What is a transponder key?
At the beginning of the 20th century, the first cars did not have any kind of security, as they were operated by cranks to lock the car.
As time went by, the presence of a key became indispensable in order to avoid any theft and enhance vehicle security. However, it was not until the early 1990s that Germany began to introduce the transponder key in the manufacture of its cars. But before continuing, it is worth clarifying what a transponder key is.
Born from the words “transmit” and “respond”, transponder keys involve immediate communication between a chip installed inside the vehicle key and a computer system integrated within the car itself. In this way, when we press the key a few meters away from our car, the internal system recognizes the stimulus and facilitates the opening.
How do car keys work?
Transponder keys contain a unique code that automatically connects to the car’s system. Subsequently, when the key is inserted into the lock, it triggers a signal to the antenna in the door lock, which in turn sends a signal to the immobilizer module and from there to the engine control unit, returning the feedback given by the key.
In turn, the different keys are made up of the so-called “espadÃn”, a structure made of materials such as copper and aluminum that allows the bracket to fit the lock. Depending on the automobile manufacturer, the espadrille will be different, with types such as the cross espadrille (used by Fiat or Peugeot) or the regatta espadrille (flatter and more contemporary).
It is worth mentioning that, in case of loss of the transponder key, it will be practically impossible to open the vehicle, since the code is totally exclusive and has been conceived to avoid a theft that could be executed by a thief of the mentioned key.
The importance of transponder key copying
If you are looking to avoid the aforementioned situation and to be able to activate your security system in case of theft or loss, Hello Auto recommends that you opt for a transponder key copy.
After choosing the appropriate chip for the vehicle model, it is necessary to have the original key and its new data in order to copy the information correctly in the replica. This copying is done through a special machine available at different car dealerships.
After transferring the data correctly, it is necessary to check that the chip has been installed correctly through the relevant tests.