Have you ever wondered what automotive transponder keys are? Do you know how they work? Read on…
In its simplest form, an automotive transponder key is a key that has a transponder chip embedded in it. A transponder chip works directly with the vehicle immobilizer. The immobilizer is a security technology that prevents the vehicle from starting. Transponder is a combination of two words – transmitter and responder. This is because the transponder chip transmits a message/signal and it responds to same.
Actually, the transponder chip disarms the immobilizer thereby allowing the car to start. Due to the benefits attached to transponder keys, most of the cars manufactured after 1995 already have this security mechanism.
To break it down further, when the key is inserted and turned in the ignition, the engine control unit of the car immediately sends a signal to key and awaits an instant feedback. Needless to say only the correct key will be able to send back the expected signal. On receiving the right signal, the immobilizer is disarmed and the ignition is turned on.
All these have been programmed into the transponder chip using a special programming language. This technology gives your vehicle extra security measures. Without the transponder key, the car will not start.
Even if the car gets towed away, its engine will still not start until the engine is reprogrammed. So you can rest assured that even if a robber breaks into your car, he will only still your personal stuffs, he can’t move your car away. No thief in his right senses will tow a stolen car away when he knows that he will have to reprogram its engine. This is how the transponder mechanism wards off thieves and provides extra security for your car.
The security measure is taken even deeper by the fact that your automotive transponder key can never be duplicated. It is not possible to steal your key, duplicate it and return it back to you. Never! It is not possible with this. Every car has its own transponder key programmed for it. But just in case you misplace your key, your car manufacturer can make a duplicate for you.
Another benefit is the alarm system that comes with it. Immediately someone tries to break into your car, the alarm goes off. And you can stop it wherever you are. The alarm alerts you and scares away the trespasser.
Apart from security, a transponder key comes with extra convenience. You can open the boot of your car and its doors by pressing a button on the key while you are still a distance away. It is extra convenience. You can send your kid to pick something from your boot without giving him the key. And when you are about to go out with your kids, they are likely to get to the car before you due to excitement. Instead of allowing them to hang around the car, you only need to press the button and the doors are open.
