ARE YOU HAVING ANY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR TRANSPONDER KEY? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!

How transponder keys work

Nowadays, transponder keys are standard for most new cars. They make it harder for your car to be stolen. Even though it’s more costly than a regular key, a transponder key is worth the peace of mind it affords you.

Anyone who has used a transponder key - also referred to as a transponder “chip” key - knows how much easier it is to use than an old-fashioned key. These specialized keys are ignition keys that make it effortless to enter and leave your vehicle, because you can unlock your car doors without actually sticking your key in the lock mechanism; you can remotely open the trunk; you can activate and deactivate your car alarm; additionally, with some transponder keys, you can even start your car remotely.

A transponder key has a chip inside it, which emits a distinctive signal to your car’s computer, a singular frequency aligned only to your automobile. When the signal is received, the key’s mechanical part releases your steering lock so that you can activate the ignition. Nevertheless, problems can sometimes happen. Here’s how to get out of trouble when it comes to transponder key challenges.

Was your transponder key stolen?

When you first bought your car, you should have been given two transponder keys. You can get your other transponder key from a family member who has the spare copy, and that will get you back on the road for now. But keep in mind that because your transponder key is connected only to your vehicle, a would-be car thief who finds your key could easily take your car. Thus it’s best to go ahead and get a replacement now, and then reprogram them both.

To get a transponder key duplicated, reprogrammed, or replaced, track down an automotive locksmith specialist, or go directly to your dealership. In most cases, a locksmith will charge less than the dealership will charge you. If you’re located in Ahwatukee, Arizona, then take all your questions and concerns to a reputable locksmith company.

Have you lost your transponder key?

Losing your car key is more problematical than it was decades ago. With a traditional key, you could duplicate a spare key at almost no cost, at any local hardware store or locksmith company, or even at the dealership. But a transponder key is something else altogether. If you’ve mislaid your transponder key permanently, replacing isn’t going to be cheap. Depending on your automobile model and make, and on the complexity of the key’s design, the price for replacing your electronic fob will range from somewhat costly to exceptionally expensive. There are some dealerships that will reprogram your key fob at no charge, but most will charge you a great deal.

A switchblade key is a transponder key with a shank, but it folds into the fob, which you pop out by pressing a button. A switchblade key has either a basic cut or a laser cut. One benefit to a switchblade key is that you can purchase its components separately; but if you’ve truly lost your key, you’ll have to program both parts.

For some vehicles, the transponder key is an all-in-one unit that includes the fob. It’s also called a laser-cut key. The shank is a bit thicker, with fewer carved-out grooves. It’s also referred to as a “sidewinder” key, because of the shank’s winding-cut feature. The dealership will likely need to program a laser-cut key’s built-in chip.

A smart key actually isn’t a key at all - not in the usual sense. It’s just a fob, which you either insert into the dashboard, or keep in your purse or pocket. When you sit behind the wheel, then just by pressing a button, you can start and turn off the engine. A smart key gives you exceptional protection because it has rolling security codes. Continuously randomizing the right code, it stops a car thief from hacking it with a code grabber. If you have a smart key, your car dealership will be able to replace it.