TRANSPONDERS
101
 Transponder technology is here to stay. We invest in the
latest equipment and information so that we can duplicate
your transponder key. Most new vehicles today are equipped
with some sort of anti-theft security system. Transponders
make it difficult for a thief to steal your vehicle.
Transponder keys have computer chips imbedded
in them. Car manufacturers use different types of chips
in their keys. All transponder chips consist of copper
windings and a circuit board of some sort. When the proper
key is inserted into the ignition the induction coil in
the column sends out an electromagnetic field. The field
energizes the transponder chip, which in turn sends a radio
frequency signal back to the vehicle's computer allowing
it to start.
V.A.T.S. Keys
 Before transponder keys there were V.A.T.S.
keys which stands
for vehicle anti-theft system. These keys have a visible
resistor chip in the blade of the key. There are 15 different
values to these chips. When the key is inserted into the
ignition the switch reads the resistive value of the chip
on the key and sends a signal to the vehicle.
SAMPLE PRICING AND
PROGRAMMING
FOR MOST VEHICLES
Ford: $28.00 – $68.00
Most require 2 working keys and vehicle must be present.
The vehicle is either onboard or computer programmed. Some
newer Ford vehicles may require a 4 digit P.I.N. code.
Chrysler: $33.00 – $118.00
Most
require 2 working keys and vehicle must be present. The vehicle
is either onboard or computer programmed. Some newer Chrysler
vehicles may require a 4 digit P.I.N. code.
General Motors: $23.95Ð – 40.00
If key has PK3 or PK3M stamped on the blade of key it has
onboard programming. This type requires 1 working key and
vehicle must be present. If the key has PK3+ or just a
+ sign it has onboard programming. This type requires 2
working keys and the vehicle must be present. If the key
has no marking on blade of key and has a transponder chip
it is a read/write key. This type requires 1 working key
(not valet key) and we recommend that the vehicle to be
present.
Foreign: $33.00– $88.00
Due to the
wide variety of programming procedures for foreign vehicles
we advise you inquire for pricing and availability.
Sidewinder Keys: $31.95 – $88.00
Sidewinder keys have the cuts on the flat of the key
and not on the edge. We cut both transponder and non-transponder
sidewinder keys. Please call for pricing and availability.
TYPES OF PROGRAMMING
ONBOARD, these keys can
be programmed in the vehicle with no special equipment and
may require 1 or 2 working keys depending on make and model.
READ/WRITE, these keys require a machine to clone the information
from your key to the new key. Only 1 working key (not valet
key) is required and we recommend the vehicle be present
to test key.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMED, these
require a special diagnostic tool to be hooked up to the
vehicle's computer in order to program the new key into the
system. In some cases a 4 digit P.I.N. code is required and
all keys must be present.
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