What's a transponder key and how do I know if I have one?

A transponder key has a tiny computer chip in the plastic head that communicates with your car's immobilizer. Without the right chip signal, the car won't start—even if the physical key fits perfectly. If your car was made after 1998 and the key has a thick plastic head (not all-metal), it's almost certainly a transponder key.

Why are transponder keys so expensive at dealers?

Dealers require appointments, towing, and multi-day waits. They also know you're often captive (your car is already there). We use the same programming equipment and come directly to you—that's where the convenience comes from.

Can you make a transponder key if I lost all my keys?

Yes. It's called 'virgin programming'—we add a key from scratch. Takes a bit longer than cloning an existing key, costs a bit more, but we can do it on-site without towing to a dealer.

Why won't a regular copy of my key start my car?

A hardware store copy might physically fit your locks, but without the transponder chip programmed to your car's immobilizer, the engine won't start. It's actually a good security feature—prevents easy car theft.

Should I get a spare transponder key?

Highly recommended. If you have one working key and lose it, you're in the difficult 'all keys lost' situation—takes longer and requires programming from scratch. Getting a spare while you have a working key to clone is much simpler.

Key Fob & Transponder Programming in Delaware | Kwikey Locksmith

0+ Years Experience

Certified & Insured

Fast Response Times

5-Star Rated

Delaware & SE Pennsylvania

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Diagnose First

We verify it's actually a key/transponder issue before charging you for a new key

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Upfront Pricing

Transparent diagnostic quote for key cutting + programming before we start

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Fix It Right

Properly programmed key tested in every function before we leave

Problems We Solve

When You Need Transponder Key Service

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Lost Your Only Chip Key

Without a working transponder key, your car is an expensive paperweight. The dealer wants a premium and your car towed. We program a new key from scratch at your location with specialized mobile equipment.

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Only Have One Key (Living Dangerously)

If you lose it, you're in a difficult 'all keys lost' situation. Getting a spare now is simpler and faster—we clone your existing key professionally.

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Key Fits But Car Won't Start

The key turns, the engine tries, but it won't fire. The transponder chip may have failed. We diagnose whether it's the chip, the immobilizer, or something else entirely.

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Dealer Scheduling Doesn't Work for You

Waiting days for a dealer appointment and arranging a tow? We cut and program the same transponder key with our mobile diagnostic lab—and come to you on your schedule instead of theirs.

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Spare Key Fits But Won't Start the Engine

Had a copy made at a hardware store and it unlocks the doors but the engine won't turn over? That copy doesn't have a programmed transponder chip. We clone the chip from your original so the spare actually works.

High-tech transponder and chip keys for modern vehicles being programmed

verified Certified (DE-LCK-19805 / PA-HIC-15820)

Need Key Fob & Transponder Programming?

Call us for prompt, professional service across Delaware & Greater Philadelphia.

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Our Process

How We Make Chip Keys

1

Confirm Your Vehicle

Make, model, year, and VIN. We verify we have the right blank key and programming capability for your specific car.

2

We Come to You

Mobile technician arrives at your home, workplace, or wherever your vehicle is—with blanks and programming equipment.

3

Cut Your Key

We precision-cut the key blade to match your vehicle's locks. Done on-site professionally.

4

Program the Transponder

We sync the chip to your car's immobilizer so the engine will recognize and start with the new key.

5

Test Everything

Doors, trunk, ignition—we test all functions before leaving. The key works or we're not done.

Why Choose Us

Why Skip the Dealer

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On-Site Digital Integration

We eliminate the need for expensive towing by bringing dealer-grade programming computers directly to your vehicle's location, whether home or roadside.

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Universal Maker Support

Our diagnostic equipment supports transponder and smart-key programming for domestic, Asian, and European manufacturers, including high-security European brands.

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Diagnostic Integrity

Before programming, we verify the integrity of your vehicle's immobilizer system to ensure the failure isn't a deeper electrical issue, preventing unnecessary costs.

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Credential Management

In all-keys-lost scenarios, we can wipe previous key data from your car's memory, ensuring that lost or stolen keys can no longer be used to start your vehicle.

Key Fob & Transponder Programming by Kwikey Locksmith

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Trusted Professionals

Serving Delaware & Greater Philadelphia

Key Fob & Transponder Programming service details

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Service Features

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All vehicle makes and models supported
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Transponder chip key programming
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Key fob programming and cloning
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Key cutting on-site at your location
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All-keys-lost replacement
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Mobile service—no dealer visit needed

Client Testimonials

Customer
Reviews

4.9 out of 5

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"My Subaru key fob stopped working after the battery died. Kwikey replaced the battery and reprogrammed the fob. They also tested the backup key blade to make sure it still worked."

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Anthony S. Claymont, DE

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"Key fob battery was fine but buttons weren't responding. Kwikey diagnosed water damage inside the fob. Got a replacement fob programmed same day. Saved from being stranded with a useless remote!"

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Anthony G. Concordville, PA

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"Lost my only transponder key for my Chevy Equinox. Kwikey came out, cut a new blade, programmed the transponder chip, and I was driving again the same afternoon."

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Barbara L. New Castle, DE

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"Lost transponder key for my 2019 Subaru. Kwikey cut and programmed a new one at my house. Key was about half what the dealer quoted and I didn't have to tow the car anywhere. Mobile service is so convenient!"

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Barbara H. Paoli, PA

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"Needed a spare transponder key before lending my car to my college kid. Got one programmed to my Honda professionally at my house. Now I have peace of mind that she has a backup. Smart investment!"

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Bob J. Havertown, PA

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"Car wouldn't start and the dealership wanted $500+ just to diagnose. Kwikey's automotive tech figured out the transponder programming had been corrupted, reprogrammed the key, and my Nissan Altima fired right up. Saved me hundreds compared to the dealer."

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Brandon N. Brookhaven, PA

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"Transponder chip in my worn key was failing intermittently. Kwikey cut a fresh key, transferred the chip data to a new blank, and the car starts reliably every time now."

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Carol D. Brookside, DE

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"Bought a used car with only a valet key — no transponder chip. Kwikey programmed a full transponder key so I can actually start the car without the workaround I was using."

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Cynthia M. Greenville, DE

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"Needed push-to-start key programmed for my Nissan Rogue. Mobile tech came to my house, programmed the new fob professionally, and saved me the hassle of towing to the dealer. Highly recommend!"

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Frank B. Coatesville, PA

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"Dealership wanted an absurd amount for a replacement transponder key for my Mazda. Kwikey did it for a third of the price with the same quality. Key starts the car perfectly."

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Karen Q. Claymont, DE

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"Key fob stopped working on my Chevy. Tech came to my work, tested the battery (it was fine), and reprogrammed the fob. Turns out the key had lost its programming. Fixed for way less than the dealer quoted."

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Kevin O. Drexel Hill, PA

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"Our fleet needed spare transponder keys for three delivery vans. Kwikey programmed all three on-site at our depot and labeled each one. Company discount was appreciated too."

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Kimberly Z. Pike Creek, DE

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Frequently Asked

Key Fob & Transponder Programming FAQs

Should I get a spare car key made?

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Definitely. Getting a spare now is a highly recommended safety measure compared to what you'll experience during an emergency lockout. Plus, programming a spare is simpler and more straightforward when you have a working key to reference.

What areas do you serve?

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Our mobile service units provide professional coverage across New Castle County, Delaware, and the Greater Philadelphia region, including Chester and Delaware counties. Whether you are in Wilmington, Newark, West Chester, or Media, we bring our specialized equipment directly to your location.

How soon can you get to me?

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Arrival times are subject to location, traffic conditions, and current dispatch volume. We prioritize emergency lockout requests and maintain a network of mobile technicians across the region to ensure a professional response. We provide an honest, professional arrival estimate during your initial consultation and maintain active communication as our technicians depart.

Can you program transponder chip keys on-site?

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Absolutely. Our technicians use high-end diagnostic equipment to program transponder chips and key fobs on-site. This eliminates the need for expensive dealership towing and provides a faster solution for modern vehicle security.

What is a transponder key and why does it require specialized programming?

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A transponder key has a computer chip that communicates with your car's immobilizer system. If the chip signal doesn't match, the car won't start. The chip requires specialized programming equipment and expert configuration to ensure security.

What if I'm not satisfied with the work?

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We provide a 90-day service commitment on all workmanship and hardware installations. If you encounter any operational issues during this period, we will return to your location for a diagnostic assessment and resolution as part of our service pledge. Your security and peace of mind are our primary operational priorities.