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Transponder key technology is a part of the security for many vehicles on the road in Atlanta, Georgia, and may be a feature on your vehicle whether you’ve heard of it or not. Transponder keys feature anti-theft technology that was developed in the mid-1990s as an answer to an increase in widespread vehicle theft issues. It gained massive popularity due to its low cost and effectiveness. If you drive a vehicle that was manufactured in the last 25 years, it probably features a transponder key. While this usually provides benefits such as convenient access to your vehicle and greater security protection, when problems arise, they need to be handled right away, usually by an automotive locksmith professional.
Transponder keys are named such because of the electronic microchip that is inside each key’s fob. It transmits and receives radio frequency signals between the ignition system when it’s close proximity to the vehicle. Once only found as a component for luxury car keys, transponder key technology found a great deal of popularity throughout the last twenty years, only to be replaced in recent years by keyless entry systems.
Transponder chips are also a component of keyless entry remote technology. The vast majority of keyless remotes operate using transponder chips. This allows you to conveniently lock and unlock your vehicle, pop your trunk, and start your engine when you’re nearby. Issues with transponder chips in keyless remotes are less common but can still occur and need attention to allow you to continue to operate your vehicle without interruption.
A transponder key is a specific form of vehicle key featuring a microchip that is built in to the key’s fob (head). Transponder is a portmanteau of the words “transmitter” and “responder”, which refers to the technology that powers this unique form of chip. Transponder chips originated with aircraft technology, and found their way into vehicle antitheft security. When you insert your transponder key into the ignition lock cylinder, this microchip sends an electronic radio signal to your ignition system, disabling the immobilizer and allowing the engine to fire up. If the wrong code is sent, even if the key seems to fit in the lock, the vehicle will not start up. Most transponder keys have plastic key fobs to protect the transponder chip inside. Even keyless entry technology usually utilizes some form of transponder chip.
Transponder keys became extremely popular to vehicle manufacturers because they not only make a vehicle much more secure and harder to steal, but also more convenient to access. In this day and age when everyone is looking to make things more convenient and easy to use, it’s obvious as to why transponder chips became so widespread. Even with keyless entry systems, transponder chips are used which allow you to lock and unlock your doors, open your trunk, and sometimes remotely start your vehicle.
When transponder chips become damaged, lose their programming, or experience other issues, it usually takes professional intervention to fix the problem. While you may have to take your vehicle to the dealership in some cases, most of the times locksmiths are able to duplicate and program transponder chip keys for most makes and models of vehicles with less hassle and cost than the competition.
Transponder keys are exceedingly popular because they are very effective against vehicle theft and vandalism. However, the microchip technology that is a part of each transponder key makes them more susceptible to issues, especially as vehicles with transponder keys begin to age and show wear and tear.
Your Key Suddenly Stops Working: This is the most common issue with transponder keys, and it can happen out of the blue, causing major frustration for the driver. This is especially true if it happens in an inconvenient situation, such as after work or in the middle of the night. The key may show no outward sign of a problem, but when you try to turn on your vehicle, there’s no response. If you’ve ruled out a problem with the battery or the engine, it may be an issue with the transponder chip inside your key no longer working. This can happen if your vehicle is older. This may also be a sign of a failing ignition cylinder, which is why it’s important to have the problem pinpointed by a locksmith.
The Chip Becomes Damaged: Usually the main symptom of a damaged transponder key is intermittent effectiveness, where your key works sometimes but not all the time. Transponder keys can become damaged if they fall from a significant height, get stepped on, or even just get knocked around too much in your purse. Even if there’s no visible damage to your transponder key, the chip inside can still be damaged. If you suspect this an issue, contact a locksmith for a diagnosis and replacement.
The Chip Loses Its Programming: This can happen in particularly high-traffic areas where lots of radio signals are being sent and received by different devices at the same time. If there are too many on the same frequency as your transponder chip’s signal, it may cause the key to lose its programming or the programming to become scrambled.
