Need a New Transponder Key? Call Our Expert Car Locksmiths!

Almost anyone who drives a car these days has a transponder key, whether they know it or not. Yes, it sounds fancy, but it is actually an innovation that automakers came up within the 1990s to boost car security. And don’t confuse transponder keys with remote keys. Remote keys – usually on key fobs – open your car doors. Transponder keys do something else; they are designed to prevent hotwiring by sending a specific signal to your ignition, allowing your car to start.

Take a look at your car key; if the top portion of it is thick plastic, you probably have a transponder key. In that thick plastic is a little transmitter that signals a receiver on your ignition switch through your car’s computer. You could make a copy of your key with the same cut, but unless the key has that has the right signal, your car won’t start, because the computer won’t recognize a signal.

That’s why making a new key for your car means more than a trip to the hardware store. If you somehow lose your car keys or need an extra key made, you need a good locksmith, such as OnTime Locksmiths' 24-hour mobile locksmith service to get the job done.

We handle all of the following transponder key services:

• Transponder key programming
• Transponder key duplication
• Transponder key repair

What is a Transponder Key?

Almost all cars today come with transponder keys. A transponder key is a key that has a little chip inside the plastic part of the key, that corresponds with your car. This technology is used to keep your car safe from theft. The way it works is that when you put your transponder key into the ignition, your car recognizes the signal it receives from the microchip located in the key. If someone were to try hot-wiring your car or using a duplicate key, the car would not start. Transponder technology has been around for decades and has been used in car keys since the '90s.

Expert Locksmiths for Transponder Key Services

You see, a certain amount of expertise is needed to program a transponder key because all transponder keys are not created equal. There are two types of transponder keys: zero bitted keys, which are set up to be cloned; and encrypted keys that have preset, random encryption that needs to be programmed to the car. When the expert from On Time Locksmith handles the job, he/she will do one of two things. The specialty car locksmith will either insert your key into a tool with a blank key to clone it; or take a new key out to your car, and hook a device to your car’s computer port to program the new key.

So transponder key replacement requires the tools and knowhow you can only get from someone like On Time Locksmith. Give us a call, and while you’re at it, keep our number handy. We do all sorts of a car key, residential, and commercial lock work anywhere across the U.S. We show up within minutes, do the work in a friendly, professional manner, and get you on your way. Ours is a good number to have for an emergency, or when you just need good security advice.

Transponder Key Repairs

If the plastic handle of your key is broken, chances are the microchip inside is also damaged. However, sometimes the chip is fine, and by calling in an expert locksmith to repair or replace the plastic, you can avoid any further complications. If the chip is already damaged, don't throw out your key yet; our locksmiths can often salvage parts of the key, using parts to create a new key. This process of fixing your transponder key or using apart from your original key will save you money and is cheaper than cutting and programming a new transponder key.

Transponder Key Programming

Programming a transponder chip must be done by a professional locksmith. When it comes to technology, you have to have the proper equipment to get the job done right. Our locksmiths have all the necessary equipment needed for fixing or reprogramming your transponder key on the spot.