A transponder chip is found in the majority of vehicles from 1995. This is normally a passive immobiliser system (which means the immobiliser auto arms) within a predefined time after the ignition has been switched off. Once the vehicle immobiliser has activated the vehicle will not start again until it see a correct transponder.
Transponders can be found in the simplest of keys, so a key without buttons transponders are found embedded in the plastic key head
The transponder does not normally need a battery to work, as the transponder in the key is normally powered by the vehicle’s Ariel (receiver) which emits a electromagnetic field of energy, the copper windings in the transponder absorbs the energy and powers the transponder.
In the simplest of systems the transponder then emits an alphanumeric string of code, this code emitted is then compared to a code stored in the vehicle ECU or Immobiliser System and if they match then the vehicle will start.
More complicated systems also exist, where the transponder alphanumeric string is encrypted with a secret password that is only known by the vehicle and the transponder which needs to be correct before the alphanumeric string is emitted.
Some transponders hold further details including the vehicles VIN Number, Mileage, Key Number, Pin code and various other vehicle data
It is becoming more common for transponders to be pre-coded with unique data specific to a particular vehicle. Without this specific data the transponder will not code to the vehicle. In some cases this data can be learnt from the vehicles immobiliser system and a transponder pre-coded in other cases the transponders\keys need to be ordered specifically for the vehicle it is being programmed too.
When programming a transponder into a vehicle, it needs to be the correct type and in the majority of cases can only be done using diagnostic equipment. Often in order to program a new transponder you need to enter a security pin code into the diagnostic equipment.

There are many different types of vehicle keys. The majority of vehicle keys now are known as RKE (Remote Key Entry) or RKS (Remote Key System). These types of keys unlock and lock the vehicle “Remotely” without the need to physically put the key in the lock. In most instances this Remote function does not set/arm the immobiliser. Nearly all key types have a transponder embedded in them

There are two different variants of these keys. The main difference between the two is the key blade.
The flip blade types is where the key blade is hidden inside the key and the flips out when a button is pressed and then folds back in when not required. This is normally the preferred key type as the blade does not snag on other items when in a pocket or handbag or put holes in pockets
The fixed bladed key is where the blade is fixed and does not fold/flip.

These types of keys are generally very flat and rectangular in shape, most if not all versions have buttons on the card to allow you to lock and unlock the vehicle. Very commonly found on Renault vehicles. Two main versions of these cards are commonly found, Proximity Card Key or Non Proximity Card Key. The main difference between the Proximity Card Key and Non Proximity Card Key is that the Proximity Key Card does not need to be inserted into the card reader which is located in the vehicles dashboard to start the vehicle, and some versions allow you to unlock the vehicle without pressing any buttons, you just need to have the key card in close proximity to you and the vehicle.
Both versions have an emergency key blade that will allow you to lock and unlock by the door lock. Often there is only one door lock and can be found on either on the driver or passengers door sometimes hidden by a cover plate

There are two types of Proximity Keys, the two types are commonly known as Full Proximity Key (Full Prox) or Part Proximity Key (Part Prox).
Full Proximity Keys will allow you to unlock and lock the vehicle without the need to press any buttons and start the vehicle by simply pressing the start button located on the vehicles dashboard.
Part Proximity Keys will only lock and unlock the vehicle by pressing the lock and unlock button, but will allow you to start the vehicle by pressing the start the button located on the vehicles dashboard.
Both versions have an emergency key blade that will allow you to lock and unlock the vehicle by the door lock. Often there is only one door lock and this can be found on either on the driver or passengers door sometimes hidden by a cover plate.

This key type is where the remote part is separate to the main key

This key is a key with no buttons but has a transponder embedded into the plastic head of the key, allowing the vehicle to start. It is normally a good cost effective option to have as a spare, but please be aware that if the key you have is a remote key and the vehicle has an alarm that is set by the remote function part of the key, then this option may not be suitable. The best way to check if this key option is suitable is to lock your vehicle with your existing remote key. Leave the vehicle for 5 minutes and then unlock your vehicle by putting the key in the door lock and the opening the door. On some vehicles the alarm will sound straight away but turn off once you turn the key in the ignition, some alarms have a delay allowing you time to put the key in the ignition and turn on without sounding at all, whilst other alarms will not turn off with this type of key. If the alarm does sound then does not turn off then we strongly advise that you don’t choose this option.

This is a mechanical key with no transponder or remote buttons. For the majority of vehicles its only really useful to unlock your vehicle and to take of steering lock off.

Found on SAAB, Mercedes, Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. Doesn’t look like a conventional type key. Most have lock and unlock buttons and the main key body fits in to an electronic ignition where the key fits into the ignition and if programmed to the vehicle will turn and then allow the vehicle to start.
This key type has an emergency key blade that will allow you to lock and unlock by the door lock. Often there is only one door lock and can be found on either on the driver or passengers door sometimes hidden by a cover plate

A cloned transponder key is where the transponder data is copied onto another transponder. No diagnostic programming is required and is often cheaper than a non cloned key especially as pin code is not required. Disadvantage is that any lost\stolen or missing keys are not deleted from the cars immobiliser system.

For some vehicles we need to apply for Key number and or Immobiliser pin codes. Where this has been done and the codes are incorrect then further charges may apply. These codes come from your vehicle manufacturer and are normally stored when your vehicle is built

Response times can vary depending on location, availability of parts and security codes. Any lead times quoted will be dependent upon these factors. Therefore any lead times must be taken as approximate.
If the items are in stock we endeavour to supply spare keys within 7 days depending on customer availability but if you have a urgent requirement please let us know as we can often complete the work more quickly.
If the items are out of stock then the lead time for spare keys is normally manufacture lead time plus 7 days.

Any item showing in stock means that it is a normal stocked item. The stocked item could be held locally in one of our comprehensively stocked service vans or at our head office.

It is not always possible to hold stock of every key part for every vehicle. Whilst we endeavour to hold as much stock as possible, some items need to be ordered to your vehicles specific VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) also known as Chassis Number.
The lead times on non-stocked items varies depending on supplier and vehicle manufacturer, this could be same day or 5 working days (Occasionally this can be longer).

Don’t be worried about selecting the wrong key type, as our friendly team will always double check the correct part number and will call you to check. If you have chosen the incorrect key don’t worry we will always give you the option to change or give you a full refund