Your transponder key is a modern day miracle that enables auto theft prevention, remote car unlocking and even engine starting. How can a simple car key do all this? Modern technology is the answer! Transponder keys are so effective and popular that most all modern car makers are now using them exclusively in their production lines and sales. There is a downside to transponder chip keys and that is when they become lost or damaged. Fortunately, in Milwaukee, WI you have affordable and effective options so that you can once more start enjoying the convenience and extra security that transponder keys give you.
What Is A Transponder Key?
Even if you don’t recognize the name, you are sure to know the key! Almost all late model car makers are now outfitting their models with transponder key technology. A transponder key looks much like a “regular” car key. It has a blade where the grooves and teeth are cut into the metal and it has a larger, rounded end where you hold it. Here’s where they differ. A transponder key has a chip embedded inside of it. This computer chip is matched to your car’s computer. When you turn the key in the ignition, the car starts if your computer recognizes the signal sent from the key. If the wrong key is used as in the case of a potential theft situation, the car just won’t start. Here at Locksmith Master Milwaukee, we program, duplicate, and repair transponder keys for our automotive customer base and have for years. Our licensed, bonded and insured technicians offer mobile transponder key service that is available to customers at the best rates and on a 24-hour basis, including holidays.
Transponder Key Problems
Transponder keys have many of the same problems as regular car keys; they can become lost, damaged or broken-off. They can be dropped and the computer chip can become dislodged. Even if you notice the dropped key and pick it up, the chip may still be laying on the ground nearby. This scenario will still allow you to access the car by opening the driver door but without the chip, no signal will be sent or recognized by the car’s computer, and of course, no engine starting! Here’s where it can get to be a hassle and sometimes expensive! Before we discuss solutions, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common transponder key problems.
Broken Off Key
It doesn’t take brute force to break a transponder key; just a little too much pressure on the insert or engine starting twist can do it. Suddenly, your problem is intensified as you not only need a new transponder key made, you also need expert key extraction to remove the broken off part. You can try removing the piece(s) yourself but you still need to have the key replaced so keep that in mind.
Stuck In The Ignition Key
It happens to everyone at some point; you insert the transponder key and it won’t turn or come back out. Locksmith Master Milwaukee urges you to not force it; breakage can occur and as we just said in the previous paragraph, that complicates things! First, check to see that the car transmission is in the PARK position. Modern cars will not release the ignition key unless they are in the right gear and PARK is what is needed in this case. Please note that in cases like these, your transponder key AND your ignition system are both just fine! You are just in the wrong gear!
Battery Problems
If your car’s battery signal is too low, it won’t allow the proper signal to transmit from the transponder chip to the car’s computer. Many times the wrong frequency is sent and the car won’t start because it is almost as if the wrong car key was used. Again, the problem is your battery and NOT your transponder key!
Lost Key
Did you lose your transponder key? While nothing may be wrong with the key itself, you still can’t drive without it. It needs to be replaced obviously and here’s where it can get expensive if you aren’t careful. Lost car keys happen. It might have been dropped when your key chain broke or maybe it fell out of your pants pocket when playing with the kids. Sometimes, a spare is kept “just in case” but more often than not, there isn’t one. Maybe your transponder key isn’t really lost; maybe it was stolen! All it takes is a moment of distraction for a dishonest person to take advantage of your situation and steal your key – it’s much easier than trying to hot wire your auto or just tow it away.
Car Dealers and Repair Shops
Can these replace your broken or damaged transponder keys? Sometimes, but do you really want to pay for a tow truck as well as high markup charges for your dealership’s services? Don’t take our word for it; test it for yourself! Call any car dealer and ask what they charge to duplicate or program the transponder key to your vehicle. You’d better sit down for the answer; it will throw you for a loop! They can and do charge big fees for these services and many people think that is their only choice. It’s not; an established automotive locksmith in Milwaukee can usually do it for much less and right on your premises!
Refurbished Keys
It’s true – you can buy refurbished transponder keys on Craigslist and on EBay. Will you save money? Yes, and No. Yes, because you don’t pay a lot. No, because the key won’t work! They are poorly programmed keys from the same model car as yours but when you add up shipping fees, key cost and time lost, the whole refurbished idea is a really bad one! Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s optimal!
Be Smart!
Locksmith Master Milwaukee offers affordable and very convenient transponder key replacement, programming and service. Not only will you drive again sooner, you’ll save money and time in the process. If you have further questions, we invite you to call us and we’ll cheerfully answer them.
Aricle source here: Transponder Key Problems
