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The information of transponder Keys

2022-01-14

The information of transponder Keys

After the mid- to late 1990s, manufacturers began placing a transponder chip in the plastic head of the car key. The chip emits a signal to a receiver in the ignition. If this "immobilizer" detects the wrong signal — meaning that the wrong key is in the ignition — the vehicle will not start.

A transponder shank is either a basic car key or a laser-cut key (more on laser-cut keys later). The major difference between a basic car key and a transponder key is that the chip in the transponder key must be programmed before it can start the vehicle. All dealerships have the machines necessary to program the key. Some might program it for free, but others will charge up to an hour of labor. Most auto locksmiths should also have these machines.

In some vehicles, the transponder key and the fob are an all-in-one unit, which adds to the price of the car key replacement and limits the places you can find a replacement.

We checked the price of a basic transponder key on an older Ford F-150. The dealer quoted us $160 for the new key and an additional $75 for the fob. If you go to a locksmith, expect to pay about $20 to $30 less.

A potential low-cost alternative for access to your car is to order a basic car key without the transmitter. This key will do everything but start the engine and can come in handy if you ever leave your keys inside the vehicle.

If you're the type who frequently loses car keys or locks them inside the car, you might be able to save money on the programming by creating a third car key to have as a spare. If you already have two car keys, a number of vehicle brands will allow you to program a third key on your own. You can have a locksmith cut this new key and then you follow the procedure for programming, which can frequently be found in your owner's manual. If the manual doesn't show you how, try searching online for the procedure. Try "How to program a (insert your year, make, model) key" as your search terms.

Our searches found a method that is said to work on many domestic vehicles. Insert one of your two working keys and turn the ignition to the "on" position for at least 3 seconds (the car does not need to be started), then repeat the process with the second key.

Now insert the new third key and again turn it to the "on" position for another few seconds. This step should program the extra key. But before you try this method and spend money on a key, we suggest you check with the dealership or your local automotive locksmith to see if the process is one that will reliably work with your car.

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