Anti-theft keys are opening the doors to costs and questions

Transponder keys, those chunky little black keys that come with your new car, have been around for a few years. They were first introduced with luxury cars, like Mercedes or BMW. But in recent years, the automotive industry has begun making the keys standard on most new models found at any major dealership in Lodi.

Originally created as a security measure, the keys are often expensive to replace and leave some wondering if the cost is worth it. Or if the keys actually do anything.

Simply defined, transponder is a word that combines "transmitter" and "responder."

Not so simply defined is how the keys work. A chip inside the bulky base of the key connects with the computer in newer cars, basically telling the car that it can start. If the code in the key's chip doesn't match the code in the car's computer (sort of like a password), the car's engine won't turn over.

And the types of keys are just as different and varied as the make and model of vehicle they fit.

In the past, the black plastic was molded around the chip that carried the car's code. These days, the devices that allow drivers to automatically lock, unlock, pop the trunk or set off a panic alarm, are being built into the base of the key itself. In some cases, a key isn't needed at all. A remote device allows for keyless entry and push-button starting of the vehicle.

According to Kyle Stewart, the service manager for Geweke Toyota in Lodi, the simpler keys can cost anywhere from $38 to $50 to replace. More expensive models can land in the $100-to-$145 range. But that's just for the key and its coded contents.

"Most people are shocked when they find out how much it costs to replace the keys," Stewart said. He added that customers don't always consider the fact that labor factors into the cost as well. A special machine used to diagnose issues with a vehicle also codes the keys, and can often take 15 to 20 minutes to reprogram the keys. "If you've lost keys in the past, you may want to be proactive and purchase additional keys."

Geweke Toyota Service Manager Kyle Stewart talks about some of the new technology that goes into car keys Thursday at his office in Lodi. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

In most cases, the car, the key and the coding machine all have to be together in order for the new or replacement keys to be made. If you lose your keys (or worse, they're stolen), you may have to have your car towed to the dealer to get a new set made.

Christine Vinson, the training coordinator for American Honda Motor Company in French Camp, said that if you hear about a Honda being stolen, it's usually a '99 model or prior year. Honda's Civics and Accords used to be some of the most stolen vehicle types.

"If someone wants to steal a vehicle bad enough, they will, but now they'll have to pick them up and tow them," Vinson said. Honda recently came out with what they call the "Generation Six" model of transponder key. The codes in the keys and vehicles continually rotate in order to avoid confusion with another transponder key that could be on the same keyring. Plus it ups the security ante.

Some locksmiths are able to come to a vehicle to code new keys, but it's often expensive for such services to be added to the business.

Valley Locksmith owner Matthew Blair doesn't offer the service of making coded keys, mainly due to the cost of purchasing the equipment that makes it possible, though he does plan to make the service available as soon as he can. Those costs are part of why making the keys are so expensive, he says.

"It can be as much as $250 to $400 for one of the keys because of the programming and service," Blair said. "People don't expect that."

The FBI reported that in 2007 vehicles thefts had dropped, on average, by almost 10 percent across the nation. However, statistics weren't available as to whether or not that was due to the anti-theft keys. Yet, according to some, the keys have played a major role in recovering stolen vehicles.

"They have definitely helped our company locate stolen vehicles very quickly because of the GPS in them," said Pam Aberle, owner of a State Farm insurance agency in Lodi. "It is the way the auto industry is heading, and soon most or all vehicles will have the transponders, which is a good thing."

Aberle said that State Farm doesn't currently give discounts for clients who have coded keys, but said that may be a possibility in the future.

Keeping the cost down on the keys could be as simple as learning the proper dos and don'ts on how to care for them.

"We encourage people to always read the owner's manual," Stewart said.

Contact Business Editor Marc Lutz at marcl@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

Dana wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:39 AM:

" Both locksmiths in Lodi (Paul's Lock and Key and Security Lock and Key) offer this service. I agree pgardener, they should have interviewed one of our locals. "

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pgardener wrote on Sep 7, 2008 11:43 AM:

" I think the reporter should have interviewed one of Lodi's locksmiths. Why not support our local businesses instead of calling a locksmith in Stockton? "

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