Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Programming Keys?

· 4 min read
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Programming Keys?

Programming Car Keys

Nowadays, cars have smart keys and key fobs, which need to be programmed in order to work properly. Programming can be done at a dealership for cars or with special tools.

Hardware stores aren't able to copy modern car keys, therefore the majority of customers end up at a dealership or a locksmith. They can help customers restore the immobilizer's information as well as program replacement keys and much more.

Keys with transponders

There are a myriad of different car keys available on market. Choosing the right one depends on your needs and preferences. Some keys are more user-friendly and others provide more security. Keys with transponders are a good choice for people who want extra protection against theft. They contain chips that transmit signals to the computer of your car when the key is put in. The computer in your car checks these signals to be sure that the key is genuine. This helps prevent car thieves from entering the vehicle by stopping them from starting the vehicle without the correct key.

Transponder chips are a fairly new technology and are usually built into your car's key head. They are designed to allow the transmission of the unique serial number each time they are inserted into your ignition. This information is read by the transponder reader of the car, which is linked with the ignition. If the information is in line the car's information, it will start. This method is more secure than traditional mechanical keys, as it prevents hot-wiring. However, it is not completely secure. The criminals have found ways to bypass this security feature.

When it is time to replace a transponder key, most people think that they need to go to their dealership to get the most efficient service. Although this is true in some cases however, there are locksmiths who can offer a duplicate transponder key for less than the cost of a car dealership. They are equipped with the same tools as a dealership and will provide you with a functional replacement key at a lower cost.



A special type of key is called the Fobik Remote Key, which includes an embedded transponder. These keys are usually used in Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles. They are also available on Mercedes and Infiniti vehicles. These types of keys are more difficult to duplicate than normal keys and require a higher-level of programming.

The introduction of transponder keys technology has been a boon for car manufacturers. However it has not completely stopped car theft. This is due to thieves having devised methods to steal cars using the technology. However, transponder keys are still the most effective method of decreasing the likelihood of car theft.

To ensure that you do not lose your car keys, you should keep it in a safe place. You should also keep a spare key in case of an emergency. If  automotive key programming  gets lost or stolen, it is best to call a professional locksmith away to have it replaced. This will save you any unnecessary stress and costs. You can have the proximity sensor installed on your key. This kind of key is less costly to replace than other kinds of keys, however it requires advanced programming.

Keys equipped with transponder chips

If your car was manufactured in the recent 20 years or so it is likely to have an ignition key that has an embedded transponder chip within it. These keys, often called chip keys or ignition keys, help prevent car thefts by making it harder for thieves to hot-wire your vehicle. They are also used in garage door openers as well as home alarm systems.

A transponder chip (pictured below) is a small microchip embedded in the head of your car key that transmits a signal to your cars computer when it's used to turn on and start the engine. The signal is sent via an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder and has to be received by your car for it to begin. If your car isn't able to read the signal from your key, it will shut down - this is referred to as the immobilizer system.

Car theft was a big issue in the past before this technology was widely used. Many thieves would employ the simple method of wiring your car. By simply placing wires around the barrel of the ignition, they could trick the computer in the car to believe that the correct key was used and allow the car to start.

This technology has helped to eliminate hot-wiring, and as a consequence car thefts have dropped dramatically. GM was the first US manufacturer to utilize this technology in their 1985 Corvette. Since since then, all major auto manufacturers have implemented the technology into their vehicles.

The majority of people are familiar with how a transponder key looks. They appear like a key made of metal with an upper made of plastic. The chip is housed on the top of the key and is referred to as a "chip key". You can get these keys cut in various styles including the standard cut, a laser cut (also called a sidewinder cut) or even a tibbe key that can be found in Jaguars and Fords.

Most transponder key require specialized equipment to be programmed. Some brands of keys such as GM or Ford can be programmed with the owner's manual and an operational key. Certain chip keys have a microchip that does not require a battery, however other models do, and require the battery to be replaced periodically. Beishir Lock and Security offers a wide range of chip keys that will fit all types of vehicles at prices that are much lower than dealerships. Our service can provide you with a new working chip key, or copy your existing one and program it to ensure you have a spare. Contact us for more information!