Transponder Keys, Problems

As amazing as they are, transponder keys can end up giving you several problems. Although they are a much better than regular car keys, they still can undergo many of the problems that regular car keys face. Some people are fortunate enough not to have negative experiences with their transponder keys. Others have a ton of negative experiences to share. What it really boils down to is making sure that you know exactly what to do if you are faced with transponder key problems. 

Types of Transponder Key Problems

When it comes to your transponder keys, you have to be very careful with them. Any problem that you encounter can end up being way much more than you bargained for, especially if you are not familiar with transponder keys and how they work. 
Here’s a list of some of the most common problems that you could face:

• Broken key

If your transponder key habitually falls or something heavy gets on top of it, you may end up with a broken key. Unfortunately, this may mean that the key won’t work as it ought to. For some, glue and other binding agents may be used to keep the shell of the key together and also keep the inner components in place. This may leave you with a patched-up key, but it should be able to work once the transponder chip was not dislocated. If your key is broken beyond repair, it means that you will either have to use your spare or get a new key made.   

• Stolen or lost key

If your key is lost or stolen, there is no doubt about it- you will have to use another key. If it is stolen, we hope it will not end up in the wrong hands. If it does, your car could get stolen quite easily. But, regardless of where your key ends up, it will not save you the expense of getting a new key unless it can be recovered. If you already had a spare key programmed, now is the time to make use of it. Otherwise, you may have to spend quite a bit of money to get a new key made.  

• Stuck key

All types of keys can get stuck in a lock. If your transponder key is stuck, it is very important that you do not tug on it too harshly. You could end up causing much more damage that way. Instead, pull gently on the key to loosen it so you will be able to remove it. Although you may be able to release your key, it is very important to get your ignition checked out. There could be a serious problem developing with the ignition cylinder.  

• Keys stopped working

There are many reasons why your transponder key could stop working. Here are a few:

• The batteries are low

The batteries in your transponder key will not last forever. If you have been using the keys for a while, expect to change them anytime soon. A great way to prepare for dead batteries is by keeping new batteries close by. If your batteries end up going dead at an odd hour, you will be prepared with the new ones that you have already bought.  

• The transponder chip may need to be programmed

Transponder keys work a bit differently from regular car keys. They contain a transponder chip that has to communicate with the car’s computer so the car can be started. If for some reason, the chip cannot communicate with the computer, your car won’t start. Sometimes the chip just needs to be reprogrammed. Once you do that, all should be well with your keys again. If your keys are not difficult to program, you may be able to do it on your own. Otherwise, you may need professional help to get it done.  

• There is some obstruction in the ignition cylinder

Although you may not notice it, dust and debris can build up on and in your ignition cylinder. This build-up can prevent your key from working well. If you realize that your keys aren’t working, try cleaning the ignition cylinder and try again. In fact, you should clean your ignition cylinder periodically, whether you see dust and debris particles or not.   

Transponder Keys and How to Care for Them

If you do not properly care for your transponder keys, you may end up replacing them way before you really ought to. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars for a new transponder key, how about making sure that the one you have remains functional for as long as possible? It’s not very hard to do. Here are a few tips.

• Don’t break the key.
• Clean the key regularly.
• Do not use the key for anything other than opening your car door and starting the car.  

Where Can You Get a New Transponder Key?

There are not a lot of places that will make or duplicate a transponder key. But there are a few places that you can trust to get you a good quality one. Of those two places, the best ones to go are your dealer and a locksmith. Although you may prefer to go to your dealer out of familiarity, a good locksmith can do a job just as great as your dealer, and you’ll be happy to know that it is usually for a very small fraction of the cost. Instead of spending a ton of money by going to your dealer, just find a reputable locksmith to make that key for you.

Press Release

• Getting A Garage Door Lock
• The Importance of Owning a Gun Safe
• Transponder Keys, Problems
• When to replace locks
• Lockout Situations
• What to Do, Ignition Cylinder Problems
• Practical Uses for a Home Safe
• Installing Garage Door Locks
• What to Do if Your Car Keys are Stuck in the Ignition
• What You Need to Know About Access Control
• What to Do When Transponder Key is Lost
• Different Lock Types and Their Purposes
• Identifying a Good Locksmith
• Keyless Entry Locks: The Benefits You Should Know About
• Panic Bars: The Important Role They Play in Commercial Buildings Safety and Security
• Lockouts: When and Why You Should Call a Locksmith
• What Locksmiths Do
• Different Lock Types for Residential Properties
• Top Security Measures for Residential Properties
• What to Consider When Looking for a Commercial Safe