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You may not be aware that the car key in your hands is more complex than you think. Inside of it, there is a small chip that has a very important function, called a transponder chip. The keys of most cars built after 1995 contain a transponder chip for improved security. The transponder chip communicates with your vehicle’s immobilizer and tells it to disarm so that you can start the engine. Basically, the transponder in the key sends some codes to the car. Of course, these codes need to be correct in order for the vehicle to allow you to start it. If the transponder does not send the codes or if the codes are not correct, your vehicle will not start, no matter how hard you try.
In most cases, people think that the car is at fault when it refuses to start dues to a malfunctioning transponder chip. They tow the car to a mechanic and pay him to fix their car. Even though the problem is so simple, people can lose hundreds of dollars on towing and repair services. Of course, let’s not even mention the fact that you lose a lot of time and begin to be stressed by the problem. You won’t be able to drive your car to work until the problem gets solved. But what causes a transponder to cease working? Let’s find out!
Your car key looks pretty sturdy. It looks like it can take a beating. In fact, you have probably dropped your car keys on the floor several times already and nothing happened. The reality is that the transponder chip – just like any electronic device – is quite sensitive to shock. It can break the next time you accidentally drop your car key. When the transponder chip is damaged, it will stop sending the codes. Consequently, the vehicle will not receive a code and will not start when you turn the key in the ignition. The simple and effective remedy for this problem is to call a locksmith and ask him to replace the transponder chip or to duplicate the entire key.
Another problem can be caused by the battery inside your key. As any electronic device, the transponder in your key needs power from somewhere. The power is supplied by a small battery inside the key. If the battery dies, so does your transponder chip. Again, the chip will not be able to send the codes to the vehicle without power – and the vehicle will not start. This problem can be solved pretty quickly simply by replacing the battery in the key. A trained locksmith can help you do this, or you can do it yourself. If you attempt to replace the battery yourself, be careful not to damage the key or the transponder chip inside of it.
In case you purchase a new transponder key on the Internet, the new key will not work with your vehicle. Why? Because each transponder chip is programmed differently. Otherwise, you would be able to open any car of the same make and model with the same key. Each vehicle requires different codes, based on an algorithm programmed in the vehicle’s on-board computer. The new transponder key needs to be programmed to work with your car. Again, a simple solution to this problem is to call an experienced locksmith and have him program your transponder key. Even though it may sound like an easy operation, programming a key improperly can have very nasty consequences. Let an expert do it!
The key stops working all of a sudden and it’s not the battery inside it at fault. There are various reasons why a transponder chip may stop working out of the blue. You don’t need to drop the key or case damage to the chip to make it stop working. In some cases, older transponder chips simply die; it’s normal wear and tear. A locksmith can help you duplicate one of the functioning car keys and make as many copies as you want. Alternatively, the expert can program a new transponder key to work with your vehicle in case you have no keys left. In any case, a locksmith can help you get back on the road in as little time as possible – usually the same day.
Most people think about going to the dealership and requesting a new set of transponder keys when they run into trouble with their old keys. However, did you consider how much it costs to purchase new car keys from the dealership? A locksmith can make as many keys as you want for just a fraction of that price. And he or she can help you out on the spot, whereas a dealership will usually ship you the new keys in a couple days. In other words, a locksmith is cheaper and faster than any dealership. He or she can get you back on the road in just an hour or so and provide you with as many spare keys as you want. And you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Don’t be like most people who pay a lot of money for new transponder keys at the dealership or who tow their vehicles to the mechanic just because the transponder key doesn’t work. Be smart and choose a locksmith who can solve any transponder key problem quickly and affordably!
