A Complete Guide To Car Key Immobiliser Repair Dos And Don'ts
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer to protect against theft of cars. If your vehicle won't start after inserting the key fob, there may be a problem with a transponder chip that is not transmitting a security 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 parts of your vehicle's immobiliser to see what you can do.
Battery
If you are in the auto repair business it is essential to focus on your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. One way to do this is to offer key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers, but also increase your shop's profits, without having to sublet to the dealership.
The key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. remote key fob repair isn't powered by the battery in the key fob. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip that is located in the key or fob. The chip transmits a code from the key or fob to the immobilizer module of the car, which could be integrated into the PCM (power control module) BCM (brake control module), instrument clusters smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system will check the code to ensure it is correct. If it's not it is, the system will shut down components crucial to starting the vehicle, like the starter motor or ignition. This will make the vehicle difficult to start if you don't have the right key.
Since its introduction, the immobiliser has been an extremely effective tool in reducing car theft. Despite this the fact that thieves are always looking for new ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods includes a recent trend known as the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to connect a vehicle with hot wires.
Insurance companies are now taking the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to buy a car with this feature. Even vehicles that are factory fitted with an immobiliser might be prone to problems. Fortunately, these problems are usually simple and inexpensive to fix. Most of the time an immobiliser that is not working properly is caused by an inactive or dead key fob battery. This can be confirmed with a quick diagnostic test. If the issue persists it could be due to other reasons for the car's behavior, such as electrical issues or a wiring issue. It is recommended to have a professional determine the issue and repair it.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, called a transponder, is built into the head portion of your car keys. The technology was introduced in cars made after 1995. Also referred to as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter and responder' key, it is designed to prevent the engine from starting if someone else has the same key. It works by transmitting the radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system in your car. If the code stored in the computer of the car is in line with the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will be removed and the engine will start.
The key that has a transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a standard key, but not a transponder key. Contrary to the remote central locking element of a conventional key, which uses battery power, a transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted by the antenna ring that is located on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder the ignition cylinder needs to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy which is picked up by a microchip within the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The computer in the car compares the code stored in its memory with the transponder's code and if the two codes match it will begin the engine.
If the immobiliser detects that an unauthorized transponder or key is in use, it will disable the engine and prevent any of its vital components from working. Without a functioning engine the car will not be able to move and it will be easy for criminals to hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off. This is a great deterrent to criminals, which is the reason why you should get your car's key-immobiliser fixed as soon as you can in the event of a malfunction. If you don't do this, the security light on your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be impossible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip that is in your key. This anti-theft device prevents anyone from starting their car without the correct keys. If the system cannot detect a serial number digital from the chip inside your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, preventing the car from beginning.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic method of deterring thieves, but it can sometimes be out of the sync. This can be caused by interference or the system being too sensitive. This may require an adjustment. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reinstall the battery and then restart the vehicle. This will reset the key system to ensure that it is ready to accept keys once more.
The security light is the vehicle immobiliser's method of letting you know that there's an issue with the system. If you attempt to start the car but the light stays on, it indicates that the chip inside your key doesn't match the code stored in the ECU. This can happen in the event that your car's key was replaced with a new one that is not programmed to work with the vehicle, or when an ECU has been swapped incorrectly.
If this is the case it is recommended to take your key or transponder chip to a professional for them properly programmed for your car. 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 the ON position but don't attempt to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. This should cause the security lights to turn on and to go off. If it doesn't you'll need to repeat this procedure and wait another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser prevents the car's engine from operating without a key that is programmed correctly or fob. It is a unique RFID chip that can't be copied and is equipped with a digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged if it doesn't recognise the code. This is why it's so hard to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it very difficult to wire the car hot or use a different key for starter. The system works by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU knows it's the correct key and that it doesn't have to been a compromise in the code. The system will not allow the car to start when it doesn't receive the correct code. Some models even inform the owner if they attempt to use an incorrect fob or key.
However the system isn't foolproof. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser using methods like 'hot-wiring.' This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle to cause a malfunction in the ECU. This is a risky method and requires a lot of expertise to avoid electrocuting yourself. Modern car thieves are also employing more sophisticated methods, like Bluetooth or other apps that obtain information about a vehicle and remotely control it.
Car owners often see warning lights that indicate an immobiliser malfunctioning. This can happen for various reasons, but one of the most frequent is a faulty or dead battery in the key fob. This issue can be resolved by a simple replacement.
If this doesn't work the transponder chip could be defective or mismatched with the ECU. It is more difficult to diagnose and fix and may require an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. A car immobiliser may also be damaged if water is able to enter the system or is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If any of these problems occur it's recommended to visit a local garage or car dealer for assistance.