Quickly Locksmith LLC: Transponder Key Problems

The importance of a transponder key cannot be underestimated. In fact, without the transponder key, your vehicle would probably be broken into or stolen quite frequently. The transponder is a relatively new security technology designed to prevent theft and intrusion. In other words, the transponder key is responsible for keeping your vehicle locked until you arrive. In this blog post, we will discuss how the transponder key works and how it can malfunction. Each one of the problems has a solution, so don’t worry about it. If your transponder key is not working, it can be repaired. And if repairs are out of the question because of the extent of the damage, the transponder key can be replaced. Keep in mind that replacing a transponder key is not enough to solve the problem. The chip inside the key will not be recognized by your vehicle until it has been properly programmed.

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What Is the Transponder Chip and How Does It Work?

The reality is that the transponder key is not as complex as you think. You probably never thought about what lies inside that plain-looking car key. Inside the car key there is a small transponder chip. It’s relatively small in size and quite uninteresting. However, it has a very important role. When you plug the key in the ignition of your vehicle, the Engine Control Unit (also known as the ECU) sends a message to the transponder chip. Depending on make and model of vehicle, this message is different. The transponder chip must recognize this message and respond to it correctly. Only when the ECU receives the correct reply will it start the engine. If the ECU does not receive a response or if the response is not correct, the engine will not start whatever you do. And there is no workaround this. You will not be able to start your car, period. Let’s see why the transponder key may stop working and how you can fix the problem.

Common Transponder Key Problems and Their Solutions

The most common problem with transponder keys is that they tend to run out of power after a certain period of time. The transponder chip needs power to work. This power is supplied by a small battery inside the car key. After some time, the battery depletes and stops supplying the necessary power. When this happens, the transponder chip basically shuts down and stops sending the message to the ECU when you attempt to start the car. The simple solution is to replace the battery inside your key.

Another very common problem with transponder keys is the fact that they can be quite sensitive to mechanical shocks and to water. If you drop the key on a hard surface, the transponder chip may be damaged. The same can happen when you accidentally submerge the car key under water. A damaged transponder chip will not communicate with the ECU of your vehicle and your vehicle will not start. To solve the problem, one needs to replace the transponder chip and program it to work with his or her vehicle.

At times, the transponder chip may simply stop working for no apparent reason. Remember that this is an electronic device. It can break out of the blue, just like any other electronic device (like your smartphone, for instance). If this happens, you must replace the transponder chip and then program the new chip to work with your vehicle.