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If you purchased a new car in the last 20 years, it likely came with a transponder key. According to Able Security Locksmiths, a residential and commercial locksmith service in Kenvil, NJ, these keys are a bit more complicated than regular ones. This can cause some confusion if you need to make a copy or replace a lost one. Below, they’ve answered some common questions to make this process easier.

4 FAQs Locksmiths Receive About Transponder Keys

What's the Difference Between a Transponder & a Regular Key?

A transponder key contains a chip responsible for disarming a vehicle’s electronic security device that prevents the engine from running. Most modern cars come with this type of key to make them harder to steal.

Can I Purchase a New Key?

If you would like to have extra copies of your transponder key, it is possible to buy new, blank keys and have a locksmith program them for you. However, be wary of secondhand purchases. Many times, these have already been cut and programmed, and once this occurs, you cannot reprogram them to work with your car.

Does My Vehicle Need to Be Present to Have a Transponder Key Made?

locksmith kenvil njIn most instances, yes, as the new key has to be cut to fit the ignition of your car and programmed and synced with it while it is on site. However, there are some cases where the locksmith can clone the original transponder key without the vehicle present, although it is often a more expensive and time-consuming approach.

Why Doesn’t My Copied Transponder Key Work?

When you insert a transponder key into your ignition, it receives a signal via the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder. It then has to send the appropriate response back to the car’s computer. If the correct signal was not sent, the vehicle will not start. If your key is not sending back the right response, chances are it is a clone that has not been programmed yet.

If you have recently lost a transponder key or want to make copies in the event this happens in the future, contact Able Security Locksmiths. They provide regular and emergency locksmith services to Warren, Sussex, and Morris counties. Call them today at (973) 584-3033, or visit their website for more information.

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