Transponder Key Problems

Transponder keys have changed the way we drive and use our vehicles, and mostly for the better. Using them you can remotely lock your car or unlock it. You can use some transponders to open your trunk or even start your engine. Mostly, they are nifty anti-theft devices that only allow your key to work; not some copy a thief made. Sometimes though, transponder keys can stop working and when they do it can be huge inconvenience for all involved.

LET’S BACK TRACK A BIT

If you are not quite sure what a transponder key is or if you’d just like some clarification then this part of the post will interest you. The word “transponder” is a mixture of two words – transmitter and responder. Get it? The chip imbedded in your transponder key communicates with your car’s computer by transmitting a signal unique only to that key and your car. Your vehicle responds by recognizing it and unlocking the car and/or starting it.
Transponder keys in Tuckahoe, VA and any other places where they are used can stop working, break or become lost. Not knowing what to do can be confusing, expensive and time consuming but this post should greatly help.

FORGET THE CAR DEALER!

Often, people needing repair, duplication, programming or replacement of their transponder keys go to a car repair shop or through their car dealership and many think that these are the only choices. A much smarter and more economical way is to call a local automotive locksmith like Tuckahoe Locksmith Services. Doing so will save you middle man fees, high transponder key charges and since a good mobile locksmith can do the work on location, it saves on any tow charges too.

Not all locksmith shops offer transponder key repair or replacement. Do you due diligence and only use a licensed, bonded and insured shop that sends its own automotive technicians out. It also helps if the company offers responsive 24-hour service with fast response times.

FORGET REFURBISHED KEYS!

Saving money is great but sometimes you can “skip over dollars to pick up nickels” by purchasing an online refurbished transponder key. There have been numerous problems reported with improper programming done to the refurbished chip and shipping problems, warranty issues and guarantee voidance, it just isn’t worth the trouble. In fact, using an established shop like Tuckahoe Locksmith Services can be just as (or more) affordable and you don’t have mail and shipping times to contend with either. Most locksmiths and dealerships won’t touch a refurbished online transponder key and if yours doesn’t work right, it may be impossible to get a refund or replacement. It’s just not worth the time wasted, hassle and expense.

HOW ABOUT DIY?

Do it yourself transponder key programming is not recommended either. Again, the reason most people attempt self-service for transponder keys is to save money. First of all, think of your time and how much it’s worth. If you have lots of money, just pay an established locksmith to do the job and have it done right. If you don’t have spare cash for getting your transponder key programmed or replaced, then don’t risk your cash by doing it yourself and most likely running up a bigger cost by doing it wrong.

WHAT ABOUT YOUTUBE?

YouTube is the second largest search engine (second to Google which owns it) and there are millions of videos on it that show how to do everything from scramble eggs to care for a sick pigeon. Yes, there are numerous do it yourself videos on transponder keys and you attempt self-service but remember that nearly all of these videos were made by amateurs who have nothing to lose if your transponder key project doesn’t work.

SO WHAT COULD BE WRONG WITH MY KEY?

Battery – if your key’s battery is low, it may not emit the proper signal to your car’s computer. A weak signal can give off an entirely different frequency that is not recognized by your car.
Chip damage – if your key’s transponder chip is damaged it may also give off a different frequency or just stop working. Here at Tuckahoe Locksmith Services we’ll be able to tell exactly what is wrong with your key and what needs to be done in order to service it back to normal and regular use.

Lost key – it happens! Maybe you left yours in the hotel room and it was gone after the room was cleaned. It might have dropped into a gutter or been taken off your desk at work. No need to panic; your local automotive locksmith in Tuckahoe, VA should be able to help. Not all transponder key problems are due to wear, breakage or battery problems; sometimes theft or misplacement can be just as bad. Just call your local locksmith shop of choice or our friendly techs here at Tuckahoe Locksmith Services and let us know that you need replacement for your car’s transponder key(s). Again, there’s no need for towing, long service area waits or do it yourself service. Just set up a convenient service time and let a certified mobile locksmith come out to your location and duplicate your transponder key.

Stuck in the ignition – is your transponder key stuck tight in the ignition switch? If this happens, first check to see if the car is in park. The ignition key won’t release unless the car is in the PARK position. It could be that noting is wrong with your transponder key and that the vehicle is just not in gear. Next, check to see if the key is in the lock position on the ignition switch. As ignitions age and amass wear it is easier to move them past this point.

Broken off key – keys can break including transponder keys and often when they snap in half, they are in the ignition switch. It can be hard trying to remove the broken off part and even if you did you will still need a new transponder key made. For best results, be sure to call for help from a professional mobile locksmith like Tuckahoe Locksmith Services