Problems with transponder keys

Transponder key problems are not usual but if you have one; you know! For the most part, transponder chip keys are a vital part of our everyday lives. If you drive a late model car, truck, or SUV dated 1995 or beyond, chances are, you are using a transponder key to open the door or trunk and to start the ignition. So why is a transponder key so much better than a “regular” one from the old days? Like anything else, there are pros and cons to having any item; including auto keys of the transponder chip variety.

First; some basics!

The word “transponder” means to transmit and this is precisely what your transponder key does; it transmits a signal to your car’s computer. If this signal is recognized by your car, it allows the engine to start. There is a chip embedded inside the head of your transponder key and this chip is programmed to match your vehicle’s on-board computer. It takes time and money to properly program these to match so that any “merely duplicated key” won’t give off the same, needed frequency. This action helps to prevent car theft as the once simple act of duplicating an auto key is now no longer possible. Until recently, only car manufacturers and certain authorized car dealerships were allowed to make authentic and usable transponder key copies and have them programmed. The cost is high and if the key is broken or damaged and doesn’t work, your car must be towed into the dealer’s shop since they need access to the on board computer and your new key. Time, high cost and stress are involved so the typical transponder key replacement is can be a “big deal” all the way around!

Kinds of transponder key problems

The most obvious problems with transponder keys are losing them and breakage.

Lost chips

It’s a fact; people can get rough with keys. Since they are made of metal and so very handy, it’s easy to use a transponder key to rip open a cardboard box or pop open a glass bottle by using the sharp, jagged edge of your transponder key blade. Keys can become broken this way and just as bad; the chip can fall out of the key head. If key rings are tossed onto a hard surface like a table top or dresser, the landing can be jolting enough to knock the chip loose. Keys can also be dropped on floors, pavement, asphalt or dirt and in their rush to retrieve the key(s) the person might not notice the fallen-out chip still lying on the ground.

Broken off keys

Keys can age too; just like anything else and when heavy use or too strong a hand is involved, your transponder key can snap in half just like the older, non-transponder versions used to, and still do. A broken off transponder key leaves you with two problems; broken key extraction and a new transponder key to be duplicated and then programmed. Large car keys like transponder ones have been used to slash, puncture, stab and pry materials like boxes, bottles, masking tape, cans and other items. Actions like these put excess wear on the key, and dulls the edge of the key blade so it’s best to treat your transponder key with kid gloves and keep them intact longer.

Stuck keys

Keys of all varieties are notorious for getting stuck. Sometimes, the key is worn and the lock doesn’t quite recognize it so it becomes stuck. Sometimes, the wrong key altogether is used. Just because the key went in, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is easy for it to come back out. In households or offices where everyone has one or more transponder keys, it can be easy for the driver to accidentally grab the wrong one. If your transponder key does get stuck in the lock, try spraying it with electrical contact cleaner followed by some silicon lock lubricant. The combined action of these two sprays serves a dual purpose. The inside of the lock will be cleaned and the lock interior will also become lubricated, making withdrawing the key a much easier task.

Don’t order a new key online!

Like most anything else, it is possible to buy new transponder keys online. Do they work? No, and you’ve just wasted money and the time you spent waiting for your keys to arrive in the mail. The ads for this type of transponder key purchase are hyped yet very convincing at times so you’ll have to resist the temptation to replace your damaged or lost transponder keys this way.

Car dealership alternative

You might have guessed it; the best way (and most economical too) is to use a licensed, bonded and insured automotive locksmith to repair, replace, duplicate or program your transponder keys. Please note; not all locksmiths are skilled, experienced or authorized to make transponder keys so use an established and professional shop like ours to get the job done. You’ll not only save a good deal of money over opting for car dealer involvement but you can also bypass the towing requirement as your car never has to leave the comfort and security of your home. A mobile locksmith technician can come to your car’s location and worn on-site to duplicate and program your missing or damaged transponder key regardless of the make or model of your vehicle.