4 Common Transponder Key Problems
In the ever-changing world of automotive security, transponder keys technology is practically ancient by now. Yet this form of security protection is still utilized by many older vehicles being driven today. As this type of technology begins to age inevitably, problems occur from the regular wear and tear of many years of use. If your vehicle uses a transponder key and you’re experiencing problems, read on for more information about the causes and how to handle transponder key problems. In most cases, the most helpful action to take is to call a professional locksmith company, such as Mableton GA Locksmith in Mableton, GA.
What are Transponder Keys?
You might have heard the term “transponder key,” but what makes this type of vehicle key different from a regular key? Each transponder key has a unique microchip in the key fob (the plastic “head” of the key) that has the ability to send a coded signal to your engine. This code has to match the signal each particular engine is looking for. The technical way these work is that when you insert your transponder key into the ignition lock, the vehicle immobilizer is disarmed via a signal sent and received between the ignition and the engine. Many cars on the road use transponder keys as they are still considered an effective theft deterrent.
It may not seem like it when you’re facing a problem with your transponder chip key, but they were created with not only theft-deterring properties but also convenience in mind. Transponder keys have protected many vehicles from being stolen over the years utilizing simple technology that works most of the time.
Common Transponder Key Problems
As useful as transponder chip keys have been, they also can cause problems in several different forms. The following is a list of some of the most common transponder key problems you may encounter and what to do if you’re facing such a situation.
Problem #1: A Lost or Stolen Transponder Key
Just like any other key that gets lost, you will need to have your transponder key replaced if it gets lost, misplaced, or stolen. It’s especially crucial to act fast if your transponder key is stolen, due to the fact that the person who took it might use the key to break in to your vehicle. No matter how careful you might feel like you are with your car key, it’s still possible to lose your key due to a mistake. In these cases, you might need to call a 24-hour locksmith to assist you in being able to use your vehicle. Once your transponder key is replaced, talk to the locksmith about issuing a duplicate of the key so that you always have a spare key accessible to prevent a lockout from occurring in the future.
Problem #2: A Damaged Transponder Chip
Your key relies on the transponder chip inside of it to work. Even if it correctly fits into the right ignition lock, nothing will happen if the chip is somehow damaged and fails to send the right signal to disable the engine’s immobilizer. The chip can become damaged even if the external fob appears fine. Usually the symptoms of this involve your key only working sometimes or stopping working abruptly. If your transponder chip has been damaged, most of the time the only option moving forward is to have it replaced by a professional locksmith. In the Mableton, GA, area, Mableton GA Locksmith can easily and affordably replace your damaged transponder chip key. If your transponder key is damaged, don’t throw it away until you’ve had a locksmith work on the vehicle.
Problem #3: Transponder Chip Loses Programming
This problem is rare but it does happen occasionally. For one reason or another, your key stops working with your engine. There’s no physical damage to the key or the chip inside or to the ignition, but the transponder chip doesn’t work. Sometimes this can also be due to a dead battery inside your transponder key. Not all transponder keys use batteries, but some do, and those batteries can die. If the battery dies, it may reset the code in the chip once the battery is replaced depending on the model of transponder key you have. A transponder key that has lost the ability to communicate properly with your engine will require reprogramming by a professional locksmith. A high-quality locksmith will be able to reprogram your transponder key’s chip effectively and affordably to get you back on the road again.
Problem #4: A Poorly Programmed Duplicate
It’s possible to purchase a duplicate, used transponder key online, which may appear to be less expensive than having one crafted new. However, due to the safety features and sensitive nature of these keys, it’s often the case that they are not able to be reprogrammed to fit another vehicle. So the money that you think you’re saving upfront by purchasing the transponder key online is completely cancelled out by the fact that you’ll now still have to have your key replaced by a professional but you’ve already shelled out money for a useless key. It’s almost always best to go directly to a locksmith to have your key duplicated.
How to Fix Transponder Key Problems
Many people assume they’ll have to turn to a dealership to replace or repair their transponder chip keys if a problem occurs. However, it’s usually the most cost-effective and smart to turn to an automotive local locksmith to assist you. Locksmiths can replace transponder chip keys for virtually any type of car and can also duplicate your key for an affordable price. The right locksmith company is open 24/7 to serve you whenever you need your key repaired, replaced, or duplicated. Make sure the company you choose has a trustworthy reputation and is upfront about the charges you will incur for transponder key services. By leaving the job to a high-quality professional locksmith, you’ll guarantee that you’ll be back behind the wheel in no time.