Computer Chip Keys

More and more cars are coming out equipped with theft control systems in them.  It gives you piece of mind when it’s working for you, but when you need extra copies of your keys it seems like it works against you.  With dealership prices towering above you for these keys you might feel overwhelmed or helpless, but don’t because there is a cheaper alternative: a Locksmith.

A Locksmith with the proper equipment can make and program these keys for less, and in some instances WAY less than the dealer.

Neatly embedded into the head of the key.

What is a computer chip doing in a car key in the first place?

First things first the chips are called “transponders”,  and they are installed on newer cars because the insurance companies are requiring them. The goal is simple enough: make vehicles hard to steal. And less ways for the would-be thief to steal your car is less risk to insure to the companies.  Your vehicle’s computer communicates with the embedded transponder and verifies that the keys value is already programmed into its database.  If the key is known – programmed in – then your car should start, and if not it won’t.

The Transponder came onto the scene in Ford vehicles back in 1996 as  a security option, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down in the near future.  Here is a few things you the car’s owner should be aware of:

• Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep (1998+) have a system in place that requires you to use 2 currently programmed keys to add an additional key into the system with out the aid of specialty equipment.

That Means that it takes 2 already programmed keys to access your car’s “learn mode” feature.  If you only have 2 keys its advisable to get a 3rd key soon because if you lose 1 then you can’t access that learn mode and you will have to take it to a professional to program, which can get expensive.   If you only have 1 key to begin with, it’s a good idea to get 2 keys made so you have 3 total.  Three or more is the magic number with these keys.

• General Motors family Vehicles have a different system in place.  They only require one working key to start programming, and most models don’t require a special machine to program.

If you have any questions about what the sequences are for your specific car, they are included in your vehicle’s manual.

Justin from McGuire Lock & Safe