Locksmith South Dallas: Transponder Keys, Problems

You may have heard about transponder keys. You probably know that they are some kind of a car key. But did you know that your car key is probably a transponder key? Yes, that’s right: nowadays most car keys are transponder keys. Transponder keys have been created as a security measure. They are designed to protect your car from theft. Without transponder keys, anyone would be able to start your car if they managed to duplicate the metal part of the key. And let’s be honest: duplicating a metal key is not rocket science. If anyone can get access to your key for a few seconds, he can make a cast of the metal part to get the correct shape. He or she can then easily make a duplicate key that would start your car. With transponder keys, it is impossible to start the vehicle using such a duplicated key. So, let’s see what a transponder key is and how it works. Also, let’s take a look at the common problems with transponder keys and how to fix them.

What Is a Transponder Key and How Does It Work?

A transponder key is basically a car key with a transponder inside it. You may not be aware, but there is a small transponder chip inside your car key. Of course, the metal part of the key must fit perfectly into the ignition cylinder of your vehicle. But the car will not start unless the transponder chip is recognized. So, how does this work? The car sends a transmission to the transponder chip as soon as you insert the key into the ignition cylinder. The transponder chip must send back the correct response – a response that is coded into the chip. If the response is incorrect or if it is not received at all, the car will not start. The engine control unit (ECU) will only start the engine upon receiving the correct signal. In other words, your vehicle will see your attempt to start it with a faulty transponder key as an attempt to steal the car. No matter what you try, the vehicle will not turn on its engine. And this is exactly why people who are having problems with their car keys are unable to start their cars. You will be left stranded on the side of the road if the transponder chip is not working perfectly.

Most Common Problems With Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are electronic devices. This means they are prone to malfunction or to stop working altogether. Just like your smartphone may suddenly stop working, so could a transponder chip stop working for no apparent reason. Here are the most common problems with transponder chips and the simple solutions to these problems:

• The transponder chip runs out of power. Because it is an electronic device, the transponder chip needs a steady supply of electricity. This energy is provided by a small battery inside your car key. Of course, in time the battery will deplete and the transponder chip will stop working. The simple fix is to replace the battery inside the key.
• Transponders are sensitive electronic devices, which means they don’t take kindly to being knocked around. If you drop the car key on a hard surface, the transponder chip may stop working. The extent of the damage depends on how hard the key was hit. In most cases, the transponder key must be replaced.
• Submerging the key under water is not a good idea. The transponder chip may short out and your car key will become useless. Again, the simple fix is to replace the transponder key.
• You may have purchased a new car key and it doesn’t work. Even if the metal part of the key is shaped correctly, you will not be able to start your car until the transponder chip is programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. To fix the problem, you need to program the transponder chip.
• The transponder key simply stops working. Remember, the chip is an electronic device that is subject to wear and tear. It will eventually stop working. If this happens, you need to replace the transponder chip.
• In case you break the key in the ignition, you need somebody to help you get the key out and to duplicate the original key. The transponder chip must also be programmed correctly for it to work with your vehicle.

No matter how difficult the problem may seem, there is always a solution. Even if the key doesn’t work, it can still be duplicated. Even if you lose both keys, a professional can take a brand new key and program it to work for your vehicle. And if everything else fails, you can always get in touch with the dealership and request a new car key. Yes, it will cost you quite a bit of money to work with the dealership. The best solution to any transponder key problem is to call a locksmith.

The Locksmith: A Quick, Painless Solution

Locksmiths are experts when it comes to working with car locks. These people have been well trained and use the best tools and equipment to make sure your transponder key works as expected again. A locksmith from Locksmith South Dallas in South Dallas, TX can come to you anywhere and can duplicate your car key in no time. Of course, locksmiths are also able to replace transponder batteries and to program transponder chips. They can make sure your transponder chip is recognized by the vehicle and that the car starts its engine. Also, locksmiths are able to duplicate the metal part of the key in record time. It is always a lot cheaper to work with a locksmith to duplicate a car key than it is to order a new key from the dealership. And remember that reputable locksmiths work 24/7, which means you can get assistance at any time of day or night if you happen to have an emergency. You never know when your transponder chip malfunctions, so it’s best to have the phone number of a reliable, insured and licensed locksmith in your smartphone.