An Overview of Transponder Keys and Common Problems with Them
Gone are the days when simple keys that operate ordinary mechanical locks are found on cars. Today’s automobiles have sophisticated keys and sophisticated locking devices. Many cars today work with what are known as transponder keys. These advanced keys do so much more than ordinary car keys. They also offer much more convenience wise than ordinary car keys do. Do you want to know more about these newer and more sophisticated types of car keys? Then stand by to learn all about them. I will also discuss some of the common problems those who own transponder chip keys run into.
Transponder Keys Described
Perhaps it’s best to describe transponder keys as a hybrid car starting device. That’s because they are part car key and part mini radio signal transmitter all in one convenient package. They are also a device that has a coded computer chip inside them that takes car security to a whole new level. Transponder keys are by far the most frequently used type of keys with automobiles today.
The birth of the transponder key was thought to take place way back in 1983 when AMC/Renault came up with a key that would remotely lock and unlock car doors. Cadillac perfected these keys in the late 1980’s and by the early 1990’s remote working car keys with coded chips in them became standard accessories for most new cars.
What can a transponder key do for you that ordinary car keys can’t? For one it has a series of buttons on it that perform actions remotely. These include such things as locking and unlocking your doors, turning your car alarm on and off, and even popping open your trunk. Most transponder keys even have a panic button on them that blows the horn repeatedly and flashes the lights on a car to signal the car owner may be in some sort of trouble.
Why do they sometimes refer to transponder keys as ‘chip keys’? A transponder key goes into the ignition cylinder of your car just like any ordinary key. That’s where the similarity ends. A transponder key contains a coded security chip inside it. If this chip does not sync up with the ignition control anti-theft device inside the car it will not allow your car to start. Because of this, it now takes much more than just a duplicated cut key end to steal an automobile.
Common Problems with Transponder Keys
Even though transponder keys are much more sophisticated than regular car keys, all this technology can sometimes create some issues with the way your transponder key works (or cause it to fail altogether). Here are some common transponder key problems that you may run into from time to time:
- Lost Transponder Key
Just like any other type of car key, transponder keys can get lost or stolen too. Many people feel that because these keys are so sophisticated they cannot be duplicated. That simply is not true. They are much harder to make and get working than standard car keys but it is done all of the time. The new key must match the lost transponder key in frequency and the security chip code in order to work.
- Dead Transponder Key Batteries
Many people panic when their transponder key seems to not be working. They do not realize that just like a watch a transponder device has a tiny battery inside it. Although these generally last a long time, it’s possible for them to fail or simply run out of charge too. Spare transponder key batteries are usually easy to find and change. You can also have them changed at the dealership or by a lock professional.
- Transponder Communication Malfunction
There are times when a transponder device will simply stop communicating with the host vehicle. This can be a problem with the transponder chip key itself or a problem with the anti-theft receiver in your car. If it’s the transponder key there is a chance that it just needs to be reprogrammed. If that does not work, you will then need to get a whole new transponder key made.
- Unresponsive Transponder Buttons
Transponder keys take more abuse than you would expect. Being placed in tight pockets and purses eventually takes its toll on them. That’s why it’s not unusual for a transponder key’s buttons to fail on occasion. When this happens it can be resolved with one of two options. The transponder key can be opened up and the area around the non-working buttons cleaned or the working parts of the transponder can be transferred into a whole new transponder key blank.
- Rapidly Blinking Transponder Theft Light
Here is a transponder key signal that many people think is a problem with their key. That’s when the transponder theft light rapidly blinks on and off. This is actually not a transponder key problem as it indicates a faulty ignition switch.
Who to Turn to For Transponder Key Help?
Although you can get some limited transponder key services from a dealership that carries your make and model of car, the best place to look to for quick transponder key help is your local locksmith service provider. A locksmith that specializes in auto keys or auto locksmith services is even better. Why turn to a locksmith for help first. It’s because auto locksmith service providers like Quick One Locksmith, LLC out of Miami, FL carry many transponder blanks and transponder troubleshooting equipment right on their service vehicles.
Most auto locksmith service providers can even make you a new transponder key right at your present location if you have lost or misplaced yours. Locksmiths will work on your transponder key as part of a routine locksmith service appointment or as part of a 24-hour emergency locksmith service call. Auto locksmiths can generally fix all types of transponder key problems. That’s what makes them the best professionals to call for help when you need to get your transponder keys working right again.