A Transponder Key for a car is an electronic access and resists system that uses radio frequencies to communicate between keys and cars. When a technician installs any key, they reprogram the frequency of the car and the key together. This means if you take your car to another location or dealer, there may be issues with using that service center’s key to start your car.
Transponder Keys for Cars: How do they work?
This is the security measure that manufacturers have implemented to ensure a person can’t easily steal your vehicle or even hotwire it, as there is no starter without both the car and key being present.
Cars have always been at risk of being stolen, but with modern technology making cars more reliable, a thief just needs the right key to be able to start and drive away with your car in a matter of seconds. Transponder Keys discourage theft by requiring two parts for the ignition system: the part that is inserted into the lock cylinder and the transmitter (transponder) in the key.
A thief can’t turn your car on without both parts, making your car both harder to steal and, when it is stolen, easier to recover.
What’s the best way to get a duplicate of my transponder key?
Don’t let the inconvenience of a lost transponder key for your car get in the way of enjoying your vehicle again. With many local and mobile locksmiths available, you can get back on the road in an hour or less, without having to tow your car to a dealership and pay hundreds of dollars more.
Depending on the make and model of your car, not all locksmiths might be familiar with transponder keys, so call ahead and ask if they can help before showing up.
Locksmiths are able to assist with remote keys, which is not widely known. To replace remote automobile keys and program new ones, locksmiths employ the same equipment as car dealerships. They can produce a perfectly working duplicate car key with a chip for far less than it would cost to manufacture a traditional key.
Is It Possible to Program a Transponder Key Myself?
No, special equipment and abilities are required to program the key. However, your local locksmith, in addition to the automobile dealership, should be able to assist you.
Transponder keys are much harder to copy than older “blade” type keys – those old keys that were basically just flat pieces of metal with grooves in them. Because more of the key is metal, it was possible to use a “skeleton” style key that could be copied easily. With transponder keys, because more of the inside of the key is taken up by the microchip, you will need expensive high-end electronic equipment.
Should I use a dealership or locksmith for auto key duplication?
Using an automotive locksmith for car key duplication is a much better option than going to a dealership. Dealerships will not only charge the owner of the vehicle more, but they will also require that you tow your car in and leave it for at least one day in some cases.
By using a locksmith, you can have multiple keys made within an hour and if you are stranded they will go to you.
In addition, locksmiths use the same equipment to make car keys as car dealerships, including duplicating or making a new transponder key or remote key. This ensures that the security features of your vehicle won’t be compromised in any way when your keys are replaced.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Transponder Key?
The cost of key replacement varies by make and model as well as the type of situation, emergency vs non-emergency. Due to the microchip and other security features of transponder keys, they can be more expensive to replace than traditional “blade” keys. To get the right information always ask the dealer or your trusted locksmith to avoid misunderstandings.
We hope you found this article useful and informative. If you need a locksmith in Nashville, TN, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Armstrong Locksmith. We are the best locksmith in town! Our team of professionals is always available to help. Whether it’s an emergency or not, we’ll be there as soon as possible and get your car back on the road.
We have over 20 years of experience and can handle any job, big or small. We are licensed and insured for your protection. Our services are not only limited to vehicles we also offer residential and commercial assistance.
Additional Resources and Guides
For additional help and resources check out our blog articles and be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel.
