Transponder Key Problems

The importance of a transponder key cannot be underestimated. In fact, without the transponder key, your vehicle would probably be broken into or stolen quite frequently. The transponder is a relatively new security technology designed to prevent theft and intrusion. In other words, the transponder key is responsible for keeping your vehicle locked until you arrive. In this blog post, we will discuss how the transponder key works and how it can malfunction. Each one of the problems has a solution, so don’t worry about it. If your transponder key is not working, it can be repaired. And if repairs are out of the question because of the extent of the damage, the transponder key can be replaced. Keep in mind that replacing a transponder key is not enough to solve the problem. The chip inside the key will not be recognized by your vehicle until it has been properly programmed.

What Is the Transponder Chip and How Does It Work?

The reality is that the transponder key is not as complex as you think. You probably never thought about what lies inside that plain-looking car key. Inside the car key there is a small transponder chip. It’s relatively small in size and quite uninteresting. However, it has a very important role. When you plug the key in the ignition of your vehicle, the Engine Control Unit (also known as the ECU) sends a message to the transponder chip. Depending on make and model of vehicle, this message is different. The transponder chip must recognize this message and respond to it correctly. Only when the ECU receives the correct reply will it start the engine. If the ECU does not receive a response or if the response is not correct, the engine will not start whatever you do. And there is no workaround this. You will not be able to start your car, period. Let’s see why the transponder key may stop working and how you can fix the problem. 

Common Transponder Key Problems and Their Solutions

The most common problem with transponder keys is that they tend to run out of power after a certain period of time. The transponder chip needs power to work. This power is supplied by a small battery inside the car key. After some time, the battery depletes and stops supplying the necessary power. When this happens, the transponder chip basically shuts down and stops sending the message to the ECU when you attempt to start the car. The simple solution is to replace the battery inside your key.

Another very common problem with transponder keys is the fact that they can be quite sensitive to mechanical shocks and to water. If you drop the key on a hard surface, the transponder chip may be damaged. The same can happen when you accidentally submerge the car key under water. A damaged transponder chip will not communicate with the ECU of your vehicle and your vehicle will not start. To solve the problem, one needs to replace the transponder chip and program it to work with his or her vehicle.

At times, the transponder chip may simply stop working for no apparent reason. Remember that this is an electronic device. It can break out of the blue, just like any other electronic device (like your smartphone, for instance). If this happens, you must replace the transponder chip and then program the new chip to work with your vehicle.

The transponder key may stop working out of a sudden if it is a duplicate. Poorly copied keys behave in a very unpredictable way. This is why it is very important to work with an experienced professional to copy car keys. If the transponder key is behaving erratically, it is time to program it correctly. A locksmith can help you with this in no time.

While not a problem with the transponder key specifically, let’s talk about what happens when you lose the car key. It is very easy to lose a car key, truth be told. If this happens to you, you must purchase a new key. Keep in mind that the new key will not work until a professional program its transponder chip to work with your vehicle.

In fact, any problem with the transponder key can be solved by replacing the transponder chip. However, replacing the key is just part of the solution. You also need to program the chip.

Why Replacing the Transponder Key Is Just Part of the Solution?

When you purchase a brand-new transponder key, it comes with a transponder chip. Of course, in most cases you will not need to duplicate the metal part of the key. You can simply replace the plastic case and keep the metal part as it is. However, the transponder chip will not be recognized by your vehicle. Each vehicle sends and receives different messages. This is why a transponder key can start a single vehicle. To make the new key work, all you need to do is program the transponder chip. This is not a very difficult procedure, but you want to make sure it is done properly. You should use the services of a professional such as a locksmith.

A Locksmith: The Answer to All Your Transponder Key Problems

Locksmiths are experienced at solving all kinds of lock and key problems. And this includes solving transponder key problems. Locksmiths know how to repair a car key or replace it when necessary. Duplicating a transponder key does not pose any kind of problems to a seasoned locksmith.