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Reviews

Atlanta, GA
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I accidentally locked myself out of my house on a Friday evening.  A kind neighbor called Top At Locksmith  LLC they were able to respond within a few hours.  The technician was professional and proficient and had the door open within a matter of minutes. Thanks  for saving  me

Lincoln Leo
Buckhead, GA
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I lost my keys while going on a run. I called Top Atlanta Locksmith LLC and the tech was fast, efficient, and professional. Oh and reasonably priced. I scoured the web for quotes and they were the lowest in price.

Ian Eric
Oct 14 2022
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Can a Transponder Key Go Bad?

Though the transponder key is a small device, surprisingly, it could be impossible to access your car when it is unavailable. Technological advancement and the need for security increased the demand for transponder keys. It has become a critical component of many modern cars.

The transponder key works by transferring or exchanging signals between the car and the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) inside the head of the key. The car only opens when the signals conform. Also, after inserting the key in the ignition, there must be another confirmation with the control unit (ECU) before the engine starts.

The uniqueness of the technology adds an extra layer of security to your car. This makes people wonder if the transponder key goes bad or malfunctions at all.

The truth is, every electrical or mechanical device could get damaged, and that includes the transponder keys. Let's explore some reasons that could lead to transponder key damage.

Battery Failure

The batteries could go bad after long use. The battery powers the chips in the transponder to work. When it gets weak, the signals will reduce making it difficult to open the car. If the batteries are not changed, the transponder could stop working entirely. For modern cars, low battery issues could show up on the dashboard. So you have to be proactive and make the changes before it is too late.

Transponder Chip Failure

Another reason the transponder key could stop working is the failure of the chip embedded in the plastic casing. Usually, there will be an error message such as ‘Key not detected’ on the dashboard of your car. This fault has to do with the transponder chip. Causes of chip failure could be water ingress or exposure to extreme temperatures. Also, manhandling the key can cause impact damage.

Chip failure cannot be resolved by nonprofessionals. You need to call a locksmith professional for repairs or key replacement.

Wobbly Key Blade

The blades are built with quality materials to last long. They could rarely break. However, they could become loose from the fob when overused. If the key blade gets wobbly, it will not fit firmly inside the ignition and the car will not start. Faulty key blades affect older models because they are used as backups in modern cars.

Worn Out Buttons

Long-time usage and impact damage affects the remote buttons. When the buttons are worn out, it will take multiple pressings for the car to respond. If you do not correct the issue, it could affect the delicate internal components of the key fob. Such situations can be frustrating and time-wasting. Consider key replacement or repair whenever you must press harder to elicit a response from your remote fob.

Is Your Transponder Key Malfunctioning?

If you have problems with the transponder key, consider calling an expert for help. At Top Atlanta Locksmith, we have dedicated locksmiths that can work on all kinds of car keys. Additionally, we stock an extensive range of blank keys, equipment, tools, batteries, transponders, and more. Call us today to get your security system and ignition back in sync.