Everyone loses their keys from time to time. Even if it is within one’s own home, we are all bound to set our keys down somewhere and forget, even temporarily, where we placed them. Since key sets may contain keys for everything from our homes, our vehicles, and even our home safes, responding quickly to either locate one’s missing key set or replace them is important. In particular, if you lose a transponder key for your vehicle, there are several steps you will want to take to replace it.

Losing a set of car keys may have negative consequences, so it is important to take action fast if you are ultimately unable to locate your keys. For vehicle owners who have a key outfitted with a transponder signal, this is especially true.

The Purpose and Function of a Transponder Key

Transponder keys are a specific kind of car key you likely have for your own vehicle. Newer vehicle models made in the last couple of decades are required to be outfitted with transponder keys. There are several reasons for this, but the primary reason is safety and security. Before transponder keys were a requirement for vehicle makers, one key for one type of vehicle could potentially be used to open another vehicle of the same make and model. After repeated incidents where individuals would accidentally drive off in the wrong vehicle after their key somehow operated another’s vehicle of the same color, make and model. In order to prevent this from continuing to happen, vehicle makers are required to make a unique transponder key and signal for every vehicle they produce. Additionally, car theft is dramatically reduced thanks to the use of transponder keys.

How a Transponder Key> Works

Transponder keys work through the use of two different signals. The first, known as a transponder chip, is embedded within the key head of one’s car key. The second signal comes from within the car’s interior electrical system. The two systems work together to identify the other and once the signal has been confirmed, the car will turn on when the key is put into the ignition and turned. Both a clear transponder signal and the typical inserting and twisting of one’s key are required for the vehicle to start. This way, even if someone has the same make and model vehicle, the car will not start with their key since the transponder signal will not match.

Steps to Take if Your Transponder Key is Missing

Misplacing one’s transponder key means that even though you may not have it, the key will still certainly operate your vehicle. Since you may not know where your keys ended up or who may possess them now, getting your transponder key replaced as quickly as possible will be important.

After you have thoroughly searched everywhere or you are positive your keys are not going to be returned to you any time soon, it is time to call a locksmith. It is highly recommended that, regardless of the circumstances, you contact a locksmith in your area to help you with getting your transponder key replaced.

Get Your Transponder Key Replaced

There are several reasons why relying on a locksmith for transponder key replacements is the way to go. Locksmiths are able to work with all kinds of vehicle lock and key types. Specialized knowledge is almost always required to access the interior mechanisms of one’s vehicle locks and this is especially true when it comes to transponder keys.

Since transponder keys run on signals, there are several particular steps that need to be taken to make sure both the signal within one’s transponder key and the vehicle portion are able to connect. Most individuals will neither know how to access the interior of the vehicle to fix the signal within the car or even the key. Calling a locksmith will eliminate any guesswork or potential damage you may cause to your vehicle.

A locksmith will be able to outfit a new key to match your vehicle and rewire the signal so that a new key works. Until this process is properly performed, your old transponder key will still work and no other key will operate the vehicle. A locksmith will be able to set-up and connect a new transponder key with a corresponding signal, which will make it so the other key no longer works. Once the signal is adjusted and fitted for a new transponder key, only the new key will be able to operate the vehicle.

Additionally, locksmiths doing automotive key repairs almost always have the ability to perform transponder key lock repairs onsite. This eliminates the need to hire a tow truck to take your vehicle to a dealership or other repair shop. Contacting a locksmith with mobile or roadside capabilities is the fastest and easiest way to get your transponder key fixed.

Remember, it is advised that you do not try to replace your missing transponder key yourself. Without the proper knowledge, you may cause expensive damage to your vehicle. Working with a locksmith will get you back on the road quickly and at the most affordable price. Look for a mobile locksmith in your area that is experienced in automotive lock repairs and get the replacement transponder key you need quickly and easily.