how to handle a lost transponder key situation?

One of the most commonly used keys these days are vehicle transponder keys. That’s because they take auto key convenience and security to a whole new level. It would be hard to find a multi-car family these days that did not have at least one car that uses a transponder key. The only problem is, that if you lose the transponder key you have on you it will leave you stranded where you are. So, what should you do if you ever lose your transponder key? Read on to find out.

What Is a Transponder Key?

Before I talk about how to best get a new transponder key after you have lost yours; perhaps it’s best to tell you more about what a transponder key is and what it does for you. So, what makes transponder keys different from ordinary cut car keys? It’s because they not only have a cut end like normal car keys but they also have an electrical component to them also. You can easily recognize a transponder key by its thicker plastic housing with buttons on its non-cut end.

The thick black plastic end actually houses a small communication device inside it. Your transponder key is programmed to sync up with the anti-theft system on your car. By pressing a transponder key button, you send a radio signal to your car that does such things as pop open your trunk, unlock your car doors, and turn on and off your car alarm.

Another special feature of transponder key is the special chip that they have inside them. This is why some people refer to transponder keys as “chip keys”. This chip is another aspect of your vehicles anti-theft system. Your car will not start with just any key that’s placed in its ignition. It can only be started with a chip key that syncs up with your vehicles anti-theft system.

The convenience and multiple layers of security that transponder keys offer is the reason they are so widely popular for use with newer cars, SUV’s and trucks

More Transponder Key Problems a Locksmith Can Help You Out With

Lost transponder key situations are not the only transponder key issues that a locksmith can help you out with. Here are a few others:

• Replacing transponder key batteries

Since transponder keys are a small electronic device, they need a power source to operate them. This comes in the form of small batteries that are embedded inside them. These batteries are even smaller than some batteries that are used to power watches. Like all types of batteries, they can lose their charge or simply malfunction. When this happens, your transponder key will probably be able to still start your car but you will not be able to use its buttons on the key.  
A locksmith will be able to quickly determine if your battery needs replacing and if it’s the reason as to why your transponder key is not functioning. They are also experts at replacing transponder key buttons.

• Reprogramming a malfunctioning transponder key

Sometimes transponder keys get out of sync with their host vehicle. This does not always mean that the transponder key you have needed replacing. Sometimes the problem can be resolved by something as simple as a locksmith recalibrating your transponder key. This is another transponder key service they are very good at and can-do right-on site.  

• Fixing non-functioning transponder buttons

Sometimes the buttons on a transponder key will get worn down and stop functioning. When this happens, a locksmith does not have to do a total transponder key duplication. They can simply place the guts of your transponder key into a new transponder key blank that matches the one you have.

Always Carry a Spare Vehicle Transponder Keys

Many times, you can avoid being stranded someplace if you lose your transponder key by being proactive with those keys. This means it’s prudent to do such things as carrying a spare transponder key in your wallet or purse. If you need to get a spare transponder key made don’t just get one made either. A locksmith will probably give you a discount if you want them to make more than one spare transponder key for you. That will give you even more options if you happen to lose the main transponder key that you have on you.