5 Car Key Immobiliser Repair Lessons Learned From The Pros
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Nowadays, all vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer to prevent car theft. If car key fob repair near me won't start after inserting the key fob it could be a problem with a transponder which isn't sending a security message to the immobiliser.
This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's take a look at the different components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
It is crucial to concentrate on the cost-savings and revenue potentials of your auto repair shop. You can do this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming for your customers. This will not only help your customers but will also increase the profits of your business without having to sublet to the dealership.
Typically the battery for the key fob powers the remote opening and locking systems. However, it doesn't supply power to the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip in the fob or key. The chip transmits a passcode to the immobilizer unit of the car which can be integrated into the PCM, BCM, instrument cluster smart junction box or standalone module. The system then checks the code to ensure that it is correct. If it's not it is, the system will shut down elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, such as the starter motor or ignition. This will make the car almost impossible to start without the right key.
The immobiliser system has been extremely effective in reducing car theft since its first introduction. Yet the thieves are always looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these techniques is an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to connect a vehicle with hot wires.
The majority of insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when they calculate premiums, making it more appealing to buy an automobile that has this feature. Even vehicles that are factory fitted with an immobiliser could have problems. These issues are usually simple and affordable to fix. The majority times the issue is the result of an inactive or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test will reveal this issue. If the problem persists then it could be due to electrical issues or wiring issues. If this is the case, it's best to consult a professional for a diagnosis and fix the issue.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, referred to as a transponder, is built in the head of your car keys. This technology was first introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. Also known as a chip key or a 'transmitter & responder' key, it is designed to prevent the engine from starting if someone else has an exact copy of your car key. It works by transmitting radio signals from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will then be removed and the engine will start.
The key that has a transponder can also be referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key due to the fact that it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key, but not a transponder one. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal, not battery power.
To activate the transponder, the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits a blast of IR energy which is absorbed by the microchip within the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer checks the code stored in its memory to the one from the transponder chip and if they match the engine will begin to rev.
If the immobiliser detects that an unauthorised transponder, key or other device is in use it will shut down 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 criminals to connect the vehicle to a hot wire and drive away. This is a powerful deterrent to criminals, which is the reason why you should get your car key-immobiliser repaired promptly when it has a problem. If you don't take this action then the security light on your car will continue blinking, and you won't be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that sends an electric signal to the transponder chip within your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting their car without the correct keys. If the system can't detect a serial number digital from the chip inside your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser, preventing the car from beginning.
The car immobiliser is a great method to deter thieves, however it can sometimes be out of sync. This can be due to interference or a system that is too sensitive. If this is the case, it could be necessary to reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, you can reinstall the battery and then restart the car. This will reset the key system so that it is ready to accept your keys once again.
The security light is the vehicle immobiliser's method of letting you know that there is an issue with the system. If the light is illuminated and you attempt to start your car, it means that the code that is stored in the ECU does not match the chip on the key. This can occur when your car's key was replaced with a new key that's not programmed for the vehicle, or when an ECU has been swapped incorrectly.
If this is the situation you should take your transponder or key chip to a professional to get them properly programmed for your car. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key because of an issue with the software or an update. To test this, insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do not try to start the vehicle. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. The security light should turn on, then go off. If it doesn't, you'll need to repeat the procedure and wait another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue If you repeat the procedure three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser stops the car's engine from operating without a correctly programmed key or fob. It is a unique RFID chip that can't be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged if it doesn't recognise the code. This is why it's so hard to defeat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it really hard to hot-wire the car or use a different key for starter. The system operates by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU knows it's the correct key and that there hasn't been compromised code. The system will not allow the car to begin in the event that it does not receive the correct code. Some models even notify the owner if they try to use a wrong fob or key.
The system is not impervious to attack, but it is. Some thieves have been able to bypass the immobiliser by using methods like hot-wiring. This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle to cause a malfunction in the ECU. However, this is pretty risky and requires a great deal of knowledge of how to carry out the procedure without damaging yourself. In addition, many modern car thieves have shifted over to more advanced methods like using specialized apps or Bluetooth to take over the car's data and then remotely control it from their mobile.
Car owners often see warning lights that indicate an immobiliser gone haywire. This can occur for many reasons, but the most common one is a faulty battery in the keyfob. This issue can be resolved by an easy replacement.
If this does not work it could be because the transponder chip is defective or the ECU is not compatible. It is more difficult to diagnose and fix and may require a specialist car locksmith or dealership. The car immobiliser could also be damaged if water is able to get into the system or if it is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If you experience any of these problems it is a great idea to consult the local car dealer or garage to seek help.