Transponder Key Programming

transponder key programming chicagoTransponder keys are the de facto standard used by manufacturers today. While initially developed for anti-theft purposes, transponder keys and fobs can now have remote starting, proximity control, a panic button with GPS locator, user preferences in memory, and vehicle charge state (for electric cars) as part of their function.

A metal key without batteries or a plastic casing to break can be more reliable and convenient. Nothing to break, no programming to corrupt, and no batteries that run down at inconvenient times. But the reality is that car theft is rampant all over the world, and an effective anti-theft system is a major selling point for any car manufacturer.

Although a transponder key still looks like a classic car key with a bulbous plastic handle, there is actually some high tech wizardry going on. The fob contains a transponder circuit and a battery. That circuitry communicates with a companion circuit (usually) located in the car’s steering column. By means of an electronic handshake, these circuits allow the car to start. Without a properly-programmed key, you may be able to insert the key in the ignition and twist it, but nothing will happen. In fact, using the wrong key can trigger the alarm and cause the immobilizer system to activate.

Keyless systems used in high end cars don’t even require a physical key in the ignition anymore, and will contain a variety of the advance functions mentioned earlier. Systems with increased range will even unlock the car as you approach and don’t even need to be taken out of your pocket to operate the car.

Common Issues, Repair, and Programming

nissan transponder keyDespite their obvious convenience and added security factor, transponder keys can and do malfunction. When all is said and done, transponder keys are electro-mechanical devices. So, if you have a key that stops working, there are some things to check before you contact a locksmith or dealer.

  • Dead battery – pretty obvious when the buttons suddenly stop working and you know the batteries haven’t been replaced for some time. If you’ve recently dropped your key, this may mean that it’s not the battery but rather some contacts that have broken. It can also mean that the transponder chip itself has been damaged.
  • Worn contacts – these are manifested by intermittent failures when you press the buttons on the key fob; they can also mean that the batteries may be going
  • Cracked shells – these are pretty obvious to the eye and can be ignored for a little while. Don’t take too long to repair this because the metal blade may shear off and leave itself inside the tumbler in the door or ignition column.
  • Misaligned buttons – the key functions will work intermittently and exhibit symptoms similar to those of worn contacts. If you’re an accomplished diyer, you can repair this yourself.
  • Parasitic drain – this may not seem obvious at first, but if battery life seems unusually short, you should look into this. A common culprit is the proximity function on fobs that have this. It may also be that you’re using really cheap batteries that have lives measured in weeks instead of years.

Cases where you lose the key and you’re out of the house can be a big problem when you need a transponder key to unlock the doors and start the car. There is no practical way to bypass an immobilizer-equipped car without a properly programmed transponder key. This is exactly its function – to prevent just any key or wiring bypass from starting the car. However, competent automotive locksmiths have the tools and know-how to get you on the road quickly, so practical recourse is to contact one in case you lose a key and have no spare handy.

A dead battery or broken shell on a transponder key is easily repaired by the average car owner. On Youtube, you can even find tutorials for transferring an existing key onto a new shell, or align buttons so that the contacts perform the way they should when new. However, key cutting and programming require specialist tools and skills, so you will need to visit a dealer or auto locksmith for this.

If you want to have your key duplicated, a locksmith can cut and program a new blank key. The caveat here is that you must have an existing key so that the locksmith’s specialized equipment can read the code off the old key and inject that code onto the new key. The resulting duplicate is what is called a cloned key.

Dealer vs. Auto Locksmith

transponder key programmingFirst of all, know that it is possible to self-program your own transponder keys. Manufacturer instructions vary, even from model to model, and you will have to have two keys for the procedure to work. The reason for this is that the pair is needed by the car’s security system to recognize a unique digital signature. Seeing this signature will allow the electronics in the car to program a blank transponder key unique to that specific vehicle.

Dealer or locksmith? This is an often-asked question. Early in the introduction of transponder keys, dealers were the only person to go to, as only they had the knowledge and equipment to replicate the coded keys. But today, a qualified auto locksmith can offer the same service, without the premium mark-up charged by dealerships.

For more information, contact Chicago Car Keys to speak with one of our team.

 






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