A conventional key consists exclusively of mechanics: it has cuts that allow it to rotate the locking cylinder. A transponder key has everything a regular key has plus an electronic chip. By reading information contained in the chip, the vehicle immobilizer determines whether it is possible to launch the engine. The presence of the chip makes a transponder key different from a traditional key in every way.
A combination of words "transmitter" and "responder" makes a perfect description of a chip included in a transponder key. After the ignition cylinder rotates with the key, a signal reader around it starts to work. After receiving the signal from the reader, the chip responds with a code that must be recognized by the immobilizer. If the code is recognized correctly, the immobilizer allows the engine to be started, otherwise the engine can crank but cannot start.
All the processes described above occur immediately and automatically, moreover there are no batteries installed in the chip: the chip receives energy needed for functioning from the signal sent by the reader of the key. This explains the absence of any charges related to the use of a transponder key.
The principle of operation of a regular key is extremely simple and consists in aligning the locks in the cylinder. This occurs after lifting the pins or wafers using cuts of the key. Regular keys require no batteries or other electronic elements: it is sufficient to lift locks properly, and the cylinder would be unlocked. This makes the process of copying such keys very simple and inexpensive.
Car manufacturers implemented the technology of transponder keys because it helped to significantly reduce car theft. Prior to installing immobilizers in cars, it sufficed for a thief to rotate the cylinder to start the engine. The installation of an immobilizer made it impossible to start an engine without using the correct code, so the implementation of this security technology led to the emergence of a completely new generation of car keys.
Cannot figure out what kind of key you have? A standard key does not have a plastic handle and electronic components, and the cost of its reproduction in any locksmith's store is very low. In case your key has an unusually thick handle, or the copy you have got from the locksmith allows rotating a lock but does not start an engine, you definitely have a transponder key.
The presence of an electronic chip is the main feature that makes transponder keys so specific and unlike regular keys, a transponder key must not only be cut correctly but also programmed, programming includes transferring of information from the car immobilizer to the key chip. Such programming cannot be performed at home or in a locksmith's store without additional equipment.
Many people do not understand why replacing a lost or damaged transponder key is so expensive, and how is it different from replacing a regular key. The problem is in the fact that a conventional key must only be cut, whereas a transponder key requires programming. Therefore, if a transponder key is copied at a hardware store, this will only result in a useless piece of metal that will not help you to start your car.
Transponder keys represent the evolution of regular keys, whereas smart proximity keys are the next stage in the development of car keys. A smart key uses the same transponder chip and allows unlocking and starting a car without having to put a key in a lock. In addition, such keys allow to start an engine without using a starter: there is a button called push-to-start installed in a vehicle.
The presence of a small chip distinguishes a transponder key from a regular one. While the latter can simply be cut, the former needs a lot more work: it must be cut and programmed using special software. It is necessary to understand which type of key you use in order not to be confused later regarding key reproduction or replacement.
In order to understand the reason behind the appearance of transponder keys and fobs, it is important to understand why manufacturers decided to install electronic chips into the keys, car keys had no electronics incorporated in them, and their simple design led to an occurrence of a high number of car theft. In order to decrease the frequency of thefts significantly, car manufacturers decided to implement an electronic chip that prevents car start. This resulted in a much safer key but with higher prices.
Since the main factor defining the complexity and cost of your visit is a type of a key you have, it is crucial to identify the key first and only then call the locksmith. You must prepare the year, make, and model of your car, as well as inform the specialist about the key: whether it looks like a conventional key, or it has a thick handle or even has no metal blade at all but allows starting the engine with the push of a button.
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