Broken Transponder Key Problems and Solutions

Transponder keys have changed the way vehicle security is maintained. Since the mid-1990s, transponder keys have been a requirement for all vehicle makers to outfit on their vehicle. Most vehicles you will see on the road today use transponder keys and for many good reasons. Transponder keys help eliminate vehicle thefts and guarantees that the rightful owner of a given vehicle is the only one who is able to operate it.

How a Transponder Key Works

Transponder keys operate through the use of two different signals. One signal sits inside of your car key, while the other is tucked inside your vehicle. These two signals match up to one another through radio waves. They are paired to recognize each other once the key is within a certain distance of the signal within the car. In order for one’s vehicle to start, this transponder signal must be free of interference and pair up perfectly. Without a perfect pairing, one’s vehicle will not start.

Each vehicle that has a transponder key system is outfitted with a signal that is completely unique to that car. It is impossible for one’s transponder key to operate another vehicle, even if it is of the same make and model type. In fact, this is the very problem that transponder keys helped to eliminate. Prior to their invention, some vehicle keys could be used to unlock and drive other vehicles of the same kind. This error resulted in accidental thefts by innocent drivers that were somehow able to open and operate someone else’s vehicle, but also intention thefts and car-jackings. With a transponder key system in place in one’s vehicle, this makes it impossible to hotwire and steal. Unless one has the right key and the right transponder signal in place, the vehicle will not start under any circumstances.

Broken Key

The first possible problem that can happen with your transponder key, is that the chip inside of the key itself is broken or out of place. When this happens, you may be unable to start your vehicle, even though it may not appear on the outside as though anything is physically wrong with your key. If for some reason the chip inside the key is not able to transmit the transponder signal to the matching component in your vehicle, then you will not be able to start or drive your car.

Broken Vehicle Signal

It is also possible that the transponder signal inside your vehicle is broken. Even if there is nothing wrong with the transponder key itself, there may be an issue inside of the vehicle that has caused the vehicle component to be knocked out of place or damaged in some way. It is not advised that you try and reach the transponder chip inside of your car, as it is meant to be tucked away and difficult to reach. If you suspect that the transponder signal inside of your car may be to blame, you will need to contact an expert to help you repair it.

Lost Transponder Key

If you happen to lose your transponder key altogether, you will need to get it replaced immediately. Any sort of spare key you may have for your vehicle that is not outfitted with a transponder key will be of no use to you. Sometimes, vehicles will come with an extra car key that can be used to unlock the glovebox and the trunk of the vehicle, but is actually useless when it comes to turning on and operating the car. Without an extra transponder key to match your vehicle, you will be out of luck. A certified locksmith, however, can help you repair or replace your transponder key easily if you need to have a new one made fast.

Getting a New Transponder Key

It may be difficult to know for sure what the problem is with your transponder key. In fact, it may be impossible to tell if the source of the problem is coming from the key or from the vehicle’s transponder signal. No matter what you think the root of the problem may be, it is important to get help from an expert that has experiencing replacing transponder keys.
Mobile locksmiths are highly recommended to call on for help in the event you are having transponder key issues of any kind. There are a couple of reasons why you will want to hire a mobile locksmith, rather than going through some other kind of repair service. Mobile locksmiths are professionally certified locksmiths that are able to replace transponder keys on-site. This means that you will not have to try and transport your vehicle to another location in order to get the transponder key replaced. 
Without calling a mobile locksmith to meet you at your location, you will have to go through several steps before you even have an expert take a look at your vehicle key. It is likely that you will need a tow truck to take you to a car dealership, which will ultimately result in several bills that need to be paid by the time you are done with your key replacement. With a mobile locksmith, however, you can streamline the process and receive an efficient and affordable repair by allowing a locksmith to come to you instead.