Transponder Keys & Problems That Can Occur

While they represent an innovative time in security and convenience, and have protected many vehicles from theft while allowing their owners easy access, transponder keys are not without their downsides. Many issues can result from having a transponder key, from the key getting lost to the chip inside becoming damaged. By knowing what causes transponder key problems are possible and what to do in the event that one happens to you, you’ll be better prepared if the time comes where you’re facing one.

For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on manual transponder keys instead of keyless entry remote fobs. However, many keyless entry fobs are outfitted with transponder chips.

What is a Transponder Key?

You may not even know whether you have a transponder key. There isn’t always an outward sign that your key includes a transponder chip. However, if your vehicle was manufactured between the mid-1990s and now, it more than likely has a transponder chip in the key or the keyless fob. A transponder key interacts with your ignition system when you insert your key into the ignition lock. Transponder keys are so named because they are designed with individually programmed electronic chips in the head of the key that send a unique number via signal through a wiring system to the vehicle’s immobilizer. This signal, if it matches the one the engine is programmed for, will disengage the immobilizer and allow the ignition to start.

Transponder is a portmanteau of the words “transmitter” and “responder,” signifying that the key is only part of the complete transponder system. The key transmits the signal and the engine receives it. Transponder keys were initially developed in the 1980s as an antitheft system, in response to many concerns about vehicle security. They soon spread to many car manufacturing companies as the evidence showed that transponder keys contributed to a significant decrease in vehicle thefts across the country.

Problem: Your Key is Damaged or Worn Out

This can be an issue with the metal “teeth” of the key that fit into the ignition lock’s pin system, such as bending or warping. The symptoms of this are if your key suddenly refuses to fit into the lock, gets stuck, or refuses to turn. However, this can also be a problem with the transponder chip itself. While these chips are well-protected by the plastic or rubber housing them, occasionally damage can occur. There may or may not be a sign of a problem from the outside.

If the chip becomes damaged, it will no longer be capable of sending the correct signal. When this occurs, your best bet is to have your transponder chip key replaced by a local locksmith.

Problem: You Lost Your Key

You may never think it will happen to you. You pride yourself in being very careful with your keys, always knowing where they are at all times, and never misplacing them. Yet, one day you go to reach for your keys and they’ve disappeared. Maybe they were lost or maybe they were stolen, but the outcome is the same: you need to have a new key made, fast.

Problem: Your Key Stops Communicating

The entire purpose of the transponder chip is to communicate a particular code to your ignition system. Occasionally, your transponder key’s coding can become lost or scrambled, rending it ineffective. While it’s rare, it does occur. Even if there’s no visible wear or damage to the key, it won’t work with your ignition system. If you insert your key and it turns but the security light on the dashboard flashes, it means that your vehicle doesn’t recognize the code being thrown by the key.

Your best option in this case is to turn to a locksmith to reprogram your transponder key’s chip. There’s not really much you can do otherwise to get it to work properly again. Part of why transponder keys became so widespread is that there is very little that works to subvert this simple security feature. While you could contact a dealership instead, they are usually more expensive and won’t be able to come to your location like a locksmith can.

This symptom can also be a sign of a wiring problem on the inside of your ignition cylinder. The electronic signal must be able to travel through the wiring to the ignition system itself, but over time these wires can corrode or break down, rending this impossible. A locksmith can investigate the issue and determine the exact cause of the problem.

Problem: Your New Key Isn’t Working

Whether you’ve lost your original key, had it stolen, or are just in need of a spare key, you may consider turning to the internet for a replacement. Many online vendors sell supposedly reprogrammable transponder chip keys that have had their original programming stripped. However, the problem with that is that many transponder keys have what amounts to a “locking” feature, which doesn’t allow them to be reprogrammed for a new vehicle. So you may buy one of these refurbished keys, only to receive it and be unable to program it. Then you will have wasted money and time in trying to save a few dollars initially.

When to Call a Locksmith

If you’ve lost your transponder key and don’t have a spare, or you’re experiencing other problems with your transponder key or ignition system, contact a qualified local locksmith company for support. Choose an automotive locksmith that is capable of coming to your location to make a new copy of your transponder key, such as Snellville Locksmith GA in the Snellville, Georgia area. Most locksmith companies are available 24/7 to perform transponder key duplication and programming, conveniently and more affordably than any dealership. Issues with your transponder key can often cause you to wind up unable to use your vehicle, whether you’re locked out on the side of the road or sitting in an empty parking lot, unsure of who to call to help you out.