Transponder Technology

 

Since the mid 90’s Vehicle manufactures began equipping their vehicles with a transponder based immobiliser system. 

This anti theft system is quite secure. The keys have an embedded transponder chip that must be recognised by the vehicle before it will start.

 

The circuitry that controls this function is an integral part of the onboard computer system of the vehicle. Until the system recognises a registered key, the starting, fuel, and ignition systems of the vehicle are not functional. This has helped to reduce car theft but causes problems for the vehicle owners when the vehicle keys are lost or stolen.

 

Entry to the vehicle in such situations and following lockout has become more and more of a problem. New replacement car keys and Fobs will require programming to the vehicles immobiliser engine management system using the correct equipment and a pin code that is unique to the vehicle or they simply will not work. Therefore most ordinary locksmiths are no longer able to assist in this situation.

 

Our workshop is equipped with the latest transponder production equipment, keys and cutting machines along with ECU Key Programming equipment which enables us to cut and programme most makes of vehicle keys in house. The new replacement key will be fitted with a Transponder Chip. We then program the new replacement key's chip into the vehicle's immobiliser system just as the main dealer would do for a fraction of the cost. We can also erase stored data on previous keys that may have been lost, stolen or retained by previous owners, giving you that extra peace of mind that these keys will no longer start the vehicle. We will require proof of ownership for any vehicle ignition key we cut. The current registration document along with a matching valid drivers license.

 

Did you know that a car key is the most daily used item? With cars being such a necessity today for most of us, it is vital not to be caught out by losing or breaking your only key. We can supply spare keys at a fraction of the price you’d pay at the dealership.

 

We can duplicate the original car key provided that the owner is in possession of a working key for the vehicle. In many situations we can cut a new key using the broken parts if the key presented is broken.

 

While transponder technology is not a new thing in general, it is relatively new to the automotive industry. What used to be a quick stop at the hardware store for a couple of spare car keys for under £10 are a thing of the past? Some car owners will tend to delay or forgo the expense. This can come back to haunt them in a big way!

 

Previously when all keys to the vehicle were lost, the owner would have to bite the bullet and have a franchised dealer originate new keys for the car. This would cost considerably more than a duplicate key, and depending on the time of day and location of the vehicle, could cost anywhere from one hundred, to several hundred pounds.

 

If this happens with a transponder equipped Toyota or Lexus, the onboard computer must be replaced at a cost of up to £1500 at some dealerships.

 

Its all in the Fob

 

One of the latest technologies to come out are vehicles that no longer use 'keys' the way we think of them. Instead, they use something that looks like a car remote opening unit. These slide into a place in the car that allows the vehicle to read the information directly from the fob. Some of these key fobs don't even have to be inserted, they just have to be in the vicinity of the vehicle (such as in your pocket or purse). Of course, these key fobs aren't to be confused with alarm or lock remote fobs.

 

What happens if you lose your key fob? Currently, this is a dealer-only item, so if you lose your key fob or it becomes damaged, then you have no other option and are on your way to the dealership. These Fob's can run from £300-400 to replace. Some vehicles have an emergency start system that uses an 'old fashioned key' to start the vehicle; however, most people don't carry these with them. With every additional security feature comes the inflated cost of maintenance.

   

Key Programming