Transponder keys are a modern innovation that has quickly become standard for vehicle safety. Established in 1996, its primary goal has been to improve anti-theft and security features in vehicles. It’s for this reason that these keys have become the norm in the auto industry. Yet, is it possible for a transponder key Not Starting Car? For this question, we delved into the inner workings of transponder keys to come up with a solution.
A dead battery is the most common cause of a faulty transponder. Every transponder key also has a tiny battery that facilitates interaction with the vehicle. These batteries are designed to last quite some time, however, they do eventually die and become useless.
The Most Common Bad Transponder Key Chip Symptoms
When your transponder key occasionally starts the car and other times doesn’t, it’s probably about to break. A replacement car key will be required after this happens. We have included a list of other indicators with their respective levels of detail below.
Unlocking Problems
It’s possible that you won’t be able to open your car, and that the transponder key won’t be able to deactivate the immobilizer.
While this is becoming increasingly common as cars shift away from using keyed locks, many models still provide both if you know how to dismantle your key fob.
Locking Your Car Is Difficult (Push Start)
If you’re having trouble unlocking your door with your smart key, it’s also likely you won’t be able to lock it.
If your smart key or key fob isn’t working, you can only lock your doors from the inside while they’re open and then close them. The problem is that you could lock your car keys inside and be unable to retrieve them.
Challenges in Starting the Engine
When something is wrong with the engine of a car, it often won’t start. There could be a number of causes for your engine’s inability to turn over if it weren’t for the problems with the locking control system.
If you have tried all of these things and the car still won’t start, the problem is either with the immobilizer or the smart key.
Put Key in Ignition, But Car Won’t Start
There could be a problem with the transponder chip within the key fob base if turning the actual key that goes into the ignition doesn’t do anything. The car’s immobilizer isn’t getting the security code for some reason.
This is typically the consequence of either water damage (water and electronics do not mix) or chip failure as a result of the fob falling or being crushed. Before obtaining a replacement key, double-check that you have the right key fob for your vehicle.
Powering on and Off the Emergency Button
If the car’s alarm or distress signal goes off unexpectedly and you don’t know why it could be because the transponder key isn’t functioning properly. The car’s security system may become active if non-transponder keys are used. This is an additional safety feature that will sound an alarm if your car is ever broken into.
It’s possible that the transponder is to blame if the alarm goes off as soon as you put the key in the lock or turn the ignition.
How to Troubleshoot Your Transponder Key Not Starting Car
Keys That Can Unlock Various Locks
When people try to start their cars, they often find that turning the key does not really turn the ignition. We strongly advise everyone to double-check that no other transponder keys are in the range of their vehicle’s transmitter. The car is not smart enough to know to ignore the second transponder key when there are two present.
Low or No Battery
A dead battery is the most common cause of a malfunctioning transponder. Every transponder key also has a tiny battery that allows communication with the vehicle. These batteries are designed to last quite some time, however, they do eventually die and become useless. Battery replacement by a locksmith is much more cost-effective than purchasing a replacement key from the manufacturer.
Disrupted Radio Signals
Transponder keys work by sending radio signals to the vehicle. Such radio waves are ideal for enabling consistent communication between your car and its key, but they can easily become distorted and cause radio interference all around your vehicle. Potential interference from aircraft, air traffic control towers, and satellites’ radio signals could reduce the transponder key’s usefulness for transmitting data.
In the event that your car key stops functioning, you might try placing it near your head to see whether the door unlocks. If that works, it would indicate that radio noise is interfering with its transmission.
Being prepared is the best way to save money while replacing car keys. So, without any obligation, receive a spare transponder key. Having a backup key on hand is helpful in case you ever experience genuine vehicle key problems.
How to Start My Car without Chip Key?
Both remote keys and transponder keys exist for cars. There are two separate locking systems on a remote key that can be used to secure and unlock the car’s doors.
The most obvious option is to use the key to unlock the car door. The second method employs radio waves to allow entry into the vehicle at the touch of a button.
A transponder key provides an extra layer of security over a remote key. A transponder key, then, has not just the two layers of protection found in a remote key, but also a third layer built into its very design.
The signal from the ignition locks can communicate with an electronic chip inside the key. Therefore, the car will not start unless the key’s digital serial number and the one in the ignition are identical.
Transponder keys contain a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip in the key’s head. An extra layer of protection is provided by the RFID chip installed in the ignition of the vehicle.
They assist deter and prevent car theft by rendering hot wiring and ignition lock breaking ineffective. If the car’s ignition key does not read the microchip, it will not start. There are numerous options for repairing it if something goes wrong.
However there is a way to bypass a transponder key, but I would not recommend bypassing a transponder key, as it can leave the vehicle vulnerable to theft. Transponder keys are an important security feature that is designed to prevent unauthorized access to a vehicle. Additionally, bypassing a transponder key can cause damage to the vehicle’s immobilizer system and may void the vehicle’s warranty.
How Much Does It Cost To Reprogram A Key?
The cost to reprogram a key can vary depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the location of the service.
On average, reprogramming a key fob can cost between $50 and $100. Some dealerships or specialized locksmiths may charge more, up to $150 or more. If the key needs to be cut and programmed, the cost can be higher, up to $200 or more.
However, some vehicles may require special equipment and software to reprogram the key, which can add to the cost. It’s also important to keep in mind that if the key is lost or stolen, a new key will need to be ordered from the manufacturer which can be very expensive.
It’s advisable to check with a dealership or locksmith for an estimate on the cost of reprogramming your specific car’s key.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can a Bad Key Fob Cause Car Not To Start
A bad key fob can prevent a car from starting if the key fob is not properly communicating with the car’s immobilizer system. This can happen if the key fob battery is dead, the key fob circuit is malfunctioning, or the key fob has been damaged. If the key fob is not working properly, the immobilizer system will not receive the signal it needs to allow the car to start. In this case, you may need to replace the key fob or have it repaired.
Why Programmed Key Won’t Start Car
- The key is not properly programmed: If the key has not been programmed correctly, it will not be able to communicate with the car’s immobilizer system and the car will not start.
- The key’s battery is dead: If the key’s battery is dead, it will not have enough power to transmit the signal to the car’s immobilizer system, and the car will not start.
- The key is damaged: If the key is physically damaged, it may not be able to transmit the signal to the car’s immobilizer system and the car will not start.
- The immobilizer system is malfunctioning: If the car’s immobilizer system is malfunctioning, it may not be able to receive the signal from the key and the car will not start.
How Do I Reset My Transponder Key?
To turn on the car, put the key in the ignition. If you want to switch on anything, it should be the electronics and not the engine.
- Don’t touch the key for 10 minutes and 30 seconds, then flip it to the off position.
- It’s time to turn the key back on, but this time wait 10 minutes and 30 seconds before you turn it off again.
About The Author
Ibrar Ayyub
I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.
Follow Us:LinkedinTwitter