening the trunk, and some can even start the car remotely. Basically, it’s like the TV remote for your car!

The transponder chip inside the key sends a unique signal to your car’s computer, which contains a specific frequency aligned to your car. As the signal is received, the mechanical part of the key releases your steering lock so you can activate the ignition and drive.

Today, transponder keys are standard, and are also considered superior to regular keys. Cars are harder to steal, and though transponder keys are more expensive they are considered well worth it. By offering peace of mind for the additional safety included, a transponder key is helpful overall. However, there are potential problems with transponder keys.

Has Your Transponder Key been Lost or Stolen?

Upon purchasing your vehicle, you should have been a copy of your transponder key. It is recommended that if someone else has that copy key for driving, then a third key should be made as a “safe copy” to keep stored away in case of an accident. Keep this key stored away safely, as a potential thief who breaks into your home could easily find it and steal your car along with many other items!

Now, if you have lost your key or it has been stolen, then transponder keys are much more difficult to have remade. With it working like a computer remote to your car, it is possible that the entire system will need to be recoded and that all keys will need to be reprogrammed, on top of the one key that needs to be remade. It could be an expensive and time-consuming process.  

In the event that this emergency occurs it is helpful to have a reputable locksmith service nearby that you can trust to assist in this procedure. Unfortunately, your car dealer is not open 24/7, and the possibility that an event like this could happen at an odd hour is quite likely. So, a local, professional locksmith like Marietta Locksmith here in Marietta, GA, is a quality phone number to have on hand.  

Even if your key is lost, it is no problem. We program a new transponder and cut a new key on the spot as our technicians travel around with a multitude of tools needed to get the job done. No matter what car you drive, we can make you a new key.

Losing your car key is a lot more complicated than it used to be. With a traditional key, you could easily have a spare key made for a few bucks at any local hardware store or locksmith, or even back at the dealership. But a transponder key is a different story. If you really can’t find your transponder key, depending on the automaker and the intricacy of the key’s design, the replacement of your electronic fob isn’t cheap. A few car dealerships will program your fob properly for free, but most will charge a lot.

Is Your Transponder Key Not Working Properly?

This could be as simple as your car not starting when turning the key, or your car begins to take longer to start as time passes. This could indicate that your transponder chip key is reaching the end of its life, and a new one will need to be cut.  

First, make sure to take a look at the dashboard lights when attempting to start your car with the key. If the transponder key light stays lit up, then there is a possibility that something is happening with the transponder chip key. Many professionals have recommended trying use of the spare key first.  

Is the Dealership Necessary?

Most people are aware of the fact that car dealerships are a total rip-off. In fact, most of the money that they make happens to be on servicing their vehicles, not on the actual sales. Not only this, but they tend to be quite busy and require you to have an appointment in advance. If you cannot start your car, this can be quite a problem.

Furthermore, towing your car to a mechanic or the dealer is another expensive proposition. On average, a tow truck can cost between seventy-five and one hundred and thirty dollars and may take a long time to arrive. In addition, it is hard to escape either a mechanic or dealership with just the one service that you want as they often have a way of finding problems that were not there before.

This is why you should call us as we not only provide roadside assistance but are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Dealerships and mechanics close, but we can meet you anytime and anywhere.

What Can Marietta Locksmith LLC Do?

It’s not just cutting a new key. Unlike standard keys, the added layer of security of transponder keys makes them more difficult to duplicate. A transponder is basically like a mini computer, so we do is a form of On-Board Programming where we link into your car’s electrical system to ascertain how to find the correct signal for your car though we need an existing key to be able to do this.

Another effective method is syncing the old key with the new car key. Essentially, we can use the old signal to quickly create for you a new, working key. This is particularly helpful if you have only damaged the key component and not the transponder.

Not only this but if you are worried that your old key has been stolen then we can create a new signal so that only the new car key replacement works and not the old. Either way, we have the tools to get you back on the road.