What are Transponder Keys?

Ever since technology forayed into our lives, it has increasingly made us feel safe in more than one way; one such innovation is transponder keys. It is a factory-made device that helps us protect our cars from getting stolen. Read on to know more about transponder keys.<br><br>

Transponder keys are devices that transmit or accept data from another device, most commonly used in cars for security purpose. These are also known as “chip keys”, as they contain a transponder chip or circuit that is responsible for starting of individual car. Transponder chip was introduced to the world during World War II; it was then programmed with a set code and placed on allied planes, making it easier for radars to distinguish between them and enemy planes.<br><br>

The history of transponder keys can be traced back to Germany. In 1992, Allianz Insurance Group forced German automotive industry to adopt transponder keys system on cars and motorcycles, following phenomenal increase in car theft records across Germany that saw car theft incidents staggeringly rising to 111,000 in just three years. By 1994, other European companies started field testing transponder keys, with other companies around the world following the suit by 1999.<br><br>

A pair of transponder keys is provided by the dealer upon car purchase, both of these keys carry a transponder chip that is programmed with unique serial number only recognized by Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the newly purchased car. Transponder keys are automotive ignition keys that come with built-in signal-emitting circuits. And this is how they work, when the key is turned in the ignition cylinder car's ECU sends radio transmission to the transponder circuit. Initially this circuit is not active, but it springs to life on receiving radio transmission from ECU. The computer chip present in the circuit responds by sending a unique serial number back to ECU. If the serial number is recognized then car engine will be started in no time, but if the code is not matched then the engine will fail to start. Certain companies are known to immobilize the cars if the wrong key is used. Due to an added level of protection provided by transponder keys, they form a formidable car protecting tool, as forcing the ignition cylinder will not start the car and transponder keys are difficult to duplicate as well. This is precisely why transponder keys are popular in modern cars and help prevent car theft.<br><br>

The chances of starting a car without a correctly programmed transponder keys are extremely rare, hence losing both set of keys can be a source of serious headache for the car owner. Therefore, owners are suggested to get the keys replaced as soon as they lose even one of them. Car dealers can provide you with a new pair of programmed transponder keys should you lose one or both of them, but they often do charge a bomb for it, what most of us don't know is that locksmiths are equally capable of doing this job that too at almost half price of what car dealer charge you. Before you approach any locksmith with your transponder keys query, do a bit of research to ensure that his <a href="http://www.transponderisland.com/Locksmith_Suppliers_34.php">locksmith tools</a> and techniques are up to date.

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About the author

The author of this article is professionally associated with Transponder Island, a leading provider of locksmith equipment for reputed automobile brands like Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Hyundai and Mercedes among others.

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