If you drive a vehicle that was built within the last 25 years or so and it is not equipped with a push-button ignition, chances are good it uses a transponder key. A transponder key has a computer chip located inside the thick plastic key head which is programmed to connect to a computer located inside your vehicle.
Also known as a chipped key or a high-security car key, transponder keys were introduced by automotive manufacturers to make vehicles more secure when compared to traditional metal keys, also known as ‘dumb’ keys.
Cars, light-duty trucks, and vans that are equipped with a transponder key will not operate unless a key is inserted into the ignition which has been programmed to the vehicle, even if the key is cut correctly.