Problems With Transponder Keys

The team at Federal Way Washington Locksmith has been happy to provide details in relation to transponder keys and issues which might come up. No matter where you are, if you happen to use transponder key technology, you will find that this information is helpful.

What is a transponder key and how does it work?

A transponder key uses a transponder chip and it works by disarming the immobilizer of a vehicle. The key sends a message electronically which comes from the engine control unit. The transponder chip basically is a match for one that is in the ignition system, and the chip needs to be within a certain distance of the car to provide the code needed to start the vehicle. In addition, the key needs to be able to fit in the ignition lock.

If you bought your vehicle after the mid-1990s, then it is very likely that it contains a transponder chip. With this type of key and anti-theft system, it is safe to say that only the rightful owner of a vehicle will be able to access it. A person with bad intentions shouldn’t be able to steal your vehicle or start it at all without the right key. Added measures of security are always helpful. Of course, with added security comes the chance for issues to arise.

Of course, as with any technology, transponder keys aren’t perfect and problems can come up as previously mentioned. Have a look at this list which was put together by Federal Way, WA experts. If you are dealing with any of these problems, heed the advice provided. Remember that this is a very important part of your vehicle, and you need it to keep your car and valuables inside safe. You will also need it to access your car.

Potential Transponder Key Problems

1. The chip appears to be damaged. If this happens, you should make an appointment with your dealership or with your local locksmith.
2. The transponder key was misplaced. If you can’t find your key, have an expert program a new one. Of course, not just anyone can do this. One would have to have a specific tool and equipment to get this done. Who should you turn to? Again, a local locksmith or your dealership.
3. The transponder key doesn’t work. This might be the result of a dead battery. However, many transponder keys don’t have a battery. If you don’t know whether or not yours does, so you are unable to figure out if a dead battery is the issue, it is best to talk with an expert.
4. A refurbished transponder key is unable to be programmed. When you decide to buy a refurbished key, which many people often times do online in an effort to save money, what they don’t realize is that the chip was harvested from a different key. It was then put into your key, and for this reason, you might not be able to have it reprogrammed. The chips ends up being locked which is a safety feature. For this reason, it is best to buy the transponder key directly from an expert, rather than a random online source.

From encrypted keys to zero bitted keys, there are different options available when it comes to transponder keys and a professional will know the differences.

Get on the phone with an expert!

There are lock and security providers that specialize in automotive security solutions, so they will be able to talk with you about all things transponder keys. Whether you have questions about buying products from a reliable source, or just want some advice which might help you to better understand why your transponder key isn’t working, an expert will be able to help you. Because most locksmiths offer consultations for free, you should have confidence that you can obtain any desired information. An alternative is to talk with the dealership from which you purchased your car, or with a dealership that sells your vehicle. There are experts working at these locations who can answer all of your questions.

Don’t buy online simply because it’s cheaper…you have to be careful!

There are some companies which are very reputable but will refuse to work with a key that wasn’t purchased through them. This tends to be for safety and security reasons. It is important that you talk with an expert prior to making the purchase.

Don’t trust everything you read online…

It is a well-known fact that you can find videos and instructions online for just about anything. There are YouTube videos which offer how to information on how to bypass transponder chips for different cars, or how to program transponder keys on your own. Some of them offer valid information, like the fact that you need to get an appropriate blank, but you should know that literally anyone can post online. Anyone can post an informational YouTube video, but this doesn’t mean that the information is truly accurate. Your best bet is always to go through an expert.

No matter what you drive, whether it is a Ford or Toyota truck, Mazda Protégé, Miata, Hyundai, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Chevrolet, BMW, Lexus, Toyota Tundra, Volkswagen Beatle, Subaru, Nissan, Volvo or anything else, you should be able to find experts who specialize in transponder key programming, duplication and other auto lock related services. It is best to hire a licensed and insured locksmith to cut your new keys for you. Just remember that not just anyone can be trusted to handle the security of your property. Do your research and be sure to hire the best person for the job. If you are in Federal Way, WA or in the surrounding area, dial up the team at Federal Way Washington Locksmith. They have excellent reviews, affordable prices and provide quality services. Hopefully you have found this information to be helpful in your search for more information on transponder keys.

Aricle source here: Problems With Transponder Keys

Why Allow A Locksmith to Replace Your Car Keys

If you are constantly losing or misplacing your car keys, the practical thing to do would be to have a replacement key made. While this is undoubtedly the most practical thing to do, you would be surprised at how many people do not have one. If you lose your car key, it is usually also at the most inconvenient time; when you’re in a hurry, when it’s too cold or too hot outside or when it is raining outside. Even after this happens, people still refuse to get a new key made. It isn’t always because they don’t want to have another one made; it could be because they have a key that is more expensive than the traditional car key, to have made. If you use a transponder key or fob key, it is definitely going to be more expensive to replace. These types of keys are more expensive due to the components of the mechanism. While it is possible for you to contact a dealership to find out how much they will charge for a replacement key, opting to use the services of a locksmith to replace your car key is a lot less expensive.

Not every locksmith has the necessary equipment to replace or program transponder keys. However, it is becoming a lot more common these days to find one that has invested in the necessary equipment. They realize just how beneficial it is to not only the motorist, but to them also. They get their piece of the market share by offering key duplicating and programming services for newer model cars. The reason that a locksmith is capable of providing you with this type of key for less than a dealership is because they don’t usually carry the extra overhead, therefore, they don’t need to mark up the prices to make up the difference. This is why some people are choosing to rely on the services of a local Federal Way locksmith service, such as, Federal Way Washington Locksmith to replace their car keys.

Here are some additional reasons to choose a locksmith to handle this job rather than a car dealership:

1. Professionalism

You can trust that a locksmith will be able to effectively handle the job of replacing your key due to their training and hands on experience. They have all of the necessary qualifications to perform the job of replacing your key. You could hire just anyone who offers to replace your key for you but make certain that they have all of the necessary tools to do so before wasting your time. Only hire a reputable and reliable locksmith in Federal Way.

        2. Covenience

When you hire the services of a professional locksmith, they can usually come to your location because they will likely offer 24-hour mobile services. A professional locksmith will usually predict the needs of their customer. Losing a car key can be a major inconvenience. It is because of the inconvenience of having to have your car towed to a dealership that some people would rather contact a mobile locksmith service to replace their key.

When you are asking for a key to be replaced from an auto dealership you have to take identifying documents, such as, car registration, drivers license and vehicle identification number and possibly more. Wow! Getting this paperwork together can be nightmare within itself. On the other hand, when you hire a locksmith, you’ll find that their services are faster and more convenient. You will not be required all of the documents. Only one or two pieces of identification are required and you usually already have this information on you. Most people who use the services of a locksmith also appreciate that they will come to wherever they are rather than spending additional money on towing services.

3. Emergency Services.

Lets say for instance you have lost your key late at night or in the morning, you realize that you have misplaced your keys. This calls for the help of a professional locksmith. A professional locksmith service will be able to assist you in an emergency automotive lock or key situation. If you’re car key will not turn in the ignition, your key need reprogramming; you can count on the services of a locksmith. They will come to your location, equipped to handle the job for you. Getting immediate servicing is possible when you contact a locksmith instead of waiting for the dealership to open, you can get back on the road faster.

4. Reliable Services.

Since locksmith services dependable on your needing them, you can expect them to be very reliable. They will show up as quickly as possible because they understand that you can simply contact the next locksmith in the area rather than waiting forever to get the help you need. On some rare occasions, you may come across a locksmith who isn’t as eager to serve you but for the most part, a locksmith service can be relied on when you are in a pinch. They understand the level of frustration that is associated with losing a car key and in this case there is no one better to help you than a locksmith.

5. Save Time.

You will likely have to wait when you go to an auto dealership to have a key replaced. In some cases, you can’t even wait; you have to wait for a week or longer before you can actually receive the replacement key. Relying on the services of a locksmith means you only lose an hour of two out of your entire day.

So in addition to offering you an expensive solution for a frustrating situation, there are a host of additional reasons why you might want to consider hiring the services of locksmith to replace your car key if it is lost or stolen. These are some things to consider the next time you need to have your car key replaced.

Aricle source here: Why Allow A Locksmith to Replace Your Car Keys

Locks for sliding glass doors

Most homes, condos and apartments here in Federal Way, WA have one or more sliding glass doors. These doors offer ease of access as they simply slide over enough to allow entry or exit while providing a clear and sometimes picturesque view of whatever is on the outside. By all accounts, sliding glass doors are useful but they can have drawbacks when it comes to security. For one thing; most of these doors are on the back or side of the home giving burglars better protection from being seen from the street. Also, since they slide over so much, there is ample room for the crook to not only enter; but to fit your furniture and other belongings through the sliding door opening.

You may be wondering; what good is an extra lock on your sliding glass door when a burglar or home invader can just smash the glass and step inside? Sometimes they actually do that but usually the noise and possibility of broken glass injury are deterrents. Many people go in and out of glass doors so much; they don’t bother to lock them at all. Crooks know this and they often enter the premises easily, quickly and noiselessly by simply walking right in.

Even locking your sliding glass door at night or when you’re away is often not enough. The locks that come with these doors are usually not of the highest quality and can be bypassed by intruders quite easily. The need for an additional lock is great and often just the sight of having to bypass two locks is enough to make your would-be robber move on to “lower hanging fruit.”

So what can you do?

First of all, start by locking your sliding glass door before retiring at night or whenever you leave the house, even if it’s for a short while. Get your partner, children or roommates to do the same. Not to be paranoid, but statistics show that not only here in Federal Way, but all over the country, intruders often just enter homes at all hours of the day or night because of unlocked doors.

Next, you can get a replacement bar for your glass door. These stretch the entire length of the door and since they are made of reinforced metal, they offer that extra bit of protection and peace of mind. Just be sure to get a sturdy bar and install it securely and correctly. An ill-fitting one that is made of cheap material will offer little to no extra protection and is simply not worth the effort.

What about broom handles?

Broom handles, plastic PVC tubing and even two by fours are often inserted in the tracks at the base of the sliding glass doors. Here at Federal Way Washington Locksmith we feel that these are better than nothing but if you use them, make sure that it is only temporary. Here’s why. Your sliding door rests on rollers. These are what make it easy to slide the glass door open and shut. Have you ever had these repaired, replaced or adjusted? The repair man simply lifts the door off of the lower track and removes it! A burglar knows to do the same thing and no broom handle or plastic pipe can prevent that.

Use a pin lock!

One of the best ways to prevent your sliding glass door from being lifted off the tracks is to use a pin lock. These inexpensive locks also have a secondary benefit; they prevent the door from opening in case you forgot to lock it. Pin locks can be purchased at hardware stores, locksmith shops and from local retailers like Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot and Best Buy. You can buy them online, too. Check Amazon, Craigslist and the websites from the stores listed above. You’ll need a drill and a screwdriver to do the installation and it should take you less than 30 minutes depending on your speed and skill with tools. When entering your key words in the search engines for pin locks be sure to add the words “pin locks for sliding glass doors” and you should be good to go.

You can also find How To installation videos on Vimeo, YouTube and other video sites. If you feel confident in your ability to install the lock; do so. If not, you can call a handyman or local locksmith and get it done professionally. When checking for rates, be sure and specify that you want just the lock or the lock AND installation. If you have more than one sliding glass door, be sure and outfit the others with pin locks, as well.

Steel mortise locks

If you are looking for greater sliding glass door lock security that also looks good, be sure to check out mortise locks made of steel. These sturdy locks should be installed by professionals and they cost a little more than pin locks. You can purchase them from Amazon if you feel confident at do-it-yourself work or you can go through a local Federal Way, WA locksmith. You can even buy the lock(s) online and have your locksmith do the installations for you. These locks are installed directly into your door frame and are reversible so that they can be mounted on left hand or right hand sliding doors. Many lock manufacturers offer an installation video online that can be viewed for those that like being their own handyman.

Final tips

As you can see, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your sliding glass door(s) safer and less susceptible to burglars. Just use common sense and lock your doors more often and at crucial times. Remember, you see your glass door as a convenient portal to the outside. A burglar sees it as a sliding access to your home’s interior and to your belongings. Upgrade your sliding glass door locks or simply add a good pin lock and start enjoying added peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones.

Aricle source here: Locks for sliding glass doors

ARE YOU CONSIDERING A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME? HERE ARE SOME PROS AND CONS

Keyless door locks, first used in commercial buildings and luxury automobiles, are now popular nowadays among homeowners, too. There are many benefits to having a keyless entry system installed in your home. Here’s an overview of the advantages and disadvantages.

PRO: Just punch in a code. A keyless entry system comes with a keypad, and you simply have to remember a string of numbers and push the buttons to unlock the door. With some keyless systems, you can use a key also for locking the door as you leave, then use the keypad when you return. Some systems will allow you to use a smart device to monitor your property remotely, adding even more convenience.

If all you have to do is recall the code to get in, then obviously you won’t need to make duplicate copies of your keys for your kids, house cleaner, dog walker, in-laws, friends, and so on. Just tell the code to the people you trust, and demonstrate to them how to use the keypad system.

CON: You could forget. In the same way you can forget your keys and be locked out of your place, you can also forget your code and be locked out. It’s safer to choose a more complicated code, and certainly to avoid anything obvious like birth dates; but this will be a problem if you have a hard time remembering things.

SOLUTION: Choose a code that’s a private mnemonic to you, but unknown to most others.

CON: The code could get into the wrong hands. Theoretically, anyone you tell your code to ~ or someone who peers over your shoulder and memorizes your code as you put it in ~ could pass along the information to a person you don’t know; or, someone could turn against you some day, heaven forbid, and enter your home sometime while you’re gone.

SOLUTION: Change your code once every month or so.

CON: Your keypad could wear down, revealing the code. As time goes by, the keypad buttons can wear down from frequent use. You might leave dark marks on the buttons you choose over and over, especially if you keep the same code all the time.

SOLUTION: Always keep your hands clean so you won’t get dirt and grime smudges on the keypad’s numbers. Clean the keypad at least once a month. Also, keep changing your code, at least once a month or so.

PRO: You don’t have to hide the key outside your home. You won’t be hiding a key in a fake rock, under the welcome mat, or under a flower pot on the porch any more, which professional thieves can so easily locate.

CON: A hidden key is such a relief in a crisis, but you won’t have that advantage any longer.

SOLUTION: Some keyless systems include the option of also using a key.

PRO: You’ll spend less in the long run. When you consider the usual circumstances that arise regarding locks and keys ~ such as welcoming a new roommate or tenant with their new key; moving into a new home; blocking access from an ex-spouse; and so forth ~ the truth is, overall, a keyless entry system is probably cheaper than all the rekeying, lock changing, and duplicating of new keys you’ll be doing in your lifetime.

CON: It’s more money up front.

SOLUTION: You can make payments for a keyless entry system over time.

PRO: You won’t have to worry about carrying your regular key. You won’t be fumbling for your keys to get into your home any more. Once you get family with it and you’re in the habit, high-tech keyless entry systems are relatively easy to use. They give you more peace of mind. You’ll have security a cut above anything you’ll ever have with conventional keys. Do you lose your keys often? Then it’s great to install a keyless entry system. Absent mindedness will never shake you up again. And, you won’t have to bring any jangly keys with you whenever you take a stroll, walk your dog, go out for a run, or visit a neighbor.

CON: You may actually miss the familiarity of your keys.

SOLUTION: Some keyless systems will offer the option of also using a key.

PRO: It’s easier for your kids. If you have children who get home from school before you arrive, and they usually forget their keys, a keyless remote entry system is the perfect solution. All your child has to do is remember the code.

CON: Your kids may have trouble remembering the code, or, they might share the code with people they shouldn’t ~ giving you too many headaches. If you have the type of keyless entry system that alerts the police when an incorrect code is entered too many times, you could have the authorities showing up at your home way too often.

SOLUTION: There are keyless systems that give you the option of also using a key.

PRO: It provides better security than basic keys do. Because our private data must stay confidential, there’s increasing concern over identity theft and fraud. Therefore, keyless entry systems are becoming more sophisticated, with such technological developments as biometrics ~ that is, locks that have a recognition pad requiring a fingerprint, a handprint, or an eye scan, thus granting access only to you and to the persons you’ve established. Plus, some systems have the added bonus of working with a smart device so you can monitor everything remotely.

CON: In an emergency, rescuers won’t be able to get in, because they won’t know your code. Furthermore, if you have biometric features as part of your system, it will allow access only to certain people, making it inconvenient if you forget to add someone to your preferred list.

SOLUTION: Install an alarm system that’s tied in with your keyless entry system. Then you can supply special instructions, which your alarm company can always keep on file to follow if an emergency arises.

PRO: Some keyless remote systems will have backup, staying on perpetually, even in a power outage. In general, an indicator light or message will turn on, reminding you when the battery charge is getting low.

CON: You have to keep making sure your battery is charged. That’s one thing you simply cannot forget, and it’s a pain, especially if you’re going away for an extended time, since the battery must last until you return.

SOLUTION: Get in the habit of periodically checking your battery power. Your system’s battery backup is utterly essential, so your home will stay locked even if a power failure happens. Also ask a trusted friend or neighbor check for you while you’re gone.

PRO: Keyless locks are digital, and therefore much safer.

CON: A professional criminal might be able to hack the system, or guess your code.

SOLUTION: Purchase a keyless entry system that will automatically alert the police or other authorities if an incorrect code is entered too many times. You can also tell authorities ahead of time if you’ll be gone on vacation.

Consider the possibilities. If you reside anywhere in Federal Way, Washington, and you want to find out more about the benefits of keyless entry systems, make an appointment with a reliable professional, such as one of the mobile locksmith residential specialists on staff at Federal Way Washington Locksmith.

Aricle source here: ARE YOU CONSIDERING A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME? HERE ARE SOME PROS AND CONS

Complex Car Software Becomes the Weak Spot Under the Hood

By DAVID GELLES, HIROKO TABUCHI and MATTHEW DOLAN

Chris Gerdes, a professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford, next to a car modified with self-driving technology at the Center for Automotive Research. Professor Gerdes says today’s cars "are reaching biological levels of complexity." Credit Jason Henry for The New York Times. Image Source Link

Shwetak N. Patel looked over the 2013 Mercedes C300 and saw not a sporty all-wheel-drive sedan, but a bundle of technology.

There were the obvious features, like a roadside assistance service that communicates to a satellite. But Dr. Patel, a computer science professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, flipped up the hood to show the real brains of the operation: the engine control unit, a computer attached to the side of the motor that governs performance, fuel efficiency and emissions.

To most car owners, this is an impregnable black box. But to Dr. Patel, it is the entry point for the modern car tinkerer — the gateway to the code.

“If you look at all the code in this car,” Dr. Patel said, “it’s easily as much as a smartphone if not more.”

New high-end cars are among the most sophisticated machines on the planet, containing 100 million or more lines of code. Compare that with about 60 million lines of code in all of Facebook or 50 million in the Large Hadron Collider.

“Cars these days are reaching biological levels of complexity,” said Chris Gerdes, a professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University.

The sophistication of new cars brings numerous benefits — forward-collision warning systems and automatic emergency braking that keep drivers safer are just two examples. But with new technology comes new risks — and new opportunities for malevolence.

The unfolding scandal at Volkswagen — in which 11 million vehicles were outfitted with software that gave false emissions results — showed how a carmaker could take advantage of complex systems to flout regulations.

Carmakers and consumers are also at risk. Dr. Patel has worked with security researchers who have shown it is possible to disable a car’s brakes with an infected MP3 file inserted into a car’s CD player. A hacking demonstration by security researchers exposed how vulnerable new Jeep Cherokees can be. A series of software-related recalls has raised safety concerns and cost automakers millions of dollars.

Cars have become “sealed-hood entities with complicated computers and modules,” said Eben Moglen, a Columbia University law professor and technologist. “All of this is deeply nontransparent. And all of this is grounds for cheating of all sorts.”

The increasing reliance on code raises questions about how these hybrids of digital and mechanical engineering are being regulated. Even officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration acknowledge that the agency doesn’t have the capacity to scrutinize the millions of lines of code that now control automobiles.

One option for making auto software safer is to open it to public scrutiny. While this might sound counterintuitive, some experts say that if automakers were forced to open up their source code, many interested people — including coding experts and academics — could search for bugs and vulnerabilities. Automakers, not surprisingly, have resisted this idea.

“There’s no requirement that anyone except the car companies looks at the code,” says Philip Koopman, an associate professor at the department of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. “Computers can now exert almost complete control over your car. But if that software misbehaves, there’s nothing you can do.”

Fear of Hacking

Andy Greenberg steered a 2014 white Jeep Cherokee down a highway in St. Louis, cruising along at 70 miles per hour. Miles away, two local hackers, Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek, sat on a leather couch at Mr. Miller’s house, laptops open, ready to wreak havoc.

Read more at: Complex Car Software Becomes the Weak Spot Under the Hood

Related article: Would you know if your car was being hacked?