How Transponder Keys Work

Transponder keys were designed as a security device to protect your vehicle from theft. Though, as beneficial as this technology has been for us, it can sometimes be a major cause of headaches.

If you find yourself with an unresponsive transponder, you have a couple of choices. You could contact a locksmith and have a professional handle everything for you – getting you back on the road in no time. Or, you could try to program the transponder key yourself. 

How a Transponder Key Works

Transponder keys contain a microchip inside of them that transmits an alphanumeric code to the ignition so that the car will start. If you try to start your car using a basic key, for example, or without any key at all (in the case of theft), then the ignition won’t start. It has to have the transmitted code to go anywhere. 

Vehicles manufactured with a transponder key won’t start without the original transponder. This is why losing your transponder key can be troublesome. Thankfully, though, by following a few steps, you can program a transponder key without the original and hopefully start your engine successfully. 

Let’s take a look at the necessary steps. 

Step 1: Sitting in your car with the doors closed, place the transponder key in the ignition of your car and turn it into the ON position. Do not turn the engine on. You will want to keep this on for a precise 10 minutes and 25 seconds – so use the timer on your phone to ensure you get the timing right. At this time, the security light on your dashboard will light up. If it doesn’t, you may need to check your battery. 

Step 2: Once the security light illuminates, set the timer again – this time for 15 minutes. Remember, you must be meticulous with the time. After it elapses, the security light on your dashboard should go off. 

Step 3: Three minutes after the security light turns off, turn your ignition OFF – and then turn it right back ON again. When you do, the security light should reappear and stay on for another 15 minutes before it shuts off again. 


Step 4: As the security light on the dashboard disappears, wait 3 minutes and then turn the ignition OFF – and then turn it right back ON again. And, as predicted the security light will illuminate on the dashboard for another 15 minutes before the light turns off. 

The transponder key should now be programmed to your automobile. Try turning on your engine with the key as it should start now – and allow you to drive without any issues. 

An important note: Once you program a new transponder key for your car, your original transponder key will no longer work. 

Help From a Professional Locksmith

Programming a transponder key can be a time-consuming task. You may run into errors, you may not want to deal with it yourself, or, depending on the make and model of the car, this simple process may not work. At BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY we don’t want you to feel stranded without a transponder key. Let us help you get back in your car and on your way quickly. 

With locations and a mobile crew of professionals throughout many areas of Texas, we are just a phone call away. Contact us anytime of the day.

Thanks

Todd Theroux