automotive locksmith

Have you lost your transponder key? If so, we sympathize! The staff here at Naperville Locksmith Pro knows what a hassle it is to try and find it, much less replace it. That’s why we’ve made this post – to be helpful to those that need help with lost transponder chip keys.

First of all, don’t panic! It’s hard to do but stay calm. Getting stressed out can lead to cloudy judgement calls and further mistakes. You may be wracking your brain, trying to remember where you lost your key. You may be worried that the wrong person might find your key and steal your car. You may be stressed out over the hassle and added expense of having your transponder key replaced. Relax. Take a deep breath and know that you still have options.

The million dollar question…

It’s true; many people don’t know what a transponder key actually is. Our Naperville, IL lock professionals often find that there is confusion as to just what constitutes an actual transponder key. There’s really no mystery. The word TRANSPONDER means “to transmit” and that’s exactly what these keys do. The chip embedded in the key handle transmits a signal to the computer in your car telling it that it’s alright to start the engine. If the wrong key is used, the signal won’t match and your car will not start. This is why transponder keys have been so instrumental in lowering the rate of car theft for so many years. These specialized keys are not easy to just go and duplicate. The transponder key must be programmed to match your car and only authorized car dealers have been previously allowed to provide this service. It’s complicated, expensive and very time consuming.

Are you just missing part of your key?

Here’s another little known fact; the chip in your transponder key can actually fall out! Does your key still work? Yes and no. It will still work on your door and trunk locks but it will NOT send a signal to your car’s computer; hence, it won’t start. Do you still need a key replacement? You do if you want to drive! Don’t worry – we mentioned that previously only authorized car dealers could program and duplicate transponder keys. The good news is that now your better quality automotive locksmiths can too! More on that in a minute!

The affordable plan

When you use a full service automotive locksmith to replace your car’s transponder key you reap many benefits. Here in Naperville, IL there are quite a few shops that offer this service, including ours. We suggest that you call around and find a lock and key establishment that you can work with. Do this BEFORE you’ve lost your key. In fact, once you find a shop that resonates with you, enter their contact information into you smart phone for handy access anytime you need their help. A licensed, bonded and insured lock professional can come in handy anytime you have car lock issues or needs. A well rounded and skilled locksmith can also help with home, business and emergency locksmith needs. From transponder key duplication and programming to deadbolt installation and keyless entry repair, your locksmith can be a real boon to your overall security and safety.

Why not call a car dealer?

If you lose your transponder key you most certainly can call your car dealership for help in replacing it. It’s A choice but it’s not the BEST choice, and here’s why. In order to perfectly match your new transponder key to your car’s computer you will have to have your car towed in to the dealer’s location. Once there you will have to endure long service area waits as well as pay middle man fees as they have to call THEIR locksmith in to do the actual work.

A fully certified automotive locksmith can come directly to you and do the work on-site and at your convenience. No towing, no high mark-ups, no service area waits; just convenient and affordable service that will result in a newly programmed and duplicated transponder key, just for you.

Can’t I buy a transponder key online?

Yes, you can. Good luck with that as online transponder keys are not authorized and rarely work. Even if they come with a guarantee, that’s only as good as the people behind it. If they choose to ignore you and not pay out your refund, you are out time, money and a few hairs on your head. Many of these are found at E Bay, Craigslist, Backpage, and other similar sites. You can even purchase transponder key replacement insurance but usually the cost of a policy is less than that of a local locksmith service call. You can dance around replacing your transponder key the legitimate way but you are only prolonging the situation and running up your bill in the process.

Your best choice

Well, your best option is to NOT lose your transponder key in the first place! Try keeping it in the same place so that it’s easy to find when you need it. Too often, people just throw their keys on a bed, sofa or desk and then have to hunt around for them later when those keys are actually needed. It’s too easy for something as small as a key to fall behind a couch cushion or to be dropped by child who was playing with it and suddenly lost. This is not so bad if you are dealing with a “regular” key and have a drawer full of spares but with a one-of-a-kind transponder key, it’s a whole different matter!

If you do happen to lose your transponder key; call a local Naperville, IL automotive locksmith that is established, fully certified as well as bonded and insured. Insist on 24-hour emergency service availability with fast response times; even if you don’t need it at the moment. Most lock shops like this are more affordably priced than your other options and they also offer faster, more convenient service, as well.

How many times have you hopped into your car and driven to work or to the store, and never once thought about your ignition system, how it works, or even if would work? Your ignition cylinder is like any other automotive part; we fully expect it to work on demand and to last for a reasonable amount of time with minimum maintenance or problem. That’s great, but what do we do if it doesn’t? Our Naperville Locksmith Pro technicians are sometimes asked what they recommend that customers do when they have ignition problems and what specifically are the symptoms of those problems?

Let’s back up a bit

Let’s backtrack a little and give some background on this. In the early days, car ignitions were built to supply the electric current to the car’s ignition system when the engine is cranked by the operator. This was pretty much all that it did. Nowadays, car ignitions have more parts and do more things. You know what they say about “the more parts, the more that can go wrong?” In today’s world, car ignitions supply power/current through an accessory switch to windshield wipers, car radio, power seats, heater, air conditioner, power windows, GPS system and lots more. One simple key turn now starts more than just your motor!

Ignition problem warning signs

Sometimes it can be hard to tell just what is wrong with your car; especially if you are not mechanically inclined. This is why our Naperville, IL locksmiths have assembled these ignition problem tips. If you happen to recognize one or more of them, you’ll better know what you are dealing with.

Hot ignition switch

Does your ignition switch feel hot to the touch once you’ve started the car? This may be due to a loose connection, a frayed wire or a damage part in the ignition switch itself. Don’t try and repair this yourself; call for professional help asap!

Your engine does not turn over

Is your key in the START position but your engine will not turn over? Did you turn the key but nothing happened?

Your engine turns over multiple times

When you turned the ignition key, did your engine turn over and over and keep doing so? This could indicate shorts in the electrical system.

Other components test

Did you try and start the car and nothing happened when you turned the ignition key? At this point you may be wondering if the problem is your battery or your ignition cylinder. Here’s how you test – see if your radio works. If it does, your battery is not the problem and it is most likely your ignition. Be sure that your radio is not turned down or you may be fooled into thinking that the problem is your battery. You can also check your dashboard lights, power windows and windshield wipers.

Idle test

When you are stopped at a red light does your car “choke-out” on you? You might be stopped at a red light or stop sign and notice that you have to put the gear into PARK and apply the gas a little bit or your car will stall out. Get this fixed as soon as possible! If you don’t, your car might stall out while you are driving, and you don’t need that happening!

Key stuck

Sometimes the key will become stuck in the ignition and the car won’t start either. Try moving the key back and forth gently as well as moving the steering wheel to make sure that it is not locked. See if this action releases the ignition key. It should and you should be able to start the car, too. If not, the problem is most likely your ignition system.

Rapid clicking sounds

If you try and start your car unsuccessfully, and hear rapid clicking sounds, the problem is not your ignition system, it is your car’s battery. It is most likely drained. The clicking sounds are made when the battery’s charge is too low to engage the starter.

Battery works but the car won’t start

Did you check your windshield wipers or your radio and your battery seems fine? Does the car still not start? What did you see when you turned the ignition key all the way to the START position? Did the red WARNING light turn on? If it did, the problem is not your ignition but it could be any number of other things like brakes, transmission or battery. If it didn’t turn on then it just might be your ignition that is out.

Are you in PARK?

If you try and start your car but can’t, make sure that your gear is in the PARK position. We can’t tell you how many times people have called our Naperville, IL shop and requested emergency service only to find out that the problem was not their ignition at all; they were simply in the wrong gear! Your car was designed to start in the PARK gear and with the ignition key in the START position or not at all. So check both positions and it might help if you jiggle the gear back and forth to make sure that it is firmly locked into position.

Does your car not turn off?

If you notice that your car does NOT turn off when it is supposed to, then you might have a problem with the ignition lock and/or the ignition switch itself. This calls for replacement of the key tumbler assembly as well as the ignition switch. If you are adept at ignition lock repair or auto mechanics you can do this repair service yourself. If not, be sure and call an automotive locksmith in Naperville that is experienced and skilled at repairing or replacing automotive ignition switches.

Deal only with the pros

Everyone has that friend or relative that dabbles in car repair. Keep in mind that letting them service your ignition system might put your relationship at risk if the damage is made worse. We recommend always using the services of a licensed, insured and bonded automotive locksmith.