How to Start My Car Without Chip Key — What You Should Know

One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for car security is a key fob. You won’t be able to start your car with the new key, even if you have a locksmith make a copy of your key.

The transponder key still has a small chip inside it, even though your car key FOB might not have remote lock features. Manufacturers of automobiles use the transponder inside the key as an anti-theft measure.

But suppose you had a way to start your car without a chip key? Workarounds exist, but they require the original key, which we’ll explain in this article.

What is a Transponder Key

Transponder keys, also known as chip keys or key FOBs, are standard metal keys with an anti-theft chip installed inside the plastic cover.

The key is one of many layers that make up a vehicle’s safety system. Using the original key is, by definition, the simplest way to steal a car. Thefts would briefly take possession of keys, just like in the movies, and leave their imprints for later replication.

Manufacturers introduced transponder chips to stop this from happening. Because there isn’t one, even an exact duplicate of a key won’t start the vehicle’s engine because the RFID chip isn’t present.

The transponder key’s chip emits a very weak signal that can only be detected in close proximity to the lock, so when the key is inserted into the lock, the vehicle checks to see if the distinctive RFID frequency can be detected. If your vehicle is equipped with a transponder key, a thief would be forced to steal your keys, which you would notice more quickly and act to stop the theft.

Don’t Forget to Check Your Battery!

Often, an electronic fob that isn’t working doesn’t actually need to be replaced. It is worthwhile to see if an inexpensive battery replacement will solve your problem before you spend a small fortune buying a new fob.

To open the fob, you’ll need to look for a tiny “key” built into the unit’s seam. When the key is found, take it out and use it to pry open the housing. Take your time, and take care not to harm the housing in any way. Once opened, a circuit board is located inside. You can find the battery attached to the bottom by carefully removing this.

Most pharmacies and home improvement stores carry the small watch batteries that are used in key fobs. It’s wise to first try replacing your old battery with a new one rather than having the entire fob replaced because the majority of them only cost a few dollars.

How to Start My Car Without Chip Key?

Without a chip key, it is impossible to start your car. The chip key sends a radio frequency identification number to the car when the key is close to the RFID reader verifying the key, usually located inside the ignition lock. If you lose the original chip key, you must get a new one programmed by your local dealership.

Although, there is a workaround if you still got the original key and want to duplicate that key at your local locksmith.

Don’t worry if you have a transponder key for your car but lose it or it breaks. To make a replacement key for you, a licensed dealership can read the necessary frequency from your car.

However, if you only have one transponder chip, you can start your car using duplicates of your car key by using this workaround.

Here’s how to how to start your car without chip key:

1. Pry Open the Original Key

The transponder chip is shielded by a piece of plastic on every car key.

Using pliers or a flat screwdriver and applying some leverage, you can open the plastic cover since the seal or glue typically holds the two cover pieces tightly together.

2. Locate the Transponder Chip

In the plastic cover of the car key, you can find the transponder chip. A tiny, black rectangle, square, or even transparent tube, known as a transponder chip, is used as a key fob.

The transponder chip’s shape and the identification numbers printed on it make it easy to identify.

3. Remove the Transponder Chip from the Key

Take the transponder chip out of the car key’s cover. To get rid of the chip, if necessary, use a tweezer.

4. Put the Transponder Chip on a Piece of Tape

Put the transponder chip on a piece of tape, then take the next step.

5. Tape the Transponder Chip Close to the Ignition Lock

The transponder chip can be taped close to the ignition lock of the car so that it can sense the presence of a key.

6. Try to Start the Car With a Copied Key

You can start the car with any duplicate key now that the transponder chip is close to being detected by the vehicle.

7. Move the Taped Transponder Chip If the Car Does Not Start

The transponder chip needs to be placed closer to the receiver if the vehicle won’t start.

In order for the receiver to pick up the signal from the transponder chip, move the transponder chip around until you find a location that is close enough.

8. Secure the Transponder Chip When You Find the Sweet Spot

As you locate the sweet spot, you could either add a little more tape or superglue the transponder chip to that precise spot on the ignition lock to secure it.

9. Enjoy Your Car With Copied Key’s

Since the transponder chip is now close to the receiver, you can now start the car whenever you want using a duplicate car key, provided the transponder chip stays in that precise spot.

Conclusion

Even though it won’t be possible to start the car without the transponder chip, at least you now are aware of other entry options. If this article was helpful to you, I encourage you to check out our other reviews and guides to learn more practical advice on how to maintain and repair cars as well as clever ways to save money.

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