Problems with transponder keys

Are you having problems with your transponder keys? They may be missing or damaged. Maybe the chip has fallen out and your car won’t turn on. You might have broken your key off in the lock and now you need a new one. There are a few things that can go wrong when you drive with transponder keys. For the most part, these keys offer convenience and peace of mind to area drivers but once in a while, a problem occurs and transponder key issues rear their ugly head and demand a real solution. Here at Hemet Secure Locksmith, we work with transponder keys on a very regular basis. In fact, our automotive locksmiths duplicate, repair, and program transponder keys to local Hemet, CA residents whenever they need this special service. Sometimes transponder keys can be mistaken for the problem and the real issue is something else. At other times, you really do need professional service for your car’s transponder keys and once you’ve read this page, you’ll know exactly what to do to get it.

What a transponder key really is

The word transponder means to transmit. That’s what your transponder is designed for; transmitting a signal to your car’s onboard computer. If the signal is recognized, the car starts. If it doesn’t; the engine will not start. Because of the specialized nature of these automotive keys, they have become expensive and time consuming to duplicate and program. Only authorized car dealers and locksmith shops are allowed to make, program and copy these keys and many have no idea that locksmiths can offer this service. 

Problems with car dealerships

There’s really nothing wrong with your car dealership making your new transponder keys. Using their service is legitimate but it does have its drawbacks. One of these is the cost. A dealership can charge anywhere from $100 to $300 or more to replace your car’s transponder key. That’s just for one key and the figure doesn’t include tow fees to bring your vehicle into the service area! If you want spare keys cut, the price will naturally rise. That’s a hefty price for a legitimate service; no wonder many people blanch at the thought of having to replace their missing or broken transponder key!

How to tell if your car key is a transponder key or not

Unless you are driving an older model of car, your ignition key is most likely a transponder key. These keys were becoming quite mainstream in the mid 1990’s and today, most all auto keys are transponder ones. Transponder keys look like other keys in that they have a rounded or rectangular head and a metal blade where grooves and notches are cut. Inside the key’s head is where the computer chip is embedded. In past times, key makers in gas stations and mail centers were very happy and able to cut keys of all types. Today, they will refuse to make your transponder key as they are not able to and don’t have either the authorization or the equipment to do so.

Broken off keys and fallen out chips

A broken off key is seemingly a small thing, but when it is a transponder key that has snapped in two, it can be a real nightmare. Even if you could remove the broken-off part yourself, you still need to have a new key made to replace the original one. Often, a locksmith must be called in order to get the stuck part of the key out. Keys can break in the lock or elsewhere. Many transponder keys break when used for other purposes like bottle popping, can opening, box cutting, tape shredding, puncturing and other ‘boy scout tool’ tasks. Your keys are not indestructible and while they don’t need to be handled with care, they do need proper handling when in use. Think back; how many times have you tossed our car keys onto a table or dropped them on the floor or pavement? Keep in mind that there’s a sensitive computer chip in your key and if it falls out, you may not immediately notice it. Our customers have told us about dropping their key ring in the driveway or parking lot and not noticed the chip falling out. Their keys still work to get them access into the car interior or trunk but since the chip is missing, the car won’t start.

Missing keys and stolen keys

Kids and pets love car keys! They like playing with them and making all that jingling noise in the process. One problem with this is that keys can be swallowed, dropped into gutters, buried, and otherwise lost and nowhere to be found when suddenly needed. Also, basic human error can account for a good percentage of missing or lost keys. We are busy people and can easily forget where we last held our keys or put them down. Keys can fall behind couch cushions, slide off of boats, and be mistaken for someone else’s keys and accidentally picked up.

What to do if you have transponder key problems

First of all, take better care of your transponder keys. Keep them in their proper place when not in use. Don’t throw or drop them if possible and please don’t use them for tools and weapons (unless you really need to!). If you do need transponder key replacement and programming, call a full service, automotive locksmith and have him or her do the work for an agreed upon price. Your locksmith will be able to give you free price quotes and do the service at your home, office or place of business. You won’t need a tow truck or have to sit in a service area waiting room! Make sure your locksmith offers this service and has done so in the past. You want integrity and experience in your locksmith for the best results in transponder key programming and duplication. Look for freely and cheerfully given answers to your transponder key questions and reward your locksmith with future business and a good review once your new transponder key is made and working great.