Transponder Key or Plain Key? What That Hidden Chip Means

A transponder key looks nearly identical to a standard metal key, except the transponder chip embedded in its plastic head, this embedded chip communicates with the vehicle prior to the activation of the engine by means of its code sent to the engine.

What is a regular metal car key?

As its name suggests, a regular metal key is purely mechanical, it fits perfectly with a vehicle lock and starts the motor. The key has no chips or any other components.

As such, the keys of this kind are cheap and easy to duplicate. In other words, a locksmith simply cuts another key. Usually, regular keys are installed in older cars.

What Is a transponder car key?

Unlike the keys described above, a transponder key has an embedded electronic chip that receives a code from the car and responds to it when turned in the ignition slot.

The car will operate smoothly as long as the proper code is sent back; otherwise, the car’s engine will not turn on even though the key is a perfect fit for the ignition.

Such keys are designed to prevent thefts of the vehicle and thus are widely used in modern cars.

Why is the price of the replacement is high?

Regular keys require nothing but cutting, while transponder keys need to be both cut and programmed. In the case with transponder keys, cutting gives a key the right shape while programming lets the vehicle accept it and start.

If not programmed properly, the key may allow opening the doors but still will not start the car. Therefore, since a programmer is needed for programming, a replacement of a transponder key usually costs more than of a regular one.

How Can You Identify Your Key?

Here is a list of criteria by which you can distinguish your key from a regular one:

• Almost all vehicles produced during the last twenty years come with transponder keys.
• Thicker plastic heads contain a chip.
• Thinner metal keys do not necessarily have one.

If copying of a key results in unlocking without starting the engine, the car likely needs transponder keys, otherwise it may be necessary to consult with a locksmith who identifies what type of key your car has based on the vehicle's year, make, and model.

Consequences of losing the Key

A replacement of a regular key takes a relatively short amount of time and does not cost much, the replacement of a transponder key implies both cutting and programming, which take longer. Moreover, if all keys are lost, the locksmith may have to access data directly from the car. In this case, it becomes necessary to program another chip, making the process more complicated and pricey, having spare keys saves both money and time.

But how about smart keys?

Smart keys are essentially an upgraded version of transponder keys and in order to start a car with smart keys, it is enough just to keep the key in your pocket and press a button on the steering wheel or dashboard and just like transponder keys, the keys of this kind require proper programming.

Additional protection provided by transponder keys

One of the reasons why transponder keys are so effective in terms of security is due to a unique code generated by the embedded chip. It should be noted that in contrast to regular keys, the car cannot be started until receiving the exact code sent by this chip, therefore thieves find it impossible to activate a car equipped with such chips.

A note about security

The main feature that differentiates a regular key from a transponder one is the presence of an embedded chip in the latter. Its presence makes replacement and installation of transponder keys more complicated.

Moreover a better understanding of what kind of key your car has enables you to plan the expenses and schedule. If a transponder key cut and programming service is needed, a mobile locksmith can perform the whole process right on your doorstep.