What Are Transponder Keys?

Transponder keys
Transponder keys are factory-made accessories that come with a car and provide for radio transmission between the car and the key. This radio transmission allows for a key to be programmed to only start a specific, individual car. Thus, only the person who is in possession of a car’s transponder key will be able to start and drive it. Transponder keys reduce the opportunity for car thieves to steal a car.

A transponder key blank
A transponder key blank, which has not been programmed, can crank a car. It can take more than 30 minutes for the car key transponder to align itself with the system of the car, as the electronics within the car reset. Transponder car keys are available for many different cars, but are more common in high-end models.