Transponder keys are now standard, making automobiles much more difficult to steal, though they are more expensive. While they are much safer and comforting to have, problems can still arise with transponder keys, and it’s good to have access to mobile locksmiths from Cumming, GA locksmith who can help quickly.

Transponder keys are also known as transponder “chip” keys. The chip inside the key sends a unique signal to your car’s computer, which contains a specific frequency aligned to your car. These ignition keys for your vehicle make getting in and out of your car very easy by allowing you to unlock your doors without putting the key in the lock, activating and deactivating your alarm remotely, opening the trunk, and some can even start the car remotely.

Today, transponder keys are standard, and are also considered superior to regular keys. Cars are harder to steal, and though transponder keys are more expensive they are considered well worth it. By offering peace of mind for the additional safety included, a transponder key is helpful overall. However, there are potential problems with transponder keys.

Benefits of Transponder Keys

Remember the old days when the key was as simple as sticking it into the door lock to open the car? And then inserting that same key into the ignition to start the car? Well… the transponder keys of today have made things feel so much safer and more efficient, though they are often taken for granted.

Transponder keys work as ignition keys for your automobile and make getting in and out of your car very easy by unlocking the doors like a remote. You can activate and deactivate your car alarm, open your trunk remotely, and some can even start your car remotely. Now that is efficient, right?

For some vehicles, laser-cut transponder key is all-in-one with the fob, also referred to as “sidewinder” keys because of the winding cut feature on the shank. Usually laser-cut keys’ built-in chips have to be programmed by the dealership. There are also switchblade keys which fold into the fob. Similar to a switchblade knife, you pop it out by pressing a button. One advantage to this type of key is that its components can be bought separately if one isn’t working, but if it’s lost or stolen the entire key still needs to be replaced and reprogrammed.

Transponder Key Not Working

This could be as simple as your car not starting when turning the key, or your car begins to take longer to start as time passes. This could indicate that your transponder chip key is reaching the end of its life, and a new one will need to be cut.

First, make sure to take a look at the dashboard lights when attempting to start your car with the key. If the transponder key light stays lit up, then there is a possibility that something is happening with the transponder chip key. Many locksmiths have recommended trying use of the spare key first.

Considering the fact that the dealer or a mechanic is not able to come to you, the cost of towing your car to them is quite a heavy additional time and expense. Therefore, it is much more helpful to call a locksmith like us, prepared for the mobile emergency, ready to come to you on site and cut a new key on the spot.

So, is s the dealership necessary with these problems? Most people are aware of the fact that car dealerships are a total rip-off. In fact, most of the money that they make happens to be on servicing their vehicles, not on the actual sales. Not only this, but they tend to be quite busy and require you to have an appointment in advance. If you cannot start your car, this can be quite a problem.

Lost or Stolen Transponder Key

A transponder key is different than a mechanical key, and more expensive to copy. If you can’t find your transponder key, depending on the automaker and the detail of the key’s design, the replacement of your key isn’t cheap. Most dealerships charge a lot for reprogramming and replacing transponder keys.

Losing your car key is a lot more complicated than it used to be. With a traditional key, you could easily have a spare key made for a few bucks at any local hardware store or locksmith, or even back at the dealership. But a transponder key is a different story. If you really can’t find your transponder key, depending on the automaker and the intricacy of the key’s design, the replacement of your electronic fob isn’t cheap. A few car dealerships will program your fob properly for free, but most will charge a lot.

The added layer of security of transponder keys makes them more difficult to duplicate. A transponder is basically like a mini computer, locksmiths can do a form of On-Board Programming where we link into your car’s electrical system to ascertain how to find the correct signal for your car though we need an existing key to be able to do this.

Another effective method is syncing the old key with the new car key. Essentially, we can use the old signal to quickly create for you a new, working key. This is particularly helpful if you have only damaged the key component and not the transponder.

Not only this but if you are worried that your old key has been stolen then we can create a new signal so that only the new car key replacement works and not the old. Either way, Locksmiths have the tools to get you back on the road.