Transponder Keys & Chip Replacement
When the engine cranks but won't start, the chip inside your key is a prime suspect. We test the key against the car, and where only the chip has failed, we can replace the chip alone instead of selling you a whole new key.
Open Mon to Thu 8am to 4:45pm, Fri to 4:30pm · Unit 19, 193-203 South Pine Road, Brendale QLD 4500
Diagnose first, replace second
Three different faults get blamed on the transponder. Testing sorts them out.
- Chip fault: the car cranks but the immobiliser never clears. Chip-only replacement where the key is otherwise good.
- Battery or fob fault: remote functions die first. A battery and contact check rules this out in minutes.
- Ignition or barrel fault: the key physically sticks or turns badly. That's barrel work, not chip work.
Cloning and coding happens at the Brendale bench with the car present. If your model is one that needs the dealer, we'll tell you before you commit to anything. Flat fob instead? Battery replacement is quicker and cheaper.
Motorcycles too
Bike keys and barrels are bench work here as well, and reviewers mention spares recut after another locksmith couldn't manage it.
Motorcycle keys
Car cranks but won't start?
Call with your make, model and year. We'll tell you whether it sounds like the chip, and what testing it costs.
Open Mon to Thu 8am to 4:45pm, Fri to 4:30pm
Common questions
What is a transponder key?
A key with a small chip inside that talks to the car's immobiliser. When you turn the ignition, the car checks the chip's code before it lets the engine start. Right blade, wrong chip, and the car turns over but never fires.
The car won't start but the key turns. Is that the transponder?
It can be, but not always. A dead fob battery, a worn blade or an ignition fault can look similar. Bring the key and the car in. If the fix isn't something we can do, you'll hear that straight away rather than after a bill.
Can you replace just the chip instead of the whole key?
Where the blade and shell are still good, often yes. A chip-only replacement keeps your existing key.
Does my car need to be there for coding?
For most immobiliser coding, yes, the chip is married to your car specifically. Bring the car to the Brendale workshop, or the van can come to the car if it isn't drivable.
Related guide: Key fob not working? What to check, in order