Do Hyundai Elantra Keys Have Chips? (Must Know Things)
Safety is just as important as ownership when it comes to enjoying the fantastic features of your car. Every component of your vehicle can contribute to the security of your car.
It gives them peace of mind you need to go about your day.
A car key component is one such security measure. These include key fobs and keys with chips. The question many ask about the Hyundai Elantra key is about the presence of chips.
Does this car have it?
The Hyundai Elantra Keys have chips. It is standard equipment for the model. Though there are other Hyundai car models without chipped keys, Elantra is not one of them. However, the provision is optional; you decide to get Hyundai Elantra without a transponder or chipped keys.
What Does a Chipped Key Do?
A chipped key is different from other keys due to the presence of a chip. If you are a new vehicle user, you might not notice the difference between a key with chips and the one without chips.
This indifference is because there are no issues when using the correct key for the right car.
If someone decides to make a copy of the key or perhaps have a key design similar to yours, what does that mean for your car?
Does it mean anyone can gain access to your because they have a duplicate key?
When you have a chipped key, theft using a duplicate key becomes difficult.
In situations like this, the importance of chipped keys comes to the fore. These keys have a chip that uses radiofrequency to send signals to the car when you insert the key into the ignition.
The frequency sends a unique code to the car. Once the vehicle recognizes this car the code, it starts the car on ignition.
In cases where the vehicle does not recognize the code, the ignition does not start. Also, if the key does not have a chip, the car refuses to start.
Note that this only works for cars with a transponder system in its installation. A transponder is simply a conjoined word that expands to mean transmitter and responder.
So while your key is the identity code transmitter, your car needs to have the responder features.
Do all Hyundai Car Keys Have a Chip?
We have established that Hyundai Elantra keys have transponder or chipped keys. Is this model the only one?
What about the other models of this car company? How common is the chipped key in Hyundai vehicles?
It will be interesting to note that many cars from Hyundai do not have chips. Only a few models have this feature in their system.
However, the number is interesting because it has been over a decade since Hyundai started this feature. So one will expect that the number is considerably much.
Most other models do not have the chipped key feature. Even though the design might say something else, they are just regular keys.
However, do not let the appearance deceive you; they are just keys with no special features.
Here is a list of Hyundai cars with chipped key features and the years of production.
- Hyundai Azera from 2006 model to 2011 model
- Hyundai Equis from 2011 model to present
- Hyundai Genesis 4 Dr. from 2009 model to present
- Hyundai Genesis 2 Dr. from 2010 model to present
- Hyundai Elantra from 2011 model to present
- Hyundai Sonata from 2011 model to present
- Hyundai Sante Fe from 2007 model to 2010 model
- Hyundai Veracruz from 2008 model to present
Replacing your Elantra Chipped Key
We are all prone to mistakes, and one of such might include losing your key. So how do you go about replacing it?
Well, you have two options depending on the type of situation.
You can clone your chipped key before using it. Some vehicle users decide to duplicate their key fob before using it. If the one in use is lost, you can replace it.
You can take it to a local locksmith to clone the spare key. Key fob replacement in this instance is just simple cloning.
However, if you do not have a spare key to clone, contacting your manufacturer is best. The manufacturer will have to reset the responder.
Remember that without the responder, the transmitter is useless. This process is quite expensive compared to simple cloning.
The Hyundai Elantra Keyless Fob
Besides the key radio frequency chip, another key component contributing to security is the key fob.
The Hyundai Elantra key fob is a small device that controls the car’s remote keyless entry system.
The key fob serves many other purposes. One of such is the keyless entry feature.
This smart key fob allows you to perform various functions, from locking your car to starting the engine and activating features like a heated steering wheel, a heated seat, and car temperature.
The fob uses a similar working mechanism to that of the chip key. It uses a radio frequency to send and recognize the signal.
Each fob has a unique signal.
In case of theft or loss, you can always buy another key fob and configure the signal to match your car’s.
Moreover, you can seamlessly program key fob from aftermarket dealers and enjoy its features.
Professionals should handle the key fob replacement and installation. It is not something you can do yourself without needed expertise.
The cost of key fob replacement varies depending on your choice. You can opt for the OEM version or go to a local locksmith.
How Do I know If My Key Fob has a Chip?
Knowing is not a simple eye test. You can’t tell if the key has a chip just by looking; you need professional consultation.
If your car is one of the newer models, it is highly likely to have a key fob. However, this is not enough to know for sure.
You can start by looking up your car’s model feature online or consulting your dealer.
Your auto dealer will have complete information about your new car. That should include chipped key information if one is available.
However, if you purchased your car from another previous owner, you have another option. You can always visit a local locksmith.
They have what it takes to ascertain if your key has a chip. They are also able to identify the signal and replicate it.
Also Read: Do All Hyundai Cars Keys Have Chips?
What Year Did Hyundai Start Using Transponder Keys?
The use of transponder keys is not a new concept. Home security, garages, offices, and many other public spaces use this feature to maintain security.
However, the idea gained entry into the automobile world in 1985.
In 2007, Hyundai decided to adopt this feature. When the car company introduced the latest Azera model, it announced that it had a key chip feature.
This model was the first car from the company with such a feature. In the decade and a half history of the chipped key component with the company, they have enjoyed much success.
Also Read: Does Hyundai Canada Offer Complimentary Maintenance?
Summary
Hyundai Elantra key fob has a unique chip for your driving pleasure. The good news is that this feature is optional. You also have a key fob for remote keyless entry.
Key fob replacement is also available but can be very expensive. So be sure to secure your key fob and keep it safe.
