My Alpharetta Locksmith, LLC: What to Do When Transponder Key is Lost

With technological advancements, security is usually the foremost concern for any manufacturer. The same applies for cars and the keys that come with them. Transponder keys make it harder for cars to be stolen as a result of lost keys since they have a chip inside them that corresponds to the chip inside the car, only allowing that specific key to start the ignition. It is possible to lose your transponder key but you can take a few steps in order to make sure that you approach the situation in the best way possible without causing any damage to the car or without having the replacement cost you a fortune.

One warning, before we proceed, is that you should always make sure to consult a professional like My Alpharetta Locksmith, LLC in Atlanta, GA in order to determine what you should do if you lose your transponder key. Qualified and licensed professionals usually have the efficient and suitable solution ready at hand, and if you have no clue how to approach the situation, get in touch with a qualified locksmith immediately.

Check the car manual.

You might find that the car manual has a guide on what to do if you need to get a new transponder key. You might have to purchase one and then program it yourself, but go through the manual thoroughly to see if it gives instructions on how to pair a new transponder key to your car. However, only do this if you are completely sure about what to do. Otherwise, you can consult a locksmith, and they can help you with the instructions in the manual.

Check to see if your warranty stands.

If you have purchased a car recently and have lost the keys or they got stolen, make sure to check the warranty of the vehicle. If you go for a solution to a dealership, you might find that the cost of replacement is exorbitant. Therefore, check warranties to see if you can get replacement keys for any unforeseen circumstances. If you can, you are lucky and have avoided a massive bill, getting the right service for the problem.

 

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Transponder Keys and the Problems That Can Affect Them

Transponder keys were an exciting innovation in vehicle security when they were developed in the mid-1990s and are still a feature of many vehicles on the road today. Transponder keys represent an ideal blend of anti-theft security and convenience for vehicle owners. However, as these systems see more wear and tear, they are more likely to need attention from a professional. You don’t have to turn to the dealership in most cases when you need transponder key services. Instead, you can rely on the services of a local locksmith team in Alpharetta when you need your transponder key problems diagnosed and treated.

 

What Is a Transponder Key?

 

Simply put, a transponder key is a type of vehicle key that has an electronic microchip embedded in the fob (head). When you insert the transponder key into the ignition, the microchip sends a signal via radio frequency to your car’s ignition system that contains a unique code. Most keys that have transponder chips can be identified by their plastic key fob. This code must match the one sent by the ignition system itself. If the code matches, then the engine’s immobilizer will disengage, allowing the engine to fire up. If the code doesn’t match, this chain of events won’t occur.

 

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are extremely popular to vehicle manufacturers because they not only increase the security of the vehicle in question, but the convenience of accessing and running it, too. In recent years, transponder key technology has been phased out in favor of remote keyless entry technology, but many vehicles on the road still use transponder keys. As these vehicles begin to wear down as the years progress, more locksmiths are seeing an increase in requests for transponder key replacements.

 

Transponder Key Problems

 

As with any technological advancement, there are potential issues that can develop, especially the longer you’ve used your transponder key. These problems can range in severity, with the worst preventing you from using your vehicle at all. If you suspect an issue with your transponder key, a licensed professional locksmith can assist you in determining the cause.

 

Problem: The Chip Gets Damaged

While you may think that your chip is impossible to damage due to its protective plastic housing, accidents can and do occur. If you drop your key from a significant height or accidentally smash your key, your transponder chip can become damaged. If this occurs, your entire transponder key will need to be replaced in most cases and the new key programmed to match your vehicle’s operating code.

 

Problem: The Transponder Chip Loses Its Programming

The coding for the transponder chip is programmed electronically, and operates using radio frequency. Occasionally, radio wave interference can scramble a transponder chip’s programming. This is more common in busy areas with lots of radio signals being sent and received at the same time. When this occurs, the transponder chip will require being reprogrammed by a professional in order to match the coding of your vehicle. The chip is usually wiped so that there’s a clean slate to work from and then the proper code is reprogrammed onto the chip.

 

Read more on: Transponder Keys and the Problems That Can Affect Them