Professional Lock & Key Service

Troubleshooting Tips For Transponder Keys

May 19, 2017
May 19, 2017
Transponder-keys-59271aeb16f31

Transponder Key on the Fritz?

 

Here at Redlands Lock & Key, we are what you would call transponder key experts. We have years of working with these keys and, as a result, we have gained quite a bit of knowledge about the various things that tend to cause these keys not to work. Too often, we have customers that think that just because their transponder key isn’t working it needs to be replaced. While this is certainly a possibility, we have found that occasionally something else is causing their transponder key not to work properly. To address this, in today’s post we are going to go over some of the most common reasons that a transponder key may stop working. Continue reading below to learn more.

 

Troubleshoot Your Transponder Key Before Replacing

 

While we understand that it is frustrating when they key to your vehicle doesn’t work, it is important to understand the root of the issue before having the key replaced. While your transponder key might just be too old, occasionally there are other factors that could keep it from working properly. Below, we have listed just a few things that might cause your transponder key to stop functioning.

 

 

  • Multiple Keys: Occasionally, people will go to start their vehicle only to find that their key does not engage the ignition. While this is frustrating, we caution people to first check and make sure that another transponder key associated with the vehicle is not within transmission distance of the other key. Sometimes, when there are two transponder keys present, the vehicle does not understand to ignore the second transponder source.
  • Dead Batteries: The most common reason that a transponder fails is the battery. Within each transponder key is a small battery that helps the key communicate with the vehicle. While these batteries are designed to last for as long as possible, occasionally they will be faulty and run out of energy very quickly. Transponder key batteries can be replaced by most locksmiths and are cheaper to replace than purchasing a replacement key.
  • Radio Interference: Transponder keys work by using radio waves to communicate with a vehicle. While these radio waves are ideal for allowing your key and vehicle to communicate they can become scrambled if there is a large amount of radio interference around your vehicle. Radio waves from broadcast towers, airplanes, and even satellites can interfere with the communication capabilities of your transponder key. If your key suddenly stops working, try placing it near your chin to see if it will unlock your vehicle. If it works when it is close to your skull it simply means that there is enough radio interference around to interrupt its signal and means that you don’t need to have the entire key replaced.

 

 

We hope that this short post has given you a little more information in relation to common transponder key troubleshooting tips. If you are in the Loma Linda area and require help with your vehicle’s transponder key, please contact us today at Redlands Lock & Key. We have been assisting our clients for years and we are certain that we can handle any transponder key issue that you may have.