Transponder Keys: My Car Key Costs How Much?

If you have bought a car recently you may have asked that very question when you try to get a copy made. Most cars now have some sort of a key transponder system. Early models had a visible resistor chip in the blade of the key. Then manufacturers went to a chip hidden in the head of the key that carries a code. When you turn the key the car goes to a computer module and checks to see if the code is in the memory. Some new cars now have a key that you can keep in your pocket. The car requests a code, then the key sends a signal out that unlocks the doors and tells the car it can start.

Now I will give you some tips that could save some time and money.

• If you're looking at buying a car ask if it has a transponder. This way you won't be shocked if you try to get a spare.
• If you buy a car ask how much it would be to get extra keys. I know when I bought a new van it was cheaper to order it with two extra keys than get extras made later.
• Try to always have three working keys for your car. This way if you lose one you still have two working keys and can add an extra key without hooking a computer to the car. Most businesses charge extra for hooking up the computer. This is not true for all cars.
• Most cars have a non-transponder key that can be cut. These keys will open the doors but will not start the car. They normally cost just a couple dollars. If you are someone who hides a key outside your car this is the key to hide. If someone finds this key they can't drive away with your car.
• If your car has a remote built into the key ask if there is a non-remote transponder key. A key with the remote can cost four times more than a non-remote key. This key will still open the doors and start the car.
• Compare prices! Don't think you have to go to a dealer for a key. Many locksmiths can cut and program transponder keys. Sometimes the dealer is cheaper, sometimes not. Do some quick checking.
• If you lose a key, ask if the memory can be cleared and the existing keys reprogrammed. This way the key that was lost will not work if found. If you find the key you can have it programmed back in.

Hopefully this will be helpful to you.

Jesse E. Piehl

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