Why We Our Love For Programing Keys (And You Should Too!)

Programming Car Keys As cars have become more electronic, key programming has become an important service that can bring in a lot of revenue. Many shops do not offer this service. Modern keys and fobs perform more than just starting the car. They can also allow you to open the rear hatch and protect the vehicle from physical and digital attacks. You need to be aware of how to program them. What is a transponder? A transponder car key is a key that has an anti-theft security feature built in. This is accomplished by incorporating a radio frequency identification microchip in the plastic head portion of the key. This chip is used to relay a signal to the immobilizer system in your vehicle during the ignition startup process. This chip stops hot-wiring, making it difficult to steal a vehicle. It isn't true that transponder key are foolproof. Even though they add an additional layer of security however, criminals still have the capability to use their expertise to gain entry into vehicles. It just means that they need longer and more effort to do so, which is why this security feature is a huge advantage to anyone that cares about the security of their vehicles. The way that a transponder key works is very simple. The microchip inside the plastic head of the key is programmed with a specific digital serial number that is linked to the immobilizer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system checks the serial number when you insert the key into the ignition. If it matches the serial number, the engine will begin and if it doesn't, the car will not begin. There are several different types of transponder chips that can be programmed. The kind of chip your vehicle uses will determine the type of key that you have. You can determine the best transponder chip for your car by using the search engine, or going to a professional locksmith and asking what kind of key you own. Transponder keys cost more to replace due to the microchip. The dealership that sells your vehicle is the most expensive alternative to replace your key, as they have the highest cost of overhead. However, you can also go to locksmiths to purchase a new key. You can only program the transponder in case you haven't cut it yet. You can do it yourself if purchase an transponder from one the stores that provide these services. However, you will require a specific tool to complete this job. What is can a locksmith reprogram a car computer for programming a transponder? A car key with a chip in it is a type of transponder key. They are designed to stop auto theft by making sure that only the right key is used to start the car. If you've lost the key or the chip has been damaged, a locksmith is able to program a replacement for you. Most of the time the process of programming the chip key is simple and straightforward. However, some vehicles require special equipment to program the key. To begin, you must determine the type of key you have. To ensure you have the correct key blank it is important to know your vehicle's make, model and year. Some keys have the transponder in the key head, whereas others do not. If your key has a chip the bow cover (the part of the plastic that is that sits on top of the key) will be more thick than on a non-chip key. You can also tell whether your keys are equipped with a chip by checking the ignition. If it has a push to start button instead of a key hole it's probably one with chip. Once you have the appropriate key blank, the next step is to decide which method of programming will be employed. Some transponder keys are programmed using on-board diagnostics, while others require a special key programming device. The key programming device must be compatible with the circuit board key that is being utilized, and must also operate at the same frequency as the car's on-board computer. It's tempting to save money by programming a transponder yourself however, this could be risky. If you don't follow the correct steps, you could corrupt the information on your chip and make it impossible for you to start your car. This is why it is recommended to hire an authorized professional who has access the tools and expertise required to program your key correctly. It is also an excellent idea to make additional keys when you still have them, so that if you do lose one, you will be able to be replaced quickly and easily. How do I program a transponder key? You have to program the chip in the head of the car key if your vehicle is operated by a transponder. This process can be tricky especially when keys are lost or damaged. In some instances you might be able to start the vehicle without the transponder chip however, this is not recommended and could lead to problems. In these cases, you can contact an experienced locksmith or a car dealer to resolve the problem. You require the right tools to program a transponder and you need to know the right procedure. Transponder keys typically have an antenna ring that is attached to the head that transmits radio frequency energy to a chip within. The antenna rings receives an identification code from the chip. After the signal has been received, the ignition system will know that the key was placed in the ignition and turn it on. If you have the correct equipment and are familiar with the procedure for your vehicle, you can do it at home. Most manufacturers have a specific procedure for programming that will require certain supplies. It is important to know that programming will require a long battery life. If your battery fails during the process, you will need to start the process over again at the beginning. The majority of people hire an expert to complete this. Transponder keys that are properly programmed will save you money and time. Follow the steps below to program a new key that will work with an existing one. You should use the transponder key programer that is compatible with the vehicle model you have. Follow the directions on the device to get the best results. Be aware that certain cars have a specific technology that requires a dealership to create the new key, however this is not the case with the majority of vehicles. The process should be straightforward and fast if you have the right key and the required equipment.