Transponder Keys
The chip inside the key is what lets your car start. We cut and code transponder keys for most makes, with or without an original.
Key turns but won't start?
That's the immobiliser doing its job — and it's fixable.
Since the late 1990s almost every car has carried a transponder: a small chip in the head of the key that answers a challenge from the immobiliser. Get the right answer and the engine starts. Get no answer and the car cranks but won't fire.
It's why a key cut at a hardware store will open your door and turn in the ignition, but never start the car.
A key that turns but won't start is almost always a chip problem, not a mechanical one.
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Everything you need to know
Transponder keys and immobilisers, explained
What is a transponder key?
A transponder key has two parts doing two jobs. The cut blade is mechanical — it turns the lock. The chip in the plastic head is electronic — it identifies the key to the car's immobiliser.
The chip has no battery. It's powered by a coil around the ignition barrel, which is why a transponder key still works when your remote buttons are dead flat.
Signs of a transponder or immobiliser fault
The clearest sign is a car that cranks strongly but never fires, often with a key or padlock symbol flashing on the dash. Other patterns worth knowing:
- The car starts and immediately cuts out after a second
- One key works and another doesn't
- It only starts if you jiggle or hold the key a certain way
- It started fine until a recent key or battery change
A no-crank, no-lights situation is usually a battery or starter problem instead — different job.
Cutting and coding a new transponder key
We cut the blade to your car's profile and then program the chip to the immobiliser so the vehicle accepts it. Both steps are needed; neither works alone.
With a working key we can often clone it, which is quick. Without one we originate from the vehicle's own data, which takes longer but needs no original.
How much does a transponder key cost?
Transponder keys sit between a plain blade key and a smart proximity key on price. What moves the number:
- Chip type — the fixed-code chips in older cars are cheaper than modern encrypted ones
- Make, model and build year
- Whether a working key exists to clone from
- Mobile callout or workshop visit
Can I program a transponder key myself?
A handful of older models allow an on-board procedure with two working keys already present. If yours is one of them we'll tell you rather than charge you.
Everything else needs diagnostic equipment connected to the car. Blank chips bought online can't be coded at home, and a badly attempted programming can lock the immobiliser out entirely — which is a dearer problem than the one you started with.
Chip types vary widely between makes and build years. Call with your rego and we'll identify yours.
The process
Four steps, most keys same day
Call with your rego
We identify the chip type your car uses and confirm the price.
Blade cut
Cut to your vehicle's original key profile on our machine.
Chip coded
Programmed to the immobiliser — cloned from your key, or originated from the car.
Started and tested
We start the car, run it, and confirm it doesn't cut out.
See our latest works
Transponder keys cut around Brisbane
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Had my LandCruiser 76 key remote done here and couldn’t be happier. The service was excellent, pricing was very reasonable, and the whole process was smooth and professional. Definitely much better than dealing with random Facebook Marketplace mobile services. Highly recommend this place!
Woody H.
I recently used Tapsy Car Key Program and was genuinely impressed with the level of professionalism and efficiency they provided. They quickly programmed my car key without any hassle, saving me both time and money compared to going through the dealership.
Sam R.
I had issues with my key missing a part and my car therefore not turning on. Through online research, we found Tapsy. Great, clear communication. The whole process was quick and efficient. Excellent service overall, would recommend to anyone in the same situation!!
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Need help finding your VIN?
It's 17 characters, and it's closer than you think.
Look at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, inside the driver's door jamb, or on your registration papers. It can also be stamped on the firewall at the back of the engine bay.
Send us a photo of it and we'll take it from there — the VIN tells us exactly which key your car was built with.
Frequently asked questions
My key turns but the car won't start — is that the transponder?
If it cranks strongly and won't fire, usually yes, especially with a key symbol on the dash. If nothing happens at all, that's more likely a battery or starter fault.
Can a hardware-store key copy start my car?
No. It will open the door and turn in the ignition, but with no programmed chip the immobiliser won't allow the engine to run.
Can you make a transponder key with no original?
Yes. We originate it from the vehicle's own data. It takes longer than cloning but needs no working key.
Does the transponder need a battery?
No. It's powered by a coil around the ignition barrel, which is why it still works when your remote buttons are dead.
Can I buy a blank online and have you code it?
We'd rather supply the key. Online blanks are frequently the wrong chip or poor quality, and we can't warrant a part we didn't source.
Which cars have transponder keys?
Almost everything built since the late 1990s. If your key has a thick plastic head, it very likely has a chip inside.
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Car cranking but not starting?
Call with your rego and we'll tell you whether it's the chip, the key or something else — before anyone gets in a van.