Stone Mountain Locksmith Pro: Transponder Keys, Problems

Before you receive your first transponder key, you may be excited to use it. That’s understandable. Who wouldn’t be? A key that can do so much more than that old key you had before. It would be quite the norm for you to be excited about using it. But, the first instance where you have an issue with your transponder key, your “honeymoon phase” may get a very sharp slash.  

Why? Because transponder keys can cause much more problems that your regular key. And, what’s worst, they are even more expensive to repair. It’s a good thing then that there’s Stone Mountain Locksmith Pro in Stone Mountain, GA. We have incredible transponder key services for the most amazing rates. Come check us out if you’re in or near this part of Georgia! 

Transponder Key Problems? Where to Start? 

It’s a bit difficult to figure out where to begin when it comes to transponder key problems. There are so many things that can go wrong. From the key itself to the transponder chip, there are many ways you can be inconvenienced because of your transponder key. Here are a few. 

• The key breaks 

A broken key is not an uncommon thing. Usually, the situation is easily dealt with by making a new key. You can still do that with your transponder key. The problem is, if you’re not a very wealthy person, you may not be so eager to quickly spend hundreds of dollars for a single car key.  

This is one major disadvantage with transponder keys when compared to regular car keys. They’re quite expensive when it comes to their upkeep. So, what’s the best way to deal with a broken key? Try not to break it in the first place. But, if you do, you’ll need to call your dealer or a locksmith that specializes in transponder keys.  

This brings us to another problem. Not all locksmiths are able to work with transponder keys. And, dealers tend to charge much more than a locksmith when it comes to dealing with transponder keys. So, you may have a bit of searching to do if you’re not in the Alpharetta area.  

• The key is bent 

A bent key is not always as big a problem as a broken key. Depending on how bent it is, you may be able to straighten it without issues. But, if it has a severe bend, the problem is much worse. This would mean that you have to exercise a lot of caution when using the key as it’ll be in a much more fragile state.  

Taking a bent transponder key to your locksmith may end up being much cheaper as it relates to resolving the issue, rather than repairing one that’s destroyed. Still, you must be aware that the costs will be much different from those associated with a regular car key. So, always bear that in mind. 

• Your transponder chip falls out 

When you purchase your transponder key, you may have been told that there’s a chip in the key that enables it to operate the vehicle. But, maybe you’d never think that you’d have a reason to worry about that chip. Well, if you happen to drop your keys a lot, that may soon become a concern of yours.  

If your transponder key falls, the casing may open, and the chip may get exposed. In some instances, the chip may fall out totally. If this happens and you happen to find the chip and replace it, then you’re all set. But, if you’re not very observant, you may not realize that it has fallen out. In this case, you’ll be unable to operate the vehicle. That’s how important that very small device is. Replacing a transponder chip is also expensive. So, if you didn’t get it before, hopefully you have now- transponder keys can be very expensive! 

• The key needs to be reprogrammed 

For some reason, your transponder key may just stop working without explanation. If you’re sure that the batteries are good, it may mean that the device needs to be reprogrammed. If you’re one of the fortunate ones, then you’ll be able to reprogram it on your own. If you’re not that lucky, you’ll have to take it to a professional. Not only is this inconvenient, it can also get pricey. Unfortunately, it’s a situation that you won’t have much control over. 

• You’ve lost the key, or it got stolen 

No matter how you look at it, a stolen or lost key is a very unfortunate situation. Whose hands will those keys end up in? You never know. But, all you know is that you’ll need new keys. Making a new transponder key will cost you a few bucks. But, it will be a necessity if you don’t have a spare. Some motorists may even consider rekeying the lock or changing it altogether. The choice is yours. 

Can You Avoid Transponder Key Problems? 

There’s no definite answer to this question. Can you avoid every single problem? No. But can many transponder key issues be avoided? Sure. Here are some simple ways that you can prevent damage to yours. 

1. Only use it in your vehicle. 

This may seem like a very odd tip. What else can you use your car keys to do except start and drive your car? A lot. Many people use their keys to open a beer or other bottles that require a bottle opener. Some even use their keys for very random tasks. That’s not the job of your key. So, the next time you take up your keys to do anything other than start or operate your vehicle, think twice about it! 

      2. Try not to drop the key 

A lot of damage to keys occur because it has been dropped. Too often many of us are careless with our keys. So, from today onwards, try to be a bit more careful with your keys. It may save you a lot of time and money. 

For more information about transponder key problems, services and general information, contact us at Stone Mountain Locksmith Pro in Stone Mountain, GA.