Why Do Transponder Keys Have Problems?
One of the reasons why this might be the case is because the chip has been damaged. This might be because of dropping the key or just through wear and tear. This means that the signals between the chip in the key and in the car are not transmitting correctly or are transmitting intermittently, causing the key to not function properly. The damage can occur to any chip, but before you identify that the chip in the car is the problem, it is better to consult a locksmith to identify whether or not the problem lies in the chip in the transponder key in the first place. This will require the chip to be replaced which can easily be done by an experienced.
Another reason why the fob may be problematic is because of batteries. A dead or dying battery may exhibit the same symptoms that have been mentioned above. Some key fobs need to be charged through the car and that is an easy way to take care of the problem yourself. However, some transponder keys have batteries that need to be taken out to be replaced. If your car has a start button and it takes a few tries before the car starts and the button on the transponder key isn’t working at all, it might be easier to identify that the battery is the problem. If you do know that the battery is the problem, go to a locksmith to have it replaced as soon as possible. You do not want to have a dead transponder key at your hands and be stranded in a location that is far away from home.
Having to press the buttons a few times to operate the car might not be due to a damaged chip or a dead battery. It might just be the button that has become weak or completely unresponsive. This is a relatively easier problem to detect because you will notice that only a button or two is not responding while the rest of the transponder key is working perfectly. Again, a locksmith can easily take apart the key and replace the button. This is an easy solution that can be done quickly by a locksmith
A malfunctioning transponder key can be a manufacturer defect. A locksmith can identify such a problem, and, in this case, you do not have to do much. All you have to do is look up the warranty and you can go back to the dealership and have the problem rectified at no cost to you. If no warranty exists or if the warranty has run out, a locksmith can help you out just as well at a reasonable price.
If you find that everything in your car is working just fine and there is no visible damage to the transponder key but your key is still causing problems, you can have a look at the manual to see if the key needs to be reprogrammed. You can usually do this yourself since the car manual will guide you on how to do it. If you are unsure, you can call a locksmith and they can confirm that all you need to do is reprogram the key. That way, you have qualified approval, and all you have to do now is follow the instructions in the manual to get it done.