Why Car Key Immobiliser Repair Is A Lot A Lot More Hazardous Than You Thought
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Nowadays, all vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to protect against theft of cars. If your vehicle won't start after inserting your key fob, it could be an issue with a transponder that's not sending a security signal to the immobilizer.
This is a straightforward fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's take a look at the different elements of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
If you are involved in the auto repair industry it is crucial to focus on your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can accomplish this by providing key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but will also add to the profits of your business without having to sublet to the dealership.
The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser isn't powered by the key fob battery. Instead, the immobiliser is dependent on the transponder chip that is located on the fob or key. The chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer unit of the car. It can be integrated into the PCM (power control module) or BCM (brake control module for brake control) instrument cluster smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system then checks the code to make sure it is correct. If remote key fob repair 's not it is, the system will shut down components crucial to starting the vehicle, such as the starter motor or ignition. The car will be impossible to start if the driver doesn't have the right key.
Since its inception, the immobiliser has been an extremely effective tool for reducing car theft. Yet the thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these strategies is an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to hot-wire a vehicle.
Insurance companies are now incorporating in the use an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to buy a car with this feature. However, even vehicles that came factory-fitted with an immobiliser can experience problems with it. These problems are often easy and cheap to fix. A dying or dead keyfob battery can be the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. This can be identified with an instant diagnostic test. If the problem persists then it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It's best to let a professional identify the issue and then fix it.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, called 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 another person has a copy of your car key. It works by sending radio signals from the key to the immobiliser system. If the code in the car's computer matches that signal transmitted by the key, it will deactivate the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key that is equipped with a transponder chip is often referred to as a 'fob' or a "smart" key because it is more difficult to copy than a traditional mechanical key. Utilizing special techniques, it is possible to copy a standard car key but not the transponder key. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal not battery power.
To activate the transponder the ignition cylinder must be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy which is received by a microchip in the key. The chip then responds with a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The computer in the car examines the code in its memory with the one on the transponder and if the two codes match it will start the engine.
If the immobiliser detects an unauthorised transponder or key is being used, it will disable the engine and stop any of its vital components from working. Without a functioning engine the vehicle won't be able to move, and it will be easy for a criminal to connect the vehicle to a hot wire and then drive off. This is a powerful way to deter crime and it is one of the main reasons why it's important to have your car's key immobiliser fixed as soon as you notice an issue. If you do not take action then the security light on your car will keep flashing and you will not be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip that is in your key. This anti-theft device prevents anyone from starting the car without the proper keys. If the system cannot identify a digital serial number from the chip inside your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser and prevent the car from starting.
The car immobiliser is a great way to deter thieves, however it can occasionally be out of sync. This could be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. This could require the system to be reset. To do this simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, you can reinstall the battery and restart the car. This will reset the key system so that it is ready to accept your keys again.
The security light is an immobiliser's method of alerting you to an issue. If the light is illuminated and you try to start your vehicle, it indicates that the code in the ECU is not compatible with the chip in the key. This can happen if you have recently replaced your car key with another that has not been programmed to the vehicle, or in the event that you've had a defective swapped ECU.
If this is the situation it is recommended to take your key or transponder chip to a professional for them properly programmed for your car. It is possible that the system won't accept the key due to a software update or bug. To test this, insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do not attempt to start the vehicle. The key should remain in this position for ten minutes. The security light should turn on, then turn off. If it does not, you will need to repeat this process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser prevents the engine of a car from running without a properly programmed key or fob. It is a unique RFID chip that can't be duplicated and has a unique digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged in the event that it doesn't recognize the code. It's difficult to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it really hard to wire the car hot or use another key for starter. The system works by checking the chip in the key fob or a key and sending a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU then knows that it's the correct key and that the code hasn't been compromised. 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 attempt to use a wrong fob or key.
The system isn't completely foolproof, however. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser using methods like 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wiring in an automobile to cause a malfunction in the ECU. This is a risky method and requires extensive expertise to avoid electrocuting yourself. Additionally, many modern car thieves have shifted over to more advanced methods like using specialized apps or Bluetooth to steal the car's information and remotely control it using their phones.
Car owners will often get warning lights that indicate the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This can occur for various reasons but the most frequent one is a malfunctioning battery in the keyfob. A simple repair should resolve this issue.
If this doesn't work, it could be that the transponder chip may be defective or the ECU is not compatible. This is more difficult to determine and fix since it could require a specialist locksmith or dealership. However, a car's immobiliser can be damaged by water intrusion, or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If you experience any of these problems, it is a good idea to visit the local car dealer or garage for assistance.