Transponder Keys and Common Problems with Them
In the 1980’s and early 1990’s auto theft became a huge problem across America. The automobile Industry was challenged to come up with a solution to help. Out of that movement the transponder key was born and these types of keys are still in widespread use today in one form or another. They truly helped to make stealing an automobile a lot more difficult but in the process they created a whole new set of problems for auto mechanics and locksmiths to tackle.
Why do transponder keys create a unique set of problems for locksmiths and auto repair professionals? It’s because they are designed to be paired up with a specific vehicle. Each transponder key has a specific radio frequency that it transmits to a receiver in a vehicle in order to allow that vehicle to start. When this key to car receiver connection is not working it creates a need to find out where the problem originates. Sometimes the receiver in the automobile turns out to be the problem and other times the problem can be traced to the corresponding transponder key itself.
Transponder Key Common Problems and Troubleshooting
So you go to use your transponder key and your vehicle will not turn over or it does not even go into the ignition. Worse yet maybe you have misplaced your transponder key altogether. So what do you do in situations like this?
Here are a few solutions to common transponder key problems:
- Lost or stolen transponder key
If you do not have a spare transponder key on you then only an auto dealership or locksmith will be able to help you out in this situation. They are the only ones that are truly able to duplicate a transponder key without having to go through many hurdles to get that key made. Chances are an auto locksmith will be able to come to your present location and be able to make you a new transponder key right on site.
If you believe your transponder key has been stolen that creates a whole new set of circumstances. In that case you will want to have your dealer or a locksmith change the frequency that your transponder keys and receiver are currently set at. That way the person that stole your key cannot easily show up at your home and steal your vehicle.
- Transponder key seems unresponsive
Several things can cause your transponder key to not do its job properly. Some of them are easily correctable and others are not. Here are some examples of that:
- Dead transponder key battery
Here is a transponder key problem you can handle relatively easily by yourself. If your transponder key stops working try replacing the battery first. Transponder key batteries are like watch batteries and it only takes a set of small screwdrivers to replace them.
There really is no way for you to correct a malfunctioning transponder key yourself. To see if it truly is your transponder key that’s the problem try using a spare key if you have one. If the spare transponder key works then make sure you have at least one more backup transponder key made.
- Receiver malfunction
If you have tried using your transponder key and your backup transponder key and neither one works, the problem is most likely in the transponder receiver in your car. In this case you will definitely need the help of either a mechanic at your car dealership or the help of a well-trained auto locksmith. They are the best choices when it comes to diagnosing and repairing any transponder key or transponder receiver problem.
Solving Transponder Key Problems
Unless your transponder key has a simple problem like a battery malfunction chances are you are not going to be able to solve that problem yourself. It usually takes specialized equipment to identify where a transponder key problem exists and then correct that problem. Auto dealerships can help you with transponder key problems and should definitely be the ones you go to if your transponder keys are still under warranty but they are not the best source for dedicated transponder key repairs.
A well-trained and skilled locksmith will most likely be faster and better at solving any transponder key problem you have. A mechanic knows a little about everything on a vehicle while a dedicated auto locksmith only has to concentrate on knowing vehicle locks specifically. That makes them experts when it comes to diagnosing and repairing transponder key problems. A locksmith will also have dedicated transponder key equipment on their service vehicle and a large assortment of transponder key blanks and other transponder parts.
How to Choose a Locksmith to Help You with Your Transponder Key Problems
If you have a transponder key malfunction you just don’t want to pick up the phone and call the first locksmith that you find in an internet search. That may only make your problem more difficult to solve. The first thing you have to do is make sure a locksmith lists auto locksmith work as one of the locksmith tasks they specialize in. If you need a locksmith to come right away to your location you also have to make sure they offer 24/7 emergence auto locksmith service.
It also never hurts to do a quick background check on any auto locksmith you will call to help you. You definitely want to look for a vehicle locksmith that has a good reputation in the area so you know they will provide you with reliable auto locksmith service. Reputable auto locksmith companies will also have no problem giving you a ballpark cost estimate over the phone for your transponder repair.
Reliable automobile transponder key repair specialists like Chino Hills Locksmith Master of Chino Hills, California are easy to find if you know how to search for them. So put a little effort into your auto locksmith search in order to get your transponder key needs taken care of as reliably as possible.