Car Key Immobiliser Repair s History Of Car Key Immobiliser Repair In 10 Milestones

Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start

Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer 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 encryption code to the immobilizer system.

This is a quick fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's take a look at the different parts of your vehicle's immobiliser to discover what you can do.

Battery

If you are in the auto repair business it is crucial to be aware of your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can achieve this by providing key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only help your customers, but it will also add to your shop's profits without subletting to the dealership.

Typically the key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it does not provide power to the immobiliser. The immobiliser is powered by the transponder that is located in the fob, key or instrument cluster. This chip transmits a code to the immobilizer unit of the car that can be integrated into the PCM, BCM, instrument cluster smart junction box, or standalone module. The system then checks the code to ensure it is correct. If it's not then the system will disable parts that are essential to start the vehicle, such as the starter motor or ignition. The car will be nearly impossible to start if the driver doesn't have the right key.

Since its inception the immobiliser has proved to be a very effective tool in reducing car theft. Yet, thieves are constantly seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods includes a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to hot-wire a vehicle.

Most insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when they calculate rates, which makes it more attractive to purchase an automobile that has this feature. However, even cars that came factory-fitted with an immobiliser may experience issues with it. Fortunately, these issues are usually straightforward and affordable to repair. The majority times an immobiliser that is not working properly is caused by a dead or dying key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test could identify the issue. If the problem persists it could be due to other causes for the vehicle's irregular behavior, such as electrical issues or a wiring issue. It's best to seek out a professional to identify the issue and then repair it.

Transponder Chip

In cars made after 1995, a small electronic chip, referred to as a transponder is built into the head of your car key. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to stop your engine from starting if another person has a duplicate of your key. It works by sending radio signals from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will then be removed and the engine will be able to 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 duplicate than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a conventional key but not a transponder key. Unlike the remote central locking element of a conventional key which uses battery power, a transponder chip is powered by the infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted by the antenna ring that is located on the ignition cylinder.

To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder has to be turned to the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy which is detected by a microchip in the key. The chip responds by transmitting a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with the one from the transponder chip, and when they match, the engine will start.

If the immobiliser detects that an unauthorised transponder or key is in use it will shut down the engine and stop any of its essential components from functioning. Without a functioning engine the car will not be able to move and it would be very easy for a criminal to connect the vehicle to a hot wire and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent to criminals and is one of the main reasons why it's essential to have your car's key immobiliser fixed immediately you discover any issue with it. If you don't do this then the security light on your car will keep flashing and you will not be able to start it.

Security Light

The immobiliser is powered by a tiny battery that sends an electrical signal to the transponder chip in your key. This is an anti theft device that prevents anyone from starting your vehicle without the proper key. If the system cannot detect a digital serial from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to prevent the car starting.

This system for car immobilisation is an an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can get out of in sync with the key or the transponder chip. This can be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. This could require an adjustment. To do this, disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and Nearest start the car. This will reset the key system so that it is ready to accept keys once more.

The security light is a way of alerting you to a problem. If you try to start your car and the light is solid on it means that the chip in your key repair service doesn't match the code that is stored in the ECU. This could happen in the event that your car's key has been replaced with an alternative key that is not compatible with the vehicle, or when an ECU was swapped in a wrong manner.

If this is the case then it's time to talk to a professional to have the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key due to a software bug or update. To test this, put your key in the ignition and turn it to ON but don't try to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security light to come on and then to go off. If it doesn't then you'll have to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat the process three times and the problem should be solved.

Programming

The car immobiliser stops the engine from running if the fob or key is not properly programmed. It utilizes a specific RFID chip that can't be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. That's why it's so difficult to defeat.

Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or utilize a different 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 hasn't been compromised code. The system won't allow the vehicle to start if it does not receive the correct code. Some models will even report back to the owner in the event that someone attempts to use an incorrect key or fob.

The system isn't completely 100% secure, however. Some thieves have been able to get around the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wires through the wiring of a vehicle, which fools the ECU to believe that the correct key or fob is being used. However, this is extremely risky and requires a great deal of knowledge of how to carry out the procedure without damaging yourself. Modern car thieves are employing more sophisticated methods like Bluetooth or other specialized apps to take over a car's data and remotely control it.

Car owners will frequently notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser that has gone out of control. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but the most frequent causes is due to a damaged or dead battery in the key fob. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery.

If this doesn't work it could be because the transponder chip is defective or the ECU is mismatched. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose because it requires a specialist locksmith for cars or a dealership. The car immobiliser could also be damaged if water manages to enter the system or is physically removed from its fob or key. If any of these problems occur, it's a good idea visit the nearest garage or dealer to seek assistance.