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Q. What are automotive transponder keys?

Transponder keys were developed at the time of Second World War for fighter planes. The word 'transponder' was derived by combining two words transmitter and responder. It is a small radio frequency (RF) device, which transmits an electronic signal when asked by another RF device. In the automotive industry, a transponder is used as an anti-theft device incorporated into the head of a key that transmits a coded signal to the engine control unit (ECU) of the car. The ECU basically looks for this coded message during startup and if it signal isn't transmitted, the engine is disabled temporarily.

Automotive transponder keys enhance a vehicle's security in two ways. First, they help in preventing theft by making it difficult to start the car's engine by unauthorised means.The car cannot be started without the use of right chip. Second,they restrict the possibility that another key may accidentally or intentionally be used for starting your car.Each and every key has a distinctive electronic signature.

Transponder keys are even called chip keys and are a part of remote keyless system that's used in vehicles.Each key is programmed for a specific vehicle.

Q. How does transponder car keys work?

Transponder keys have a small microchip that has a unique serial number called electronic digital identity code, which is set during its initial programming at the time of making the key. When anyone wants to start or unlock a car, he/she presses the transponder key & the chip inside the key sends a request to the vehicle.The car's engine matches & validates the electronic code and then turns off the vehicle engine immobiliser for starting the engine. If the vehicle fails to validate the serial number/digital identity code,it will not open and remain locked & immobilized.

In short, the transponder key transmits a special digital electronic code to the car's engine, which responds back to the key with a validated key code. The key matches with the key code and then the car is allowed to start.

Q. How can I tell if my key has a transponder?

Other than a few commercial vehicles it is safe to assume that if your car was manufactured any time after 1998, it will incorporate a transponder chip in the head of the car key irrespective of the manufacturer.To know for sure, contact our team at A1 Automotive Locksmiths.

Q. What's the range of cars that's available for your automotive locksmith services?

We provide gain entry to all kinds of cars now:

All European cars,Touareg,Caddy,Bettle,Golf Wagon,VW Golf,Multivan,Polo,Transporter,Jetta,BMW 1 series,3 series,5 series,6 series,7 series,M models,X1,X3,X5,X6,Z4 models,Evoque, Freelander,Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Mercedes Benz all Models,A Class,B class,C class,CL class,CLS class,E class, G class, GL class, M class, R class, S class, SLK class, SL class and Rang Rover Sport.

Q. What other automotive locksmith services do you offer?

We offer a wide range of automotive locksmith services other than just supplying, copying and repairing automotive transponder keys. Our services include replacement of Non-Transponder keys, replacement of car ignitions, programming transponder keys, gain entry to cars, car lockouts & a variety of other auto locksmith services for most vehicles.