All about Transponder Keys and Some Common Problems with Them

For many years auto thieves were having their way when it came to stealing cars. Vehicles were simply too easy to break into and start. Manufacturers new they had to come up with a better way to deal with the threat of car theft. The result was the transponder key being born in the mid-’80s. Chevy was the first manufacturer to initiate widespread use of these keys in 1985 due to the alarming rate at which their Corvette models were being stolen. Nowadays you would be hard-pressed to find a vehicle that did not use some type of transponder key or device as part of its anti-theft system.

This article will talk much more about these keys and how they enhance any vehicle security. It will also go over some of the most common problems that transponder keys run into and solutions for them. When you are done reading, you will know much more about these special keys that helped significantly improve vehicle security.

What Is a Transponder Key?

Many people use transponder keys every day but they are unaware of what they are called. The best way to describe a transponder key is a key that has a normal cut key end but also has an end covered in rubber or plastic. Most of the time this rubber or black covered end is black and also has several buttons embedded in it.

How do transponder keys increase vehicle anti-theft protection? This happens because they have a special chip embedded into them. That’s also why many people refer to transponder keys as ‘chip keys’. The chip in the transponder ley has to sync up with the vehicles anti-theft system in order for it to allow a car to start. This syncing takes place when the key is placed in the ignition cylinder.

The cut key end can also be used to unlock the car doors and the trunk in the event the transponder portion of the key is not working. This is done much easier by pressing the appropriate buttons on the transponder end of the key. That is part of these keys popularity because are so convenient to use.

The latest types of transponder keys have no cut key end at all and are not even placed in the ignition. Just having them on the inside of your car will allow your car to start with a simple push of a button. Each year auto manufacturers get more innovative as to how to best use transponder devices.

What Do Transponder Keys Work?

Here are some of the main functions that most transponder keys are asked to perform:

• The work in conjunction with an anti-theft device to allow your car to start
• They have buttons on them that will allow you to lock and unlock your car doors from a distance
• Another transponder key function is the remote activation or deactivation of your car alarm
• Most transponder keys allow you to pop open the trunk without using a key
• Transponder keys also have a panic button on them which beeps the horn and flashes the lights to alert people near you that you are in an emergency situation

Common Transponder Key Problems

Here are a few of the most frequent transponder key and transponder device problems that people run into:

• Lost transponder key

  Just like any other type of key, transponder keys get lost from time to time. Many people tend to panic when this happens because they feel transponder keys are so sophisticated they cannot be made from scratch. While it is more difficult to make transponder keys than regular cut keys, a locksmith or other key experts can certainly make a new one for you.

  The benefit you get form calling a locksmith to duplicate or make a new transponder key for you is that they will come to where you area. Locksmiths offer completely mobile locksmith services. They have the know-how and the equipment to make any type of key right in their service vehicle. Locksmiths even stock a wide variety of transponder key blanks inside their vans.

• Failure to communicate with the host vehicle

  There are times where a transponder key fails to with the host vehicle even though it lights up when the buttons are pressed. This can be caused by any one of three things. Those are a problem with the host vehicle anti-theft system, a transponder key failure or a transponder key programming error.

  A mechanic is the best person to call in the event of a vehicle anti-theft system failure. Calling a locksmith is the best way to resolve the other two problems.

• Bad battery

  Transponder keys have a tiny battery inside them which is used to help transmit the signals that these keys produce. Like a battery on a watch, they last a long time but eventually, they will run out of juice. If you feel you cannot replace the battery yourself, then once again calling a locksmith is your best option here.

• Unresponsive buttons/Damaged transponder key

  Transponders keys are carried around to many places and sometimes they get damaged because of it. If the buttons get damaged a locksmith can simply transfer the guts of your transponder key into a corresponding key blank.

Locksmith Are Experts at Handling Transponder Key Problems

Your local locksmith service provider is the best professional to call when you are having any type of transponder key problem. They are experts at repairing, reprogramming and making new transponder keys. Locksmiths carry everything they need to do these transponder key tasks right on their service vehicles.

Locksmith service providers such as Deltona Master Locksmith out of Deltona, FL will also come to your rescue 24-hours a day if you have a transponder key emergency. These types of emergency locksmith services are available 24/7, 365 and that includes holidays and weekends.

So call a locksmith professional to come and help you the very next time you have any transponder key needs.