Transponder Keys: What to Do When Problems Arise

Remote keyless systems have been available in the United States since 1982. From then until now, dead transponder batteries have officially been an issue. Today, they are used to not only to unlock doors, but to locate the vehicle and ignite the engine. So when the battery dies on the portable transponder device, there are three or more problems to deal with.

Unless the transponder in question has a battery life indicator, the only way to find out is noticing the tell-tale signs of charge depletion. Owners may notice that it takes increasingly more attempts pressing the button to activate the receiver. Although the activation light on the transponder lights up, there is not an immediate answer from the remote keyless system in the car. The range of signal transmission will gradually shorten into nothing as the battery gives less and less output, making it steadily more difficult to find the vehicle in a parking lot.

What is a transponder?

For those unfamiliar with the concept, transponder is a blended word. It comes from mixing ‘responder’ together with ‘transmitter’. They communicate with the radio signal receivers in the vehicle by emitting electro-magnetic waves at the frequency of about one hundred and twenty five kilo Hertz. Manufacturers use this form of transmission because it can pass through physical objects such as other cars in a parking lot. The waves sent out are encoded by programmers to give a unique message that unlocks the car. This is the same process that opens an email account with a password.

Newer versions of remote keyless entry systems can do much more than open doors. They can activate alarm systems, adjust modular inboard devices like air conditioning and turn on lights. The next generation of these devices take the form of applications on smartphones. This method however, relies on satellite based internet networks and can be interrupted by atmospheric conditions or network technical problems. The electromagnetic emitting transponder devices do not suffer from these problems and will probably continue to be found on the market. High end versions include the infrared transponders found in some Mercedes Benz models.

What are you supposed to do?

To counter these inventive new theft approaches, Georgians are keeping up with evolving security measures. Your local locksmith should be up to date on available upgrades to existing electronic vehicle theft prevention systems. State licensed professionals are always the best route if the decision to get qualified services has already been made. They may even show how to perform a battery replacement on your own in the future. It is possible that they could even offer some useful life hacks to tackle common transponder problems. A certified locksmith could also tell you if you had a transponder that charges when in the ignition, if you weren’t totally sure before.

The world of electronic and digital security systems is getting so advanced, so quickly that casual do-it-yourselfers are being pushed out or left behind. Simple battery replacements or charges can turn into entire device replacements as parts get smaller and easier to damage in regular maintenance. When it doubt, talk with a locksmith about transponder key problems.