10 Unexpected Car Key Immobiliser Repair Tips
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most cars are equipped with an immobilizer that prevents car theft. If your vehicle will not start after inserting your key fob, it could be a problem with a transponder that isn't sending a security message to the immobiliser.
This is a straightforward fix for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let's take a look at the different components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
It is essential to concentrate on the revenue and cost-savings potentials of your auto repair shop. One way to do this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers, but it will also increase the profits of your shop without subletting to the dealership.
The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. However, it does not power the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser is dependent on the transponder chip that is located on the fob or key. This chip sends a passcode to the car's immobilizer device 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 that it is correct. If the code isn't correct the system will disable components that are crucial to starting the car, such as the starter motor or ignition. This makes the car difficult to start without the correct key.
The immobiliser system has been extremely effective at cutting down on car theft since its first introduction. However the fact that thieves are always looking for new ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these strategies is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that demonstrates how easy it can be to hot-wire an automobile.
Insurance companies are now incorporating the use of an immobiliser to calculate premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a car that has this feature. Even cars that are factory-fitted with an immobiliser may be prone to problems. These issues are usually simple and cheap to fix. The majority of the time, a faulty immobiliser is the result of the dying 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 have a professional diagnose and fix the problem.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, called transponder, is embedded into the head portion of your car keys. This technology was introduced in cars made after 1995. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to stop the engine from starting when another person has an identical key. It works by transmitting an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the car's computer matches the signal transmitted by the key, it will disable the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key with a transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to duplicate than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a standard key, but not a transponder one. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal, not battery power.
To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder has to be switched to ON. The ring emits a blast of IR energy which is absorbed by the microchip inside the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer compared the code stored in its memory with the one from the transponder chip and If they are compatible the engine will be able to start.
If the immobiliser detects that an unauthorised transponder or key is in use it will shut down the engine and block any of its essential components from working. Without a functioning engine, the car will not be able to move, and it will be easy for criminals to wire the vehicle and then drive away. Read Home is an effective deterrent to crime, and is why you must have your car's key-immobiliser fixed as quickly as possible if it develops a fault. If you don't fix it, the security light in your car will keep flashing and it will be inaccessible for you to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that sends an electric signal to the transponder chip in your key. This device is designed to prevent anyone from starting the car if they don't have the proper keys. If the system is not able to recognize a digital serial from the chip on your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser to prevent the car starting.
The car immobiliser system is an effective in stopping thieves, however it can become out of connection with the key or the transponder chip. This could be due 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. Leave it disconnected for about 15 minutes before reinstalling it and start the car. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key once more.
The security light is the vehicle immobiliser's method of letting you know that there's a problem with the system. If you try to start the car and the light is solid on it means that the chip in your key isn't compatible with the code that is stored in the ECU. This could happen in the event that your car's key was replaced with a new key that's not programmed to work with the vehicle, or if an ECU was swapped in a wrong manner.
If this is the case it is recommended to take your key or transponder chip to a professional to get them properly programmed for your vehicle. It is possible that the system will not accept the key due to a software update or glitch. To test this, put your key in the ignition and switch it to ON but don't try to start the engine. The key should remain in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security lights to turn on and to go off. If it doesn't work, you'll need to repeat the procedure and wait another 10 minutes. This should solve the problem if you repeat it three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser prevents the car's engine from operating without a key that is programmed correctly or fob. It utilizes a specific RFID chip that is unable to be duplicated and has a unique digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disconnected in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. This is why it's so hard to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it really hard to hot-wire the car or use a different key as a starter. The system works by analyzing the chip inside the key fob or key and sending a passcode back to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU recognizes that it is the correct key and hasn't been compromised code. The system will not allow the car to start if the does not receive the correct code, and some models will even notify the owner in the event that someone attempts to use a wrong fob or key.
However, the system is not foolproof. Some thieves have been able to bypass the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wires in a vehicle's wiring to fool the ECU to believe that the proper key or fob is being used. But, this technique is pretty risky and requires a great deal of experience to carry out the procedure without electrocuting yourself. Additionally, many modern car thieves have switched to more sophisticated methods like using specialized apps or Bluetooth to take over the car's data and then remotely control it via their mobile.
Car owners are often faced with warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but one of the most frequent causes is a faulty or dead battery in the key fob. A simple replacement can fix this problem.
If this does not work, it could be that the transponder chip is faulty or the ECU is not compatible. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose as it could require a professional locksmith or dealership. However, a car's immobiliser may also be damaged due to water intrusion or even being removed from the fob or key. If you encounter any of these problems, it is a good idea that you visit a local car dealer or garage for assistance.