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What is a Transponder Key?

Modern technology has allowed us to optimize vehicles by adding features that improve drivability and safety. Modern vehicles include rearview cameras, lane departure sensors and surround sound stereo systems. With each new model, there are more upgrades. The transponder key is one of the most important safety features in modern vehicles. What is a transponderkey? SarasotaAutoLocksmith.com, Sarasota Area’s best automotive locksmith, will explain what a transponder is and how it can protect your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Vehicles need more safety features and technology as they evolve. Car companies are always looking for ways to modify their vehicles and the components inside them to increase the number of features that each vehicle can carry while still being able to function properly. Transponder keys, which are able to provide a great safety feature while not taking up much space, can be a huge safety feature.

Transponder keys contain a radio-frequency transmitter (RF) inside. Although they are slightly larger than normal keys, this is not a major problem, especially for newer models. The RF transmitter emits a very low signal that can only be picked by something very close to the vehicle’s ignition switch. The receiver located near the ignition switch will pick up the frequency from a transponder keys, which allows the vehicle to start normally.

Why manufacturers use transponders

Transponder keys are a great way to protect your vehicle. A transponder key is required to start your vehicle’s engine. Your vehicle won’t start if someone uses a key that doesn’t contain the correct RF signal or an object without it. If someone attempts to hotwire your vehicle’s engine, it will not start without the correct radio frequency signal.

Remote start keys can also have RF transmitters. Although your vehicle’s key does not always need to be inserted into the ignition switch to start it, it will require the correct signal if the transponder is installed in your vehicle. For most push-to start ignitions, the key must be in the car and near the steering wheel to get it to start.

SarasotaAutoLocksmith.com can repair, replace, or reprogram transponder key codes. We are the Bay Area’s best mobile locksmiths and can offer all types of automotive locksmith services including key fob duplication, key key removal, rekeying, and broken key removal.

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