A Look Inside Your Transponder Car Key
Unlike remote key fobs, transponder keys don't use batteries. Instead, it runs on an embedded chip and a low-strength radio signal to start vehicles. Thus, you don't have to worry about the car key dying at any time due to a low battery.
In addition to locking and unlocking your door, you can also use the modern transponder keys for switching on the car engine. In this article, we will look at how a transponder key works.
What is a Transponder key
A transponder key is also known as a transmitter or responder. The transponder key helps to eliminate theft and provide upgraded security for your vehicle. The key unlocks and starts the car engine by transmitting a coded message to the vehicle.
Some users call the transponder key a chip key because it has an in-built microchip inside the broad head of the key. If you insert the key inside the ignition and turn it, the engine will not unlock until the coded message has been authenticated by the system.
Although the security system of a transponder key makes it difficult to steal a vehicle, it poses a problem for car owners when it comes to car key replacement. Due to the sophistication of the key, car owners don't find it easy to replace misplaced or lost car keys.
The History Behind Transponder Keys
The invention of transponder keys can be traced to World War II when the allied and axis forces fought against each other. During the war, military forces used the coded message technique to detect friendly planes on their radar from enemy infiltration. The method was very effective and has been used for many years. It is being used in modern aviation today.
After the war, the coded message process was first used in Germany. Then, US Auto Manufacturer, GM, was the first company to produce a chip key for their 1985 Corvette car. Before then, Corvette thefts were on the rise, and the introduction of the key helped to reduce the number of thefts.
Seeing its effectiveness, major auto manufacturers adopted the key and began producing it.
How Does a Transponder Key Work
A transponder key comprises four components - the chip key, the antenna ring or induction coil, an immobilizer, and the car's Engine Control Module (ECM).
When the transponder key is inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned, the antenna ring will send out a radio frequency that the transponder chip absorbs. Afterward, the chip will transmit its own radio frequency - the identification code - which is absorbed by the antenna ring and sent to ECM.
Once the ECM recognizes the code, the immobilizer will be disabled, and the engine will start.
How to Replace a Transponder Car Key
If your transponder key is damaged or lost, the next step is to contact Columbus Locksmith Pro for a key replacement service. Unlike before, when it was easy to make duplicates of keys, the replacement process of transponder keys has become more complex.
Besides being more costly, replacing a transponder key requires expertise, as not every locksmith is skilled in the replacement process. So, it would help if you only worked with a trusted and vetted locksmith service. Once we are done with cutting the key, we will help you get the transponder key programmed to match the code inside the ECM. Note, by hiring Columbus Locksmith Pro for this key replacement service, you are securing your car against theft.