Transponder Key Issues Problems – What to Do!
Most newer model vehicles come with a transponder key. This is the type of key that enables you to open the doors and start the engine of your vehicle without directly putting a key in the door or ignition. Now that you know what it is, chances are that you didn’t know that is what type of key you were in possession of. Some transponder keys even enable you to set your alarm and unlock the truck too. The transponder key has a chip in it. The chip is programmed to send a signal to a computer.
When you activate your key, by pressing a button, the computer identifies the car as being yours and will then do what it is being commanded to do. Once identified, the chip will unlock the steering column and make use of the ignition. This is a very common key. Other than making it convenient for you to open and operate your vehicle, the transponder key also makes it very difficult for a thief to break in. If they do not have the key in their hands then it is highly unlikely that they will be able to break inside. They can no longer hotwire a car like they used to. It often cost motorist more than a standard key but many will agree that it is well worth the added expense.
If you’re in the market for a new car, make sure to ask if it comes with a transponder and standard key. When you buy a new car, one is usually offered to you. It is a good idea to always have a spare key too; this is why we encourage you to request one when you are purchasing your new vehicle. Don’t leave the dealership before you decide to get a spare key. Chances are that they may just throw another one in as an incentive to purchase a vehicle from them.
Now just because a vehicle with a transponder key is harder to steal, if they have your key, this is absolutely no problem for them. They are in possession of the one thing that will gain them access to your car. If you’re keys are out of your sight for any amount of time, someone may go to the parking lot and press your transponder key to find out which car it belongs to. Then, they are off and running. Be careful to always keep your key on you at all times. Only take it out when you are standing in front of your vehicle to avoid losing it.
Losing Your Transponder Key
Again, replacing your transponder key can be expensive. Consider if you have several cars with transponder keys and you lose them both. Wow! You’ll really be out of a lot of money. It is far less expensive to have a standard key made but you don’t share the same benefits. If you lose your transponder key, a locksmith can get you another one and even program it for you. When you head back to the auto dealership for a transponder key, they are going to charge you far more than we will.
This is because they have overhead expenses that need to be covered and unfortunately, you’ll be the one paying for them. However, don’t hesitate to contact them to see if they are willing to offer you discount on your key since you purchased your vehicle from them. You never know! If you’re key has been stolen, you need to have a new key programmed right away so that they don’t have a chance to find and take your vehicle. The new transponder key will remedy the problem because when it is reprogrammed the old transponder key chip will not recognize the new chip.
What to Do If Your Key Is Not Working
Technology is great but it does have its faults. Sometimes your transponder key might not work. Here are some common reasons why it might not work and what you can do about it. Something Stuck in the Ignition
Sometimes things get embedded in your ignition that you can’t see. This will make it difficult for you to use your transponder key. This is when you may need to rely on the services of a locksmith to handle this problem for you. It is possible for them to handle the problem without completely replacing the vehicles ignition switch.
Manufacturer Defects
If you have had your ignition examined by a professional locksmith and they have concluded that there is a manufacturer’s defect with your transponder key, check to see if you have a warranty. If you don’t have a warranty, you’ll need to have a new one made. Communication Issue
If the chip isn’t properly communicating with the central computer system, this will make it impossible for your key to work. When there is a communication issue, this usually means that the chip needs to be reprogrammed. You can depend on a local locksmith to program your new key for you.
While these are not the only issues that you’ll discover can happen when you use a transponder key, they are some of the most common ones that our locksmiths are called upon to assist with. Knowing what you can expect will help you to keep calm and not panic when any of these things happen to you.