By: Kalley Danese
If you are like most vehicle owners, you have probably experienced a problem or two with your vehicle acting in a way you do not expect. When you use your car key, you assume it will start your car with no problems. Unfortunately, if you have experienced getting into your car, turning your key in the slot and not having your vehicle start, you will know that things like this are bound to happen every once in a while.
Knowing what the problem is exactly can be just as frustrating as having the problem occur in the first place, but there is one major possibility. There is a little device that works with both your car’s key and the internal workings of your car. This device is known as a transponder and it serves several purposes. A transponder key, as it is most often called, could possibly be the source of your car trouble.
What a Transponder Key Does
Security is the number one reason why most cars and car keys are outfitted with some sort of transmitter system. Transmitter keys work in a way that makes it so that only one specific key is matched with the car. There is a transmitter device inside of your vehicle, as well in your key. Each device is paired to the other, so when the key comes within range of the car’s transmitter device, the systems recognize one another. This recognition then allows you to turn on your vehicle.
Not only are vehicles that have transmitter devices nearly impossible to hotwire and steal, they also prevent accidental theft. Believe it or not, there have been cases where everyday people going about their business will unlock and start vehicles that do not belong to them, but are the same make and model. This honest mistake has occurred enough times with different vehicles that it has now become mandatory for vehicle makers to install cars with transmitter device. Now, even if someone has the same type of vehicle as another individual, there is almost zero chance that their key will be able to open up the other person’s car.
Problems with Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are great for the protection and security of your vehicle. It can feel a little alarming, though, when your transponder key will not start your vehicle. This is the primary signal that you will receive when your transponder key is not working. The following are several reasons why your transponder key may not be working.
The Key is Damaged
Since your key is used every time you start and stop your car, it gets a lot of daily use. Car keys also end up in the bottom of gym backs, backpacks and bags. Being tossed around and smashed over time enough can cause the transmitter within the key to come loose. If the transponder in the key is not properly in place, it could interfere with the signal.
The Vehicle Transponder is Damaged
Similarly, if the signal within the computer system of the car is not working, it will not be able to recognize the key. Even if everything is working fine with your key, both parts must properly read in order for your vehicle to start.
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