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January 01st, 2015 - Transponder Keys

1/1/2015

18 Comments

 
Picture
Fig. 1 Texas Instruments 4C Transponder
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Fig. 2 Ford H-72 Transponder Key

Automotive security has made significant advancement in recent years. Transponder systems have greatly increased the security of our vehicles. Transponders are small transceivers that are hidden in the bow of the key.

These transponders are truly remarkable little devices. They transmit a unique digital signature that the ECU (Engine Control Unit) of the vehicle recognizes and thus allows the vehicle to start. If a key that is not programmed to the ECU, or a force tool is used to turn the ignition, the car has an immobilizer unit that will prevent the engine from starting. Immobilizers and transponders have made these vehicles less attractive to thieves.

The transponder has no power of it's own. There is an antenna coil around the ignition lock cylinder. As soon as the key is turned to the "on" position, the antenna coil transmits an electromagnetic signal that energizes the transponder inside the key, and it in turn transmits it's unique number back to the antenna coil. When the ECU recognizes the key, it allows the car to start.

See Fig. 1 for an example of a transponder. You can see the electronics in one end of the capsule. You can see the antenna coil in the other end, which both receives the electromagnetic signal from the antenna coil around the lock cylinder, and transmits the signal back to same.

See Fig. 2 for a view of the same transponder imbedded into the bow of the key. This particular key is made with clear plastic so you can see what is going on inside the key.

Older cars, and some newer cars that are not transponder equipped, have a code series that is specific to that model. A code series dictates how many different keys are used when the cars are manufactured. A particular code series will usually contain 1,000-10,000 different keys. In other words, if a code series contains 1,000 different codes, there will be 1,000 different keys that are utilized as the cars roll off the assembly line. So, after 1,000 cars roll off the line, they start over and every 1,000th car shares the same key.  Car #1 shares the same key as the car #1,001,  #2,001 etc. etc.

Transponder equipped vehicles share these same code series as their low-security counterparts, but the transponder adds a superior level of security. Along with the few thousand possible mechanical keys, the transponder's transmitted electronic code has in excess of a billion different possibilities, rendering it virtually unique. So even if a thief were able to manipulate the mechanical portion of the lock or force the ignition to the start position, the immobilizer would still prevent the car from starting.

At Automotive Lock-Works, we specialize in servicing both transponder and non-transponder equipped systems. Feel free to call me with any questions you might have about automotive locksmithing.

Taylor Miller
(479) 422-3115


18 Comments
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1/13/2017 03:37:34 am

This is amazing keys and starting engine through signal from keys is amazing.

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Car Care Total link
3/22/2017 03:52:01 am

It is great to know the technical aspect behind the transponder. Really appreciate you sharing the details like this.

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5/20/2017 12:06:05 pm

What you should know about owning and operating an auto repair shop. And how to get started with the best chance of long term success.

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Stockton Locksmith link
9/12/2017 03:04:32 am

It's good to know that your team can make both transponder as well as non transponder keys.Many key making companies generally write about making keys only but you have written about their code and series also which i really liked the most.Hope you do well in future good luck.

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9/16/2017 12:06:27 am

I am thinking to make duplicate key for my car so that i can have the spare one for emergency.So from where i should buy the new one from locksmith or from the dealer.

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Automotive Lock-Works
9/19/2017 10:28:41 am

That is smart thinking. The time to think about obtaining a spare key for emergencies is BEFORE you find yourself in an emergency situation. It will save you both time and money, if you lose your primary key or it quits functioning. In almost every case it will be more expensive to have a key originated when there is no existing key, as opposed to copying a key.

As far as going to the dealer or a locksmith, either option is good. There are advantages to either choice. If you go to a dealer, you have the advantage of getting your key work done by the manufacturer of your vehicle. If you go to a locksmith, you have the advantage of convenience. You can generally get a key made and programmed within a few minutes, rather than possibly losing half a day waiting for your car to be serviced.

If you do find yourself in an emergency situation with all keys lost, a locksmith with mobile service will likely get you back on the road much faster, without having to pay for a tow, (if your vehicle utilizes a transponder system) and often times cheaper.

If you go to a locksmith, make sure you find a reputable company. There are some disreputable organizations that are posing as locksmiths that are utilizing criminal methods to quote one price and subsequently charge substantially more after completion of the work. A legitimate company will be able to give you a total price including all taxes, service fees if any, etc. Even if providing complicated ignition repair, going beyond simple key copying or origination, they will be able to quote you a range. At times quoting a range is necessary when tear-down is necessary to properly diagnose the root of a problem.

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Locksmith By me link
9/19/2017 02:02:31 am

If you now the car key code and vin number then you can make that car key with the help of internet. Equipment must be there to make it as mentioned above codes are then used to make it.

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Automotive Lock-Works
9/19/2017 11:00:10 am

That is not entirely accurate. You cannot generally get keys made by VIN via the internet. Key codes by VIN are protected information, and rightly so. Otherwise, anyone could walk up to a vehicle on the street, look at the VIN through the front windshield, and then order a key for it off of the internet. They would then have access to the interior of the vehicle whenever they wanted it, and would even be able to start and steal the car, were it a non-transponder vehicle.

Dealers do not give out that information without documentation proving ownership and/or legal right to obtain said information. Legitimate locksmiths can also provide key codes by VIN by examining the same documentation, which also includes proper ID from the customer, and they must be physically present. That would exclude any legal way to obtain a key code via the internet.

Incidentally, locksmiths have to be vetted and go through an FBI background check in order to be approved through NASTF to obtain key codes by VIN. They are routinely audited, and if they have obtained key codes without proper documentation, their credentials with NASTF will be pulled and they will no longer have access to codes by VIN.

You are correct about key codes. If you have the key code to your vehicle, you can likely find an online source to cut a key for you. Incidentally, locksmiths can provide this service for you as well, and you will not have to wait several days for your key to arrive. The advantage to going to your local locksmith, is that they can also provide programming, if your vehicle transponder equipped.

Providing keys cut by code off of the internet, is sketchy at best. A conscientious locksmith is a security professional. He takes the public trust very seriously. Being in the business of restricting unauthorized access to the property of his customers, he is constantly aware and contemplative about the ways and methods that nefarious individuals might use to try and circumvent those security measures.

Thank you for your comments.

Taylor Miller
Automotive Lock-Works

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10/4/2017 03:58:32 am

You have explained it briefly , i really appreciate your sayings. I have never seen any lock work company to explain those things to such extent.

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10/5/2017 07:48:11 am

I found this blog really useful and informative , i have read all the thoughts here and these help me a lot in knowing about the dealer and the locksmith. Thanks folks.

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10/20/2017 09:41:21 am

Locksmith with mobile service are the best to choose in emergency situations as they have vehicles to run at the spot on the emergency. They are trained and experienced in handling such problems.

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1/25/2018 11:51:10 pm

Great! I really love how you write this one. Thanks for sharing your idea.

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10/3/2018 04:15:14 am

Wonderful information, thanks for sharing.

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11/18/2018 07:00:06 am

Most locksmiths also do electronic lock servicing, such as making keys for transponder-equipped vehicles and the implementation and application of access control systems protecting individuals and assets for many large institutions.Locksmiths may be commercial , mobile, institutional or investigational or may specialize in one aspect of the skill, such as an automotive lock specialist, a master key system specialist or a safe technician.

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