Did You Lose Your Transponder Key? Don't Despair. Here's What to do!
Back in the day, if you ever lost your car key, you would already have a spare key that you would’ve had duplicated at your local locksmith, hardware store, or dealership. But today, losing your keys is much more problematic than it used to be back in the 1990s - that is, before we had computer chips. A regular car key, with its distinctive grooves and cuts, was like a home key, so you could have it copied easily and inexpensively.
Of course, the disadvantage to a conventional car key in the old days was that, because it wasn’t difficult to copy it, it was also almost effortless for a car thief to steal your automobile. Vehicles are much harder to steal these days because of advances in transponder key technology. A transponder key, even though it’s more expensive, is unquestionably worth the peace of mind it provides you.
What should you do if you’ve lost your transponder key?
What kind of transponder key have you lost?
Inside your transponder key’s plastic head is a computer chip, which sends out a singular signal to the receiver in your automobile, instructing it to start up. The major difference between a traditional key and a transponder key is that the chip inside your transponder key needs to be programmed. For most vehicles nowadays, an electronic key fob (also known as your remote) is an integral part of the key set. It’s important that you protect your transponder key, because, depending on your automaker and on the complexity of its design, it’s frequently very expensive to replace a lost electronic fob. The fob must be suitably programmed. There are some dealerships that will do the programming for free, but most will charge you a lot.
For some vehicles, the transponder key and the fob are all in one. Also referred to as a laser-cut key, the shank is a bit thicker, and has fewer carved-out grooves. A laser-cut key is also called a “sidewinder” key, because it has a winding-shaped cut on the shank. The laser-cut key’s built-in chip requires programming. It’s harder to get a spare key duplicated anywhere, except at your dealership. It is more expensive, but your automobile is more secure.
A switchblade key is another type of key with a transponder chip inside. This key has a shank, which folds into the fob whenever you aren’t using it. It pops out when you press the button. A switchblade key has either a laser cut or a regular cut. One benefit to a switchblade key is that you can buy the parts separately. If you’ve permanently lost your key, then both components have to be programmed.
A smart key isn’t actually a key at all - not in the normal sense of the word. It’s just a fob. You either insert it in the dashboard, or you can keep it in your purse or your pocket, or you attach it to your belt buckle. You can start or kill the engine just by pressing a button. A smart key is exceptionally secure, because it has rolling security codes. That means it’s continually randomizing the correct code, a foremost feature which prevents a potential car thief from hacking it with a code grabber. Replace your smart key at the dealership.
Have a duplicate key made.
Are you always losing your keys? Do you find yourself often bickering with your teenager or spouse over who lost whose keys? Save on transponder key programming by having a third extra key duplicated. Because you likely already have two keys (which you should have received when you first purchased your automobile), a good number of makes and models will permit you to program a third key. First, ask an automotive locksmith specialist to cut you a third key; then, you can read your owner’s manual to program it yourself.
1. First, insert one of your two working keys, and turn your ignition to the “on” position for about 3 seconds (but don’t start the car).
2. Next, do the same thing with your second key.
3. Then, insert the new third key. Turn it to the “on” position for another 3 seconds. This will effectively program your spare key.
You will never lose your transponder key again!
No matter how you slice it, a transponder key is not cheap. The best way to avoid losing it again is to be prepared beforehand. Don’t take any risks! If you only have one car key, get a spare key duplicated now, so you won’t get stressed out about it in the future. You don’t want to be in a crisis, spending much more money than you ever thought you’d spend.
If you decide to program your transponder key, you’ll need:
- proof that you’re the genuine owner, with two forms of identification
- your vehicle’s chassis number
- the original code on the manufacturer’s code card, which came with your automobile
If you aren’t able to track down that code card, locate a professional automotive locksmith who will reprogram the key properly to get you back on the road. A reliable expert will be exceedingly qualified to assist you, usually at a lower price than what the dealership would charge you.