Most people who own newer model cars will use a transponder key. If
you’re able to push a button and unlock your car doors or start the
engine, you have a transponder key. It offers a great deal of
convenience for those who own one. Some will also let the owner open
their trunk without putting the key in the keyhole. A transponder key
has a chip that sends signals to the computer associated with their
car. The signal is unique to only your car. As soon as the computer
notices the signal from your transponder key it will unlock your
steering column and activate the car’s ignition.
Manufacturers are
making this type of car key because they offer convenience and seem to
be favored over standard keys now-a-days. Our locksmiths at
Pflugerville Locksmiths in Pflugerville, TX can program and reprogram
transponder keys. We do it practically everyday. Our locksmiths will
tell you that owning a transponder key is more expensive than owning a
standard key. This is for various reasons but one of them is simply
because of the convenience they offer to motorists. However, as
appealing as the transponder key might sound, there are some drawbacks.
You would definitely want to consider having an extra
transponder key programmed when you get your car. In most cases, the
dealership will offer you an additional key. It they do not ask you
about it, make an inquiry as to whether or not they would be willing to
provide you with an additional transponder key. They are usually
willing to do so to get you to buy a car. The reason we make this
recommendation is because it would be less of an inconvenience to rely
on a locksmith or a friend, who may have your key. You should negotiate
with the salesperson about their throwing an extra transponder key
into the price of the car. If you happen to experience any problems
once you have your transponder key, instead of towing your car to the
dealership, a locksmith service will usually come to your location and
resolve the issue for you.
Transponder keys make stealing your car more difficult. Even though this is the case, if you ever lose your key or it is stolen, the car thief wouldn’t have a problem taking your car. If you are in a rush and your key falls out in a parking area, all the thief has to do is continue pressing the button until the right door is unlocked. Keep another transponder key so that we can reprogram it so that no one is able to steal your car with the existing transponder key.
Lost Transponder Key
It happens to the best of us, lost keys! Yes, you might
misplace your keys or simply lose them. Don’t panic, when this occurs,
there are some practical options for you. While a standard key is
definitely easier to replace, you can lose it too. The difference is
that you can simply go to your local Wal-Mart and just have another key
made. This isn’t the case when it comes to a transponder key. If
you’re getting one from the dealership, you’ll have some red tape to go
through. If you don’t know if you actually lost your key or it was
stolen, you risk your car being stolen. You can call a locksmith to
bring you another transponder key, which they will program on the spot.
Don’t leave your car because if someone has found your key, as
mentioned earlier, they can drive off with it. Be careful and cautious.
Things to Do If You’re Transponder Key Stops Working
There are several reasons why you’re key might stop working. Here are a few of them.
- Communication Problem
If your transponder key is not correctly communicating with the
computer, this will not enable the features to work. The computer chip
will need to be reprogrammed. A locksmith can come to wherever you are
to program it from your location.
- Manufacturer Defects
When you have a manufacturer defect you might be able to receive
another one if it is under warranty. If you find out that it isn’t,
unfortunately, you’ll have to buy another one. Research where you can
buy one that is affordable before heading back to the dealership where
it will be most expensive.
- Something in Ignition
You may have something very small inside your ignition; this can
create a problem with your transponder key. You can rely on a locksmith
to determine what the problem is and remove it without causing damage
to your ignition. They generally do not have to replace the ignition
switch.
