Lost Transponder Keys and How to Fix Them

Losing a set of keys can be stressful for anyone. Most of the time, when a set of keys is lost, one will often lose multiple keys for their home, vehicle, and other necessities. In order to get life back to the way it used to be as quickly as possible, there are a few things to consider. If you have recently lost or misplaced your vehicle key, in particular, you will want to pay special attention to whether or not your vehicle uses what is known as a transponder key.

What Transponder Keys Do

Transponder keys have been a requirement for newer model vehicles for decades now. Traditionally, regular car keys without transponder chips are simple. They do not have any additional features apart from the key itself. Transponder keys are built differently. Transponder keys provide several important uses and ultimately offer vehicle owners protection against theft.

A transponder key is comprised of two separate components. The first part lies within the transponder key itself. In the head of a transponder key there is a small chip. This chip is programmed to match the vehicle. This is where the second part of the transponder system comes into play. The second part of the transponder system is within the car’s electrical system. The signal within the car and the chip within the transponder key recognize one another whenever they are within range. Once the signals have recognized each other automatically, the vehicle will turn on once the key is inserted in the car’s slot and twisted.

For transponder keys to work, both the signals need to be working properly, in addition to the key being inserted into the slot and used as one normally would. If something goes awry with either transponder signal, one’s car will not start or function properly.

Lost Transponder Keys

Losing a transponder key can be just as stressful as losing any other kind of key. However, if you find that this is the case for you, some extra steps will be required in order for a new transponder key to be made. Know that if you have searched for your vehicle’s transponder key and are unable to locate it, however, the solution is simple. Be sure to act right away if and when you discover your transponder key is missing.

How to Get Your Transponder Key Replaced

The first step to getting your lost transponder key replaced after it has been lost, stolen, or misplaced, is to remain calm. Try and retrace your most recent steps as best you can to determine if there is a location where you may have neglected to search. Check in between your car seats, on the floor of your vehicle, and in various compartments in the car. It is also possible that your transponder key may be in the pocket of a pair of pants from yesterday or at the bottom of one’s purse. Double check areas you have already searched and make your family members or roommates aware that your keys are missing.

Next, if you have searched for your key and are still not able to find it, then you should call a locksmith right away. Getting your key replaced as soon as possible is important. Your old key will still work with your vehicle until a new transponder key can be programmed. Because you may not be too sure as to where your keys ended up, getting a new one as quickly as possible will help keep the vehicle in your possession.

Calling a locksmith to replace your vehicle’s transponder key is a wise decision. Most locksmiths offer on-site repair services and will be able to cut and reprogram a new transponder key for you. Locksmiths certified and professionally trained in automotive lock repairs will know how to get the signal within the car to match a new signal embedded within a new transponder key. This is why it is important to call a professional locksmith in the event you lose your transponder key, since specialty knowledge and skill is required to replace them.

You will want to refrain from calling a dealership or taking your car into one in order to have the transponder key replaced and reprogrammed. This will likely mean that you will pay a much heftier price compared to what a locksmith will charge. Going through a dealership means you will have to hire a tow-truck to take your car there, in addition to paying expensive dealership repair fees. The more cost-effective and efficient solution is to call a mobile locksmith who is capable of repair transponder keys on-site. Keep in mind that the majority of professional locksmithing services are open 24-hours a day to assist with all kinds of automotive lock and key emergencies. To receive help quickly and at the cheapest cost, call a locksmith for help.

Fix Your Transponder Key

It is highly recommended that anyone who needs a new transponder key programmed for their vehicle due so by enlisting the help of a local locksmith. Locksmiths who have experienced in automotive transponder key programming will offer you a much better deal for this particular service than, say, a car dealership. Better yet, if you hire a locksmith with mobile, on-site repair capabilities, it will be possible for you to receive a brand-new transponder key for your vehicle without having to hire a tow-truck or other expensive means of getting your vehicle elsewhere. Speak to a locksmith in your area now about how they can help you receive a new transponder key today!