Before The Days of the Transponder
Over the last century, car keys have come a long way, in fact, transponder car keys are the norm today. In the first decades of the 1900s, cars did not even have keys, operating a car in those days required cranking up the engine manually. During those days, the profession of being an automotive locksmith did not even exist.
After the engine crank, starting a car’s engine evolved into pressing a button or a foot pedal that would engage a starter motor.
Eventually, in the late 1940s, the invention of a key-operated ignition switch introduced the world to traditional car keys.
Up until the mid-’90s, most cars had a traditional, metal key. The mechanically-cut key-operated when the cuts on the blade matched the ones on the tumbler of the lock.
But car keys evolved even further. How so? Read on to find out.
What are Transponder Car Keys?
In 1995, the transponder car key came into existence, and car manufacturers quickly started fitting cars with this new, revolutionary invention.
In order to understand what a transponder key is, let us start with the word Transponder, which is a blend of two words; Transmitter and Responder.
Basically, a transponder is an electronic device that sends and receives messages. Moreover, the transmitter/receiver plays a significant role in several fields, such as aviation and telecommunication.
Typically, transponders are either electrically or magnetically coupled.
Usually used in satellites and airplanes, an electrically coupled transponder system requires a powerful, constant electricity source to operate. Furthermore, this type of transponder can send signals at various distances, ranging from a few inches to miles.
In the automotive realm, though, vehicle manufacturers used magnetically coupled transponders. This type does not require constant electricity for operation, which limits its range to a few centimeters.
Often, the transponder consists of an electronic chip, along with a set of windings.
Are you wondering how it works? Well, let us talk about that then.
How do Transponder Car Keys Operate?
In essence, a transponder key has an electronic transponder chip located inside the key fob or the head of the key. The chip incorporates a non-volatile memory, which is a type of memory that requires no permanent energy source to retain its contents.
Moreover, this memory holds a unique serial number that corresponds to a specific car.
But let us not get too technical here.
In simple terms, when you turn your key in the ignition switch, the engine control unit (ECU) sends a message to the transponder chip inside the key fob. Upon receiving the message, the transponder transmits a response.
“The message” is usually an alphanumeric sequence, which makes up the identification code.
If the transponder’s code is correct, the vehicle immobilizer disarms, in turn, allowing the engine to start. Otherwise, the car will not start.
Pros and Cons of Transponder Car Keys
Compared to the traditional key, the main benefit of the transponder key is security, as for instance, hot wiring is not possible without the vehicle’s key. Granted, someone may be able to replicate the physical key, but they will need to program the transponder chip to start the engine, which is quite hard to do.
Does this mean that your car is theft-proof? Well, no.
Although a transponder system greatly reduces the chances of someone stealing your car, a few criminals may be able to work around it. So installing an alarm system, for example, could be a good way to protect your vehicle against auto theft.
Additionally, replacing your transponder key can be expensive, costing much more than replacing a traditional key. As an auto locksmith, we recommend that you have two transponder keys; one for regular use, and the other as a spare key to use if you lose or misplace your original car key.
Rolling Code Car Key
In 1999, an improvement on the regular transponder key came in the form of rolling codes. While traditional transponder keys have a fixed code, which is relatively easier to hack, a rolling code key uses a unique code every time the key is used.
As the rolling codes are virtually impossible to replicate, this innovation resulted in more security and protection against auto theft.
But here is the kicker:
If it is lost or stolen, replacing this type of key is costly, usually more than $500 per key.
The Bottom Line
Nowadays, most cars operate with a transponder key or a smart key. Modern car keys incorporate advanced technologies, such as Bluetooth. Furthermore, the function of a car key evolved from merely accessing your vehicle and starting the engine to the convenience of remotely locking or unlocking your car doors.
What is next?
Well, technology is progressing at an astonishing pace. Mobile apps could replace physical car keys in the near future getting rid of that extra weight in your pockets!
Call Chicago Car Keys at (773) 521 7000 or visit our locksmith shop if you need help with your transponder keys.
