7 Things You Never Knew About Car Key Immobiliser Repair
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Nowadays, all vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to stop car theft. If your vehicle isn't starting after inserting the key fob there may be a problem with the transponder chip not transmitting an authorization code to the immobilizer system.
This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's examine the different components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
If you're involved in the auto repair industry, it is important to be aware of your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can accomplish this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers, but it will also add to the profits of your shop without subletting to the dealership.
Typically the key fob battery powers the remote opening and locking systems. The immobiliser is not powered by the battery in the key fob. Instead, the immobiliser is dependent on the transponder chip on the fob or key. This chip sends a passcode to the immobilizer unit of the car, which may be built into the PCM, BCM, the instrument cluster, smart junction box or standalone module. The system will check the code to ensure it is correct. If the code isn't correct it will disable the elements that are crucial to start the car, such as the ignition or starter motor. The car will be nearly impossible to start if you do not have the right key.
Since its inception, the immobiliser has been a very effective tool in reducing the theft of cars. Despite this it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to bypass these security measures. One of these is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it is to wire an automobile.
Insurance companies are now incorporating in the use an immobiliser to calculate premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a vehicle with this feature. Even cars that are factory fitted with an immobiliser could have issues. Fortunately, these problems are usually straightforward and affordable to repair. Most of the time, a faulty immobiliser is caused by an inactive or dead key fob battery. remote car key repair can be confirmed with an instant diagnostic test. If the problem persists then it could be due to electrical issues or wiring issues. It is recommended to have a professional identify the issue and then fix it.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, referred to as a transponder, is built in the head of your car keys. The technology was introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its goal is to prevent your engine from starting if you have an identical key. It functions by sending the radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system of your car. If the code stored in the car's computer is in line with the signal sent from the key, it will disarm the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key that has a transponder can also be referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to duplicate than mechanical keys. Using special techniques, it is possible to duplicate a standard car key, but not a transponder key. Contrary to the remote central locking element of a standard key which uses battery power the transponder chip is powered by the infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder, the ignition cylinder needs to be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy which is received by a microchip within the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer compares the code in its memory with that from the transponder chip, and if they match the engine will begin to rev.
If the immobiliser detects an unauthorized transponder or key is being used, it will disable the engine and block any of its vital components from functioning. Without a functioning engine, the vehicle will not be able to move and it could be easy for a criminal to connect the vehicle to a hot wire and drive away. This is a powerful deterrent against crime and it is one of the reasons why it is essential to get your car's key immobiliser fixed as soon as you notice any issue with it. If you don't, the security light in your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be inaccessible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting their car without the proper keys. If the system cannot detect a digital serial from the chip in your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser to prevent the car from starting.
The car immobiliser is a great method of deterring thieves, however it can sometimes be out of sync. This can be due to interference or the system is too sensitive. This could need the system to be reset. To do this, just disconnect the battery. Leave it disconnected for about 15 minutes before reinstalling it and begin the car. This will reset the system and allow it to accept the key again.
The security light is an immobiliser's method of alerting you to an issue. If the light is illuminated and you attempt to start your car, it means that the code in the ECU does not match the chip on the key. This could happen if you have recently replaced the car key with one that isn't programmed to the vehicle, or if you've had a bad swapped ECU.
If this is the case then it's time to go to a professional to have the transponder or key chip properly programmed to your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key because of a software bug or update. To test this, insert your key into the ignition and turn the ON position. Do not attempt to start the car. Let the key remain in this position for ten minutes. The security light should come on, then go off. If it doesn't work, you'll have to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat this three times, and the issue should be solved.
Programming
An immobiliser for cars prevents a car's engine from running without a key that is programmed correctly or fob. It makes use of a unique RFID microchip that cannot be duplicated and comes with its own serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged when it is unable to recognize the code. It's hard to beat.
Modern cars are fitted with this security system by default. This makes it extremely difficult to hot-wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by sending a code from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is aware that it's the right key and that there hasn't be compromised code. The system won't allow the car to start if it doesn't have the correct code, and some models will even notify the owner if a person tries to use an incorrect fob or key.
The system isn't completely impervious to attack, but it is. Some thieves have bypassed the immobiliser with techniques like 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires within a vehicle's wiring to fool the ECU into thinking the correct key or fob is being used. This is a risky method and requires extensive expertise to avoid electrocuting yourself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have switched over to more advanced methods, such as using specialized apps or Bluetooth to take over the car's information and remotely control it using their phones.
Car owners often see warning lights that indicate the immobiliser has gone haywire. It can happen for many reasons, but the most common reason is a defective battery in the keyfob. This problem can be fixed by a simple replacement.
If this doesn't work, the transponder chip might be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose as it could require an expert locksmith or a dealership. A car's immobiliser can be damaged if water manages to get into the system, or if it is physically removed from its fob or key. If any of these problems occur it's a good idea to visit a local garage or car dealer to seek assistance.