Dealing with Transponder Key Problems

Newer cars require a transponder key. Soon, standard keys will be a thing of the past. However, there are still some available for older makes and models of automobiles. Transponder keys offer a great deal of convenience to those who own a car that requires one. With one push of a button the motorist is able to start their engine, unlock their doors and trunk. 

The signal that is transmitted is send to a central computer system. That signal is unique to your car. As soon as the transmission makes contact with the central computer, it will activate your car’s engine and enable you to get going. The reason so many auto manufacturers are investing in this type of key is because there is a demand for them. They offer more than just a convenient way to get in and out of your car, they also help to prevent auto theft.

We highly recommend that you have more than one transponder key programmed so that if you lose one you have another one. If you are getting your transponder key from your dealership, ask for an additional key before leaving. It is unlikely that they will give you one if you go back later. Oh, they’ll give you one but you’ll likely have to pay for. As they are trying to sell you a car, they are usually more willing to throw in certain things, such as another transponder key. Get it while the getting it good! You can usually negotiate with the sales person to get them to throw the key in with the sale of the car. Having an additional transponder key will definitely come in handy if you should have a problem with your existing key. You won’t have the inconvenience of having to wait for someone to come and reprogram your key.

Again, a transponder key helps you avoid having your car stolen. If the thief finds your transponder key, they would have a difficult time trying to use it if they don’t know whose car the key belongs to. However, don’t take chances. If your transponder key is missing, have a new one programmed to cancel out your existing key. It would be easy for them to steal your car if you drop it in a parking lot where our car is also located. While it isn’t easy for them to steal your car without the key, it is a no brainer when they have your keys in their hands. 

Like anything else, there are some good things about them and there are some bad things about them. This is also true of a transponder key. It offers many benefits but this doesn’t mean that people don’t experience problems with them from time to time. When this happens you should know that there is usually a solution to any problem you may encounter with our transponder key. We are happy to discuss the solutions with you so that you are not left stranded or so that no one is capable of stealing your car. Here are some tips that you can follow if you have a transponder key:

Your Transponder Key Is Not Working

• Manufacturer’s Defect – If a manufacturer’s defect has been identified, chances are that you will be able to receive a complimentary key if you have a warranty for the key. If the key didn’t come with a warranty, you’ll have to buy another one. However, you could bring the problem to the attention of the dealership who sold you the car and perhaps they will provide you with a new key and take it up with the manufacturer’s they. 
• Communication Issues – When your transponder key is not properly communicating with the centralized computer system, it will not enable your key to work effectively. Your key has a computer chip. This is what has to be detected by the computer. Therefore, when the key doesn’t work and isn’t properly communicating, the chip will need to be reprogrammed.

Sometimes people mistake their chip for a battery. They end up putting a piece of tape over the key instead of having the chip replaced. It would be in your best interest to go ahead and have your chip replaced rather than taking the chance of losing it. If you lose the chip, you’ll need a brand new transponder key.

• Ignition Trouble – Even though you are unable to see the problem yourself, you may have something in your ignition. A locksmith can usually determine whether this is the problem or not. In most cases, they can get whatever is in the ignition out without having to replace the ignition switch.

These are just the most common problems that we motorists encounter with transponder key. There are other reasons but if you’re experiencing a problem, it is usually one of the above-mentioned situations. Your local locksmith can do more to assist you if you have a problem with your transponder key than if you took it back to the dealership. A locksmith will come to wherever you are and they have the right tools to effectively relieve you of the problem you might be experiencing with your transponder key. The services of a locksmith is often less expensive than that of a dealership or an auto mechanic. Unlike them, we will often come to where our customers are to administer the services they need. 

No one will argue that a transponder key is convenient. It is likely true that you have a transponder key if you’re still reading this article. Even if you haven’t had any of the aforementioned problems, it doesn’t mean that you will not have this problem. However, since you’ve read this article, you will know exactly how to handle a transponder key problem.