Has your transponder key been stolen?

You should have been given an extra copy of your transponder key when you first acquired your vehicle. If you gave that car key to a family member, then you ought to still have an additional copy made to keep somewhere else in a safe place. Remember, because your transponder key is associated only to your vehicle, a would-be car thief who has your key can effortlessly take your automobile.

Of course, it’s no big deal to make a mechanical key; but to get a transponder key made, replaced, or reprogrammed, you will have to locate an automotive locksmith specialist, or go back to your original car dealer. A reputable locksmith professional will cost less than the dealership, and will also be happy to advise you on other automotive security issues.

Have you lost your transponder key?

Losing your car key is a lot more complicated than it used to be. With a traditional key, you could easily have a spare key made for a few bucks at any local hardware store or locksmith, or even back at the dealership. But a transponder key is a different story. If you really can’t find your transponder key, depending on the automaker and the intricacy of the key’s design, the replacement of your electronic fob isn’t cheap. A few car dealerships will program your fob properly for free, but most will charge a lot.

For some vehicles, the transponder key is an all-in-one unit with the fob. Also known as a laser-cut key, the shank is a bit thicker, with fewer carved-out grooves. Laser-cut keys are also sometimes referred to as “sidewinder” keys, because of the winding cut feature on the shank. Most likely, a laser-cut key’s built-in chip will have to be programmed by the dealership.

A switchblade key is another type of transponder key with a shank, but it folds into the fob. You can pop it out by pressing a button. A switchblade key has either a laser cut or a basic cut. One advantage to this type of key is that its components can be bought separately. But if you've lost your key entirely, you’ll have to get both parts programmed.

What about a smart key? This isn’t really a key in the usual sense. It’s just a fob. You either insert it into the dash, or you can keep in your pocket or purse. When you sit in the driver’s seat, you can start and stop the car just by pressing a button. A smart key is exceptionally secure because of its rolling security codes.

Continually randomizing the correct code, it prevents a would-be professional car thief from hacking it with a code grabber. If you lose your smart key, your dealership can replace it.

Has your transponder key stopped working right?

One typical reason your transponder key stops functioning is that there is a manufacturer defect which has been there all along. If your vehicle is still under warranty, you’ll be able to correct the problem at no cost. If it’s not under warranty any longer, then an automotive locksmith specialist will definitely be able to help you.
Another possibility is that your transponder key is no longer communicating correctly with your car’s computer. The computer chip has somehow lost its programming. In this case, you can get it reprogrammed, or you can get an entirely new transponder key, with new programming. Whatever you decide to do, an automotive locksmith technician, or your dealership, can expertly handle it.
There may be a foreign object lodged in your ignition. Instead of attempting to pull it out yourself, which would likely cause additional damage to the ignition, it’s best to ask a professional automotive locksmith technician. An experienced locksmith can usually extract a foreign object from the ignition without having to replace the entire switch.

DIY

If you have to reprogram your transponder key, the good news is - at least with some cars - you will be able to program it yourself. So, check your owner's manual. You may be in luck.

The following method works on a good number of American-made vehicles. But before you shell out any money, check with your dealership or with a local automotive locksmith to determine if this procedure will work on yours:

Insert one of your two working keys, and turn the ignition to the "on" position for a good three seconds (without starting the car).
Do the same with your second key.
Insert the new third key, and again turn it to the "on" position for another few seconds. This will program the extra key successfully.

Another measure you can take, which will allow access to your car at least, is that you could order only the basic key without the transmitter. This key will do everything else except start the car. This is handy if you ever lock your car keys inside your vehicle.

If it’s time for programming or reprogramming your transponder key, if you live in Hampton, Virginia, then it’s a good idea to bring all your questions and concerns to a mobile automotive locksmith, such as the locksmith specialists on staff at Locksmith Hampton. Oftentimes, such a trustworthy professional will be glad to assist you, and at a much lower cost than the dealership would charge you.