5. Car Key Immobiliser Repair Projects For Any Budget
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to stop car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob there could be an issue with the transponder chip not transmitting an encryption code to the immobilizer system.
This is a straightforward fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
It is essential to concentrate on the revenue and cost-savings potentials of your auto repair shop. One method to achieve this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but will also boost your shop's profit without having sublet the dealership.
Typically the key fob battery powers the remote opening and locking systems. However, it doesn't power the immobiliser. Instead, key fob repair relies on the transponder chip that is located in the fob or key. This chip transmits a code to the car's immobilizer unit which can be integrated into the PCM, BCM, instrument cluster, smart junction box or standalone module. The system checks the code to ensure it's correct. If it is not it is, the system will shut down parts that are essential to start the vehicle, such as the starter motor or ignition. This makes the car difficult to start without the correct key.
The immobiliser has proven extremely effective at cutting down on car theft since it was first introduced. However the thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these techniques is an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to hot-wire a vehicle.
Insurance companies are now incorporating in the use an immobiliser to calculate premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a car that has this feature. However, even cars equipped by the manufacturer with an immobiliser can experience issues with it. These issues are usually simple and affordable to fix. A dying or dead keyfob battery is usually the cause of a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. This can be determined by a quick diagnostic test. If the issue persists, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It is recommended to let a professional determine the issue and solve it.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a tiny electronic chip referred to transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its goal is to stop the engine from starting when someone else has an identical key. It works by sending an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the car's computer matches that signal from the key, it will deactivate the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key that is equipped with a transponder chip can be referred to as a 'fob' or a "smart" key due to the fact that it is more difficult to copy than a traditional mechanical key. Using specific techniques, it is possible to copy a standard car key but not transponder keys. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal and not battery power.
To activate the transponder chip the ignition cylinder needs to be turned to the ON position. The ring emits a flash of IR energy that is absorbed by the microchip inside the key. The chip then responds with an unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer analyzes the code stored in its memory to the transponder's code and when the two codes match, it will start the engine.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorised transponder, key or other device is in use, it will disable the engine and block any of its essential components from functioning. Without a functioning engine, the car will not be able to move and it could be easy for a criminal to wire the vehicle and then drive away. This is a powerful deterrent against crime and it is one of the reasons why it's essential to have your car's key immobiliser fixed when you spot a fault with it. If you don't fix it, the security light in your car will continue to flash and it will be inaccessible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a tiny battery that transmits an electrical signal to the transponder chip inside your key. This is an anti-theft device that blocks anyone from driving your car without the proper key. If the system is unable to detect a digital serial number from the chip inside your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser, preventing the car from starting.
The car immobiliser system is an an effective way to stop thieves, but it is also possible for it to become out of connection with the key or the transponder chip. This could be due interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. This could need the system to be reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes, then insert it and start the vehicle. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key once more.
The security light is an immobiliser's way of warning you of the presence of a problem. If you try to start the 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 could happen if your car key has been replaced by a new key that's not programmed to work with the vehicle, or if the ECU was swapped in a wrong manner.
If this is the case it is recommended to take your transponder or key chip to a professional to have them properly programmed for your car. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key due to an issue with the software or an update. To test, put your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Don't try to start the vehicle. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. This should cause the security lights to come on and then to go off. If it doesn't work, you'll have to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running if a key or fob is not properly programmed. It utilizes a specific RFID chip that cannot be duplicated and has a unique digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect when it doesn't recognize the code. It's hard to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it very difficult to wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by analyzing the chip inside the key fob or a key and transmitting a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU recognizes that it is the correct key and hasn't been a compromise in the code. The system will not allow the car to start in the event that it does not receive the correct code. Some models even inform the owner if they try to use an unapproved fob or key.
The system isn't impervious to attack, but it is. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wires within the wiring of a vehicle, which fools the ECU into thinking that the correct key or fob is being used. This method is risky and requires extensive knowledge to avoid electrocuting oneself. Modern car thieves are also employing more sophisticated methods such as Bluetooth or other apps that steal a car's information and remotely manage it remotely.
Car owners are often faced with warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser has gone haywire. This can occur for various reasons however the most common one is a malfunctioning battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement should fix this problem.
If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose as it could require a professional locksmith or dealership. However, a car immobiliser may also be damaged by water ingress or even physically being pulled away from the fob or key. If you encounter any of these issues, it is a good idea to visit a local car dealer or garage for assistance.