Transponder Key Problems and Solutions
Transponder keys are specialized car keys that have been made by vehicle manufacturers since the mid-1990s. They serve several purposes when it comes to your safety and security. Transponder keys look identical to most keyless entry vehicle keys. The transponder component to the key is hidden within the key itself. You may not even be sure if the car key you own is, in fact, a transponder key. If your vehicle has been made within the last two decades or so, it is highly likely that the key you own is a transponder key of some sort.
What Exactly is the Purpose of a Transponder Key?
A transponder key is a specialized kind of car key that works through the use of an electronic signal. One portion of the signal sits embedded in the key itself, while the other corresponding component is inside your vehicle. These two signals work together to create a transponder signal between your vehicle and the vehicle key.
For your vehicle to turn on at all, this transponder signal must be clear and present. Transponder keys were invented primarily to prevent theft. Transponder signals make it so that hotwiring a vehicle that is outfitted with this sort of system is impossible. If someone were to try to take your vehicle without the transponder key present, the car will simply not start. Transponder keys have eliminated vehicle thefts and increased safety and security for drivers overall.
Problem 1 - Your Transponder Key is Broken
Your transponder key may be visibly broken, or it could be that something within the key has been knocked out of place. Any kind of disturbance to the inner working of the transponder key can result in a faulty or lost signal. While the key may appear fine, you may be unable to start your vehicle despite your best efforts. This may be due to some sort of malfunction inside of the key itself that you cannot visually see that is interfering with the signal transmitting from the key and to the vehicle.
Problem 2 - The Transponder Signal is Broken
In addition to the transponder key itself potentially being faulty, there is a chance that the problem may originate from inside of your vehicle. This can be tricky to determine, since you can neither see nor hold the inner transponder component of your vehicle like you can with the transponder key. If you have reason to believe that the transponder signal within the vehicle may be faulty, it is recommended that you do not attempt to reach it yourself to discover if this is the case. It is better to wait and have your vehicle seen by a professional before attempting any kind of at-home repairs.
Problem 3 - Lost Transponder Key
If you have lost your transponder key, the only way to get a new set of keys for your vehicle is to have the internal signal within the vehicle changed to match a brand-new key. A locksmith can assist you with this kind of procedure and will be able to cut and reprogram a new transponder key for you. Until this happens, know that the old transponder key will still work and match to your car. By replacing the transponder key, you will make the old key obsolete.
The Solution: Hire a Mobile Locksmith
If you are dealing with a damaged transponder key or a misplaced one, contact a mobile locksmith as soon as possible. Mobile locksmiths travel to wherever their clients need their assistance. If you are stranded and unable to drive due to a transponder key issue, all you have to do is call a mobile locksmith and wait for them to show up. Mobile locksmiths can replace and reprogram transponder keys on-site without needing to tow your vehicle anywhere else. This will ultimately save you both money and time.
Although a dealership may be able to replace your transponder key or reprogram the signal within your vehicle, taking your car into a dealership is not the best idea. With a broken transponder key, you will not be able to drive your car anywhere. So not only will you end up having to pay for a tow truck, but it is likely you will end up paying a great deal more to a dealership alone to replace your transponder key than you ever would to a mobile locksmith. It just makes sense to have one professional come directly to you, rather than hassle with trying to coordinate a replacement key amongst several repairpersons and contacts. You will inevitably end up with a stack of bills from several locations. Instead, you cannot simplify the entire process by working with one locksmith who can come meet you where you need them most.
Replace Your Transponder Key Now!
It is not a good idea to attempt to replace your transponder key by yourself and this may, in fact, be impossible without prior knowledge. Professional locksmiths know how to replace transponder keys and program them properly without causing additional damage to your vehicle. They also have the skills necessary to make a transponder key replacement quickly. You will likely only waste your time if you try and replace your transponder key by yourself in an effort to save time or money. Rely on an expert instead and you will have a new transponder key in hand, with the confidence of knowing a professional has overseen the replacement.