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Transponder key technology is widespread on vehicles on the road. Like any technology, issues can develop with these systems, especially the older a vehicle gets or the more mileage it accrues. Not all problems caused by your transponder key may be obvious at first. This article offers the most common problems that befall transponder keys and potential solutions to them, as well as helpful information about this type of automotive security protection.
Whether or not you’ve heard the term “transponder chip key” before, you’re probably wondering what it means. A transponder key is a special type of car key that is widely used to provide both theft-prevention and convenience for the vehicle in question. Transponder keys feature an electronic chip in the key fob (whether it’s a physical or keyless fob) that is programmed to be connected to your vehicle. This chip and your ignition communicate with one another with matching codes that allow your vehicle to start when the key is in close proximity or inserted in the lock. If your vehicle was manufactured from the mid-1990s on, your key fob probably contains a transponder chip.
When you’re experiencing problems with your vehicle’s transponder chip key in Roselle, IL, it’s usually best to contact a professional locksmith team, such as Roselle IL Locksmith, for fast and knowledgeable assistance. A professional locksmith technician will have the tools and experience to solve your transponder key problems easily and appropriately. They can assist you in determining the best course of action, but it can still be helpful to try to get to the bottom of the problem yourself in the meantime.
Often, transponder key problems can lead to you facing a lockout from your vehicle. No matter what time of the day or night a lockout occurs, contact a locksmith company for best results in resolving the situation. When you need to reach out to a locksmith, be sure to quickly investigate the options that are locally available to find the most affordable, trustworthy option.
Damage may or may not be obvious from the outside. Sometimes, the key fob looks completely fine, but the chip inside needs replacing. If you have any reason to think that the transponder chip might have suffered damage, it’s worth it to have a locksmith check it. Damage to the transponder chip can result in erratic performance or the transponder key refusing to work at all. Usually it’s easier just to replace the entire key fob assembly and reprogram the new one to match the coding on your car’s ignition. A professional locksmith company can replace your transponder chip key quickly and affordably.
Lost vehicle keys are an extremely common problem. We’ve all misplaced our keys at one time or another, but luckily, most of the time you find them, whether they’re at the bottom of your purse or jammed between the couch cushions. However, it is possible to actually lose your transponder key. Situations like this are why it’s strongly recommended that you have a spare key as a backup kept in a safe place. However, this isn’t always something you think about before you actually lose your key. It’s important to exhaust your search options and retrace your steps to be absolutely certain that you’ve lost your key. If you’re certain that you’ve lost your transponder key, contact a professional locksmith right away.
If your transponder key has been stolen, whether or not you know the thief, the process is a bit more involved. Yes, your key will have to be replaced, but it’s also important to have your vehicle locks either changed or rekeyed to avoid the thief using the stolen key to access your vehicle or its contents. Calling a 24-hour locksmith is important at this point, because the longer the criminal is out there with your keys and your vehicle is unguarded, the more likely that they will gain access to your vehicle. Lock changes and rekeying are relatively low-cost services that can prevent a theft from your vehicle and restore your peace of mind. Even if your keys are returned to you, if you’re not sure of the intentions of the person or you don’t know them, you can’t be too sure that your keys weren’t copied in the meantime. It’s better to play it cautious than to be sorry later.
In this situation, your key gets stuck in your ignition lock without warning, and it feels impossible to get out, no matter what you’ve tried. A few things could cause this scenario. First, there may be dust or debris in the lock cylinder itself, which can happen over time just from daily use as these particles find their way into the lock and become compressed down when you insert your key. Secondly, it could be that the teeth on the key have become warped or worn, which can cause them to get stuck. A final possibility is that there is a problem with the ignition cylinder itself. There are also other causes of this frustrating problem. It’s usually not possible to diagnose the cause of a stuck key yourself. If you’ve made sure the vehicle is completely in park, tried wiggling your keys back and forth, and have made sure the steering wheel is not engaged, only to find that your keys are still just as stuck as ever, it’s time to call a locksmith for a professional diagnosis.
The right locksmith company will have a highly trained and skilled team of locksmith technicians who are fully capable of quickly and efficiently solving your transponder key problems, including by replacing your transponder chip key with a flawless duplicate. An appropriate locksmith team should be able to offer you 24/7 assistance with all of your transponder key issues, no matter what type of vehicle you drive. With the right locksmith company on your side, you’ll be driving smoothly in no time with your transponder key problems in the rearview.
Our Roselle Locksmith Services can help with your Lock and Keys as well as for your automotive, residential, emergency and commercial locksmith. Just give us a call and see for yourself.