Transponder keys bring a lot of convenience to vehicle ownership. These new types of vehicle keys bring technology to your vehicle in a cutting edge way. However, when you add technology to anything, there is the potential for problems to arise. Here we will go through potential problems you may face when dealing with transponder keys.
To start, let's explain what transponder keys are. A transponder key is a car key that has a chip inside. This chip sends a radio signal to your car's ignition (when the key is in close proximity). This lets the car know that the rightful owner is nearby, and the ignition should turn, allowing the car to start. If your car is later than a mid-1990's model, it is likely that your key contains a transponder chip. You may also refer to this as a "key fob". You might think that the fob is only used for opening and locking your vehicle. However, it is likely that a transponder chip is inside your key fob. This technology was created not only for its convenience, but as an anti-theft measure.
While this technology is great, it does come with its own set of problems. Just like any technology we utilize in everyday life, there are positives and negatives that come with it. Below we will list some potential problems with transponder keys.
The chip in your key, or the corresponding chip in your car's ignition can face damage. When this happens, you will find that your transponder key only works intermittently (or not at all). This can be a very frustrating experience. If you think your chip has undergone damage, please call a locksmith for assistance. They are trained to deal with transponder keys for all makes and models of vehicles. If the problem lies with the chip in your car's ignition, a locksmith can still help. They are trained to deal with the full lock mechanism, including your car's ignition system.
This problem is due to human error, but it can happen. If you have misplaced your transponder key, you will not have a way to get inside of your vehicle, or turn your vehicle on (since the chip in the key will not be near the ignition). This situation may seem impossible. However, there is a solution. You can call a licensed and insured automotive locksmith to help you. They will be able to program a new transponder key for you (even if you have misplaced the old one). There are specific tools and equipment that are needed to get this done. This is why you should call a reputable auto locksmith for help. They can come out to your location and assist you. Many locksmiths also offer 24/7 emergency assistance. This means they will come out and help you even if you find that you have lost your keys in the middle of the night.
If you have your key, but find that it is just not working - this points to a malfunction with your key. One problem may be a dead battery. Many new transponder keys do not use batteries to power them. However, older transponder keys may still rely on batteries. Signs that the battery is wearing out usually appear before hand. One sign is that the buttons on the transponder need to be pressed multiple times in order for them to work. If you are starting to notice inconsistency in the way your key buttons function, it may be a battery issue. If your car has push button start, you may have to press the start button multiple times for the car to fire up. You may be ignoring this issue, out of worry that the fix will be expensive. However, it could be due to a weak battery in your key fob.
