Lost Your Vehicle Transponder Key? Here is the Solution!
Losing a vehicle key can put a damper on anyone’s day. Appointments, errands, and other important activities may be missed or delayed due to a lost key. If you do find yourself in this situation, you will likely want to get your vehicle key replaced or back in hand as soon as possible. If you are like most vehicle drivers, chances are, you own a transponder key. Transponder keys are unlike traditional car keys and require a couple of extra steps to replace if they become lost. Read on to find out more about your vehicle’s transponder key, how it operates, as well as how to go about getting yours replaced as soon as possible.
What is a Transponder Key?
Transponder keys are specialized vehicle keys that have been required to be paired with vehicles since the 1990s. Most vehicles you see now will have transponder keys, although some older model vehicles may not have them installed. Transponder keys operate through a signal that communicated between a chip in the transponder key itself and a chip inside of the vehicle. The key and car portion of the transponder key system pair with one another when they are within a certain distance of each other. This pairing then alerts the vehicle’s electrical system that the correct car key is in the proximity. Then, once the key is inserted, the vehicle will start.
Both a clear transponder signal and the proper key for the car are needed in order for the vehicle to start. Without a clear signal, even with the right vehicle key, one will not be able to start their car. The biggest problem with losing one’s transponder key then, is that even a spare key will not be able to open the car since it is not outfitted with the transponder signal. Transponder keys are excellent for maintaining security, but can pose a problem when one needs to get going somewhere quickly and cannot use a spare vehicle key to get there.
If you need to replace your transponder key after you have lost or misplaced it, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Try to Remain Calm
Although losing anything important can be frustrating, it is best to try and remain calm. If you can relax, you may be able to remember where you last placed your key. Take some deep breaths to clear your head and try to see if you can think of some places where your key may have ended up.
Step 2: Check Your Immediate Area Again
Once you have taken the time to calm down, check the immediate area again for your key. Double-check areas you may have already searched. It could be possible that, in a haste, you may have passed over the transponder key accidentally. You may just find the key successfully on your second or third search.
Step 3: Hire a Mobile Locksmith
If you are not able to locate your transponder key immediately or within a few hours, you will need to hire a locksmith to help you replace it. Besides looking everywhere, you can imagine for the transponder key, there is not much else you can do. Transponder keys are programmed specifically to match one vehicle and one vehicle only, which ultimately requires the expertise and skill of a professional in order to be done properly.
You should not attempt to match up or replace your transponder key yourself. A locksmith that has previously worked with transponder keys and signals will be able to accurately and precisely match up a new transponder key for you without any drama and hassle. It should also be noted that hiring a mobile locksmith will be imperative. Mobile locksmiths are certified locksmiths that have on-the-go repair and replacement capabilities for vehicle locks and keys.
By calling a mobile locksmith to handle your transponder key replacement, you will not only save time but quite a bit of money, too. Without the help of a mobile locksmith, you will need to hire a tow truck to take your vehicle into a dealership in order to have the transponder key replaced. This will require you to pay multiple individuals hefty fees in order to take care of you, rather than simply paying one competent locksmith to help you in the fastest and most efficient fashion.
Step 4: Make a Spare Key
After you have had a mobile locksmith meet you at your location and replace your transponder key, it is a good idea to ask that a spare transponder key be made. This is a great way to prevent a similar scenario from occurring in the future. If you happen to lose your transponder key again in the future, you will have a working spare that is programmed to the transponder signal in your vehicle. If you are concerned about losing your transponder key again, or would simply like to invest in some protection for a future emergency or problem, ask that an additional transponder key be cut when working with a locksmith.
