Problems with transponder keys

Is your transponder key giving you problems? While not common, issues with these specialized car keys are not unknown. Transponder keys come with many benefits that far outweigh the problems but once in a while something happens that almost makes you wish for the “old days” before transponder keys were even around!

So what are transponder keys and do I have one?

How old is your car? If it’s 1990 or older you probably don’t have transponder keys but “regular” car keys. These keys were lighter, simpler to make and so easy to duplicate. That was their problem; too easy to copy made things too easy to steal your car! After 1990 auto manufacturers started making it harder for car thieves to steal your car by making transponder keys that were larger, heavier and that included a computer chip embedded in the key’s head. This chip was programmed to match the onboard computer in your car. When you turn the key in the ignition, a signal is sent to the vehicle and if it matches and is recognized, the car starts. Another transponder key with a different chip in it will not give a signal that matches and the car will not start. See the advantage? Now, do you appreciate your transponder keys a little more?

What problems?

There are pros and cons to everything; transponder keys included. This post will outline a few of them. The most common ones are lost keys and key breakage. Also included with problems are missing computer chips and wrong key insertions. Let’s take missing chips first. Do you toss your car keys on the table or counter at times? Of course you do; who doesn’t? Most times, this action alone is not enough to dislodge your key’s computer chip but further rough housing like throwing keys, dropping them on pavement and using your key ring as a boy scout tool can certainly cause an embedded chip to fall out. This little known phenomenon is also complicated by the fact that fallen keys are most often simply picked up and no search is made for the missing chip. By the time it is realized that the chip is missing, it’s too late.

Key breakage

How can a sturdy, metal key break? It happens and more often than folks realize. Keys are often used to rip things, puncture items, open boxes, even pop open bottles! The fact that transponder keys have a large, rounded head for a handle and a jagged blade for cutting and ripping makes them the perfect, portable tool for handyman and MacGyver type repairs. Unfortunately, this type of action can be rough on keys and they sometimes break in the process. Another instance of key breakage is when the key gets stuck in the lock and won’t budge. It’s easy to panic during these circumstances and applying a little too much force can result in a breakage. This of course, further complicates things as now you need new keys AND key extraction services! Using worn or damaged keys can make them stick and so can using the wrong key! In work places or households where everyone has transponder keys, it’s easy to grab the wrong one by mistake and often these will go in and not come back out!

Missing keys

This is a common one. Sometimes car keys go missing. This could be due to theft, human error, forgetfulness, even dogs and kids can be the culprit! One of the most common items in lost and found bins is keys. Unlike janitors that have keys secured on a belt most of us simply put keys in our pockets where they can fall out and become lost quite easily. Purses and handbags often contain keys but these too can be stolen, forgotten about and misplaced; keys and all. One easy and very workable way to cut down on lost keys is develop the habit of putting your keys in a dedicated place each time you use them. This place can be a drawer or wall key rack when at home. It could be in a locker or locked cabinet when at work. The place is really up to you as you know what you feel comfortable with. The key (pun intended) is to always use the same place as repetition helps to make good habits. Pretty soon, you’ll just automatically reach for your keys in the right place when you need them; after all, you put them there in the first place.

Programming and duplicating your transponder keys

How can making a duplicate key become a problem? Well, that depends on where you go for key work. Online companies often advertise that you can get your new transponder key from them. Problem is that they are not authorized and they don’t have the necessary codes to do the job right. At best, the new key will be shoddy and will not work at times. The wait is long too. And try getting a refund when you are fed up with your useless key; it won’t happen. You can call your dealership; in fact, that is the standard method for replacing your transponder key. You’ll probably pay way too much and incur tow fees, as well. You’ll have to schedule service so that your key’s computer chip can be matched to your car’s onboard computer. Make sure you schedule time for that.

The best way

There is a way to get a new transponder key made that is affordable, fast and convenient; call an automotive locksmith! That’s right; some locksmith shops are authorized to make these keys. Work is done at your location, on your schedule and the you’ll save enough to even have a spare made!