What exactly is a transponder key and how does it work?

A transponder key is very important in keeping a vehicle safe and secure. The technology for this type of key was actually created during World War II. It didn’t become popular though for cars until the 90s. If your vehicle is one of the new ones which is utilizing a transponder key, then the ignition will have an antenna coil. Upon inserting and turning the key, the ignition coil will make a field which is electromagnetic. This electromagnetic field will communicate with the transponder chip that is located in the head of the key. This will serve as proof that the key is the right key which is needed to operate the vehicle. The car simply will not start if the transponder chip isn’t programmed with the right code. This technology is absolutely wonderful and serves to truly protect vehicles everywhere. It saves a great deal of stress.

But what happens if you can’t find your transponder key, and then you are unable to access your own vehicle?

If your transponder key is lost and you have already taken the time to search everywhere, like your house, the last place you visited, etc. then you should get on the phone with a local locksmith. Many offer emergency solutions so they are available 24 hours a day, every day, and they are able to make copies of transponder keys. How can they do this when this level of technology is so specific and advanced? How can they do this when manufacturers have created a system that prevents anyone from accessing your vehicle without the right key? Well, they have specialized equipment that can gain access to the embedded codes. Sure, you can go back to your dealership if you need to have a new transponder key made. The problem is that the dealership will usually charge a very high rate, one that many people are unable to afford. At least, it is a price tag that will set them back. So yes, visiting a dealership to get a key replacement is an option, but it is one that might be out of your price range. A lock and security provider that specializes in automotive services might end up being your best bet. And because they are willing to travel to their customers, they tend to make things easier than a dealer might.

Losing a key is always stressful, and it is even more stressful if said key happened to be stolen. You might be afraid that someone else will be able to gain access to your property. Luckily, most car manufacturers have made it essentially impossible for a person to gain access to your vehicle if they don’t have the transponder key that has been connected to said car. Basically, the new key technology which exists is absolutely wonderful for car owners who want to prevent theft whenever possible, but it does make the replacement of missing keys a bit of a challenge. Luckily, licensed and insured locksmiths should have access to equipment that allows them to program transponder chip keys. This is why it is important that people everywhere take a few moments of their time to look up and save the contact information of a lock and security provider that is local to their area. Anyone in Birmingham, Alabama can use the services of Birmingham Locksmith, but you just might not be in this area. Luckily, you can still heed the advice which has been offered by this company and take advantage of the information.

If your transponder key is lost, don’t panic. Just make sure to get in touch with a local professional if you have already searched everywhere that the key could possibly be. Just try to take a deep breath and re-trace your steps, because often times, when someone misplaces a key, it ends up being found practically right in front of them. That might mean that it is sitting on the desk at your office, on a nightstand, on a kitchen counter, or even in the bathroom if you happened to bring it in there. Once you have exhausted all of your options in terms of where it might have ended up, just reach out to a licensed and insured expert that can help you by creating a copy or programming a new transponder key for you. Good luck!