What Is Car Key Immobiliser Repair And Why Are We Talking About It?
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Nowadays, all vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to prevent car theft. If your vehicle isn't starting after inserting the key fob, there could be a problem with a transponder chip that is not sending an authorization code to the immobiliser system.
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
If you're involved in the auto repair industry, it is important to be aware of your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. One method to achieve this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also add to your shop's profits without subletting to the dealership.
The key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it does not provide power to the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip that is located in the key or fob. This chip transmits a code to the car's immobilizer unit that can be integrated 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 it's not then the system will disable components crucial to starting the vehicle, like the starter motor or ignition. The car will be impossible to start if the driver doesn't have the correct key.
The immobiliser system has been extremely effective at decreasing car theft since its introduction. However thieves are always looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these strategies is an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showcased how easy it is to connect a vehicle with hot wires.
Most insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums, making it more appealing to shop for cars that already have this feature. However, even cars that were factory-fitted with an immobiliser could face problems with it. Fortunately, these problems are usually easy and cheap to fix. A dying or dead keyfob battery is typically the cause of a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. This can be identified with an easy diagnostic test. If the issue continues, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. If this is the case, it's best to seek out a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, referred to as a transponder, is built inside the head portion of your car keys. The technology was introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to stop the engine from starting when someone else has the same key. It works by transmitting an audio signal from the key to the immobiliser system. If the code stored in the car's computer matches the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will then be removed and the engine will begin to run.
The key with the transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. With the help of specific techniques, it is possible to copy a standard car key however, not the transponder key. Contrary to the central locking element remote of a standard key that relies on battery power the transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal transmitted by the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate car key fob repair transponder the ignition cylinder must be in the ON position. The ring emits a flash of IR energy which is absorbed by the microchip within the key. The chip then sends a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer checks the code in its memory to the one from the transponder chip, and when they match, the engine will start.
The immobiliser shuts down the engine in the event of an unauthorised transponder or key. It also stops any vital parts of the car from functioning. Without a functioning engine the vehicle won't be able to move and it could be easy for criminals to hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away. This is a powerful way to deter crime and it is one of the main reasons why it's essential to have your car's key immobiliser fixed immediately you discover an issue. If you don't, the security light on your car will keep flashing and it will be impossible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to send an electrical signal to the chip in your key. It is an anti-theft device that prevents anyone from driving your car without the correct key. If the system cannot detect a digital serial from the chip on your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to prevent the car starting.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic way to deter thieves, but it can occasionally be out of sync. This can be due to interference or the system being 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 system and allow it to accept the key again.
The security light is an immobiliser's method of warning you of the presence of a problem. If you attempt to start your car and the light stays on, it means that the chip inside your key isn't in sync with the code stored in the ECU. This can happen if you have recently replaced your car key with another that was not programmed to the vehicle or when you've had a damaged swapped ECU.
If this is the case you should bring your transponder key or chip to a professional to get them correctly programmed for the vehicle you are driving. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key because of an issue with the software or an update. To test this put your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position but don't try to start the engine. Let the key stay in this position for ten minutes. This should cause the security lights to turn on and to turn off. If it does not you'll need to repeat the procedure and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat the process three times and the problem will be resolved.
Programming
The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running if the fob or key is not programmed correctly. It makes use of a unique RFID micro-chip that can't be duplicated and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect when it doesn't recognize the code. It's hard to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it really hard to hot-wire the car or use another key for starter. The system works by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU recognizes that it is the correct key and that it doesn't have to been compromised code. The system won't allow the car to start if it does not receive the correct code. Some models will even notify the owner if someone tries to use an incorrect fob or key.
The system isn't impervious to attack, but it is. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser by using techniques such as 'hot-wiring.' This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to trick the ECU. However, this is extremely risky and requires a great deal of knowledge of how to accomplish it without cutting yourself. Modern car thieves are using more advanced methods, for instance, Bluetooth or other apps that obtain information about a vehicle and remotely control it.
Car owners often see warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser is malfunctioning. This can occur for many reasons, but the most common one is a faulty battery in the keyfob. This issue can be resolved by a simple replacement.
If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is more complicated to diagnose and fix, as it can involve an expert car locksmith or dealership. However, a car immobiliser can also be damaged due to water intrusion, or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If you encounter any of these problems, it is a good idea that you visit an auto dealer in your area or garage to seek help.