What Do You Need To Know To Be Prepared To Car Key Immobiliser Repair
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to prevent car theft. If your vehicle won't start after inserting your key fob it could be an issue with a transponder which isn't sending a security signal to the immobilizer.
This is a quick fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's examine the different components of your vehicle's immobiliser and see what you can do.
Battery
If you're working in the field of auto repair it is crucial to be aware of your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. One way to do this is to offer key fob replacement and reprogramming services 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. The immobiliser isn't powered by the battery in the key fob. The immobiliser is powered by the transponder located in the fob, key or instrument cluster. This chip transmits a passcode 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 then checks the code to make sure it is correct. If the code isn't correct it will disable the components that are essential to start the car, like the ignition motor or starter motor. This makes the car almost impossible to start if you don't have the right key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proven to be an extremely effective tool in decreasing car theft. However, thieves are always looking for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these strategies is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that demonstrates how easy it is to connect hot wires to an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now incorporating in the use an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a car that has this feature. However, even repair car key that were factory-fitted with an immobiliser can experience problems with it. These issues are usually simple and inexpensive to solve. A dying or dead keyfob battery is usually the reason for a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test can reveal this issue. If the issue persists, it could be due to electrical issues or wiring issues. It is best to let a professional diagnose the problem and repair it.
Transponder Chip
In cars manufactured after 1995, a small electronic chip, referred to as transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. Also known as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter and responder key, it is designed to prevent the engine from starting if another person has an exact copy of your car key. It works by transmitting radio signals from the key to your immobiliser. If the code on the car's computer matches that signal transmitted by the key, it will disarm the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin.
The key with 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. With the help of specific techniques, it is feasible to duplicate a standard car key, but not transponder keys. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal, not battery power.
To activate the transponder, the ignition cylinder needs to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst of IR energy which is detected by the microchip within the key. The chip then sends an unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer examines the code in its memory to the transponder's and if the two codes match it will start the engine.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorised transponder or key is in use, it will disable the engine and block any of its vital components from functioning. The car will not move if the engine is not working. It is easy for a criminal hot-wire it and drive off. This is a great security measure against crime, and is why you must have your car's key-immobiliser fixed promptly when it has a problem. If you don't do this, the security light on your car will keep flashing and it will be difficult to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that transmits an electrical signal to the transponder chip in your key. This is an anti theft device that stops anyone from driving your vehicle without the right key. If the system cannot detect a digital serial number from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, which will stop the car from starting.
This system for car immobilisation is an effective in stopping thieves but sometimes it can become out of sync with the key or the transponder chip. This can be due to interference or a system that is too sensitive. This may require a reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reinstall the battery and then restart the vehicle. This will reset the key system so that it is ready to accept your keys again.
The security light is the car immobiliser's method of letting you know that there is a problem with the system. If the light is on and you try to start your car, it means that the code in the ECU does not match the chip inside the key. This could happen if have recently replaced your car key with a different one 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 bring your transponder key or chip to a professional to have them properly programmed for your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key because of an update or software issue. To test this, place your key in the ignition and switch it to ON but don't attempt to start the engine. Let the key stay in this position for ten minutes. The security light should turn on, then turn off. If it doesn't, you'll need to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running when the fob or key are not properly programmed. It is a unique RFID chip that is unable to be copied and is equipped with a digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged in the event that it doesn't recognize the code. It's hard to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it really hard to wire the car hot or use a different key as a starter. The system works by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is aware that it's the right key and that there hasn't be compromised code. The system won't permit the car to start if it doesn't receive the correct code, and some models will even inform the owner if someone tries to use an incorrect key or fob.
The system isn't 100% secure, however. Some thieves have bypassed the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to cause a malfunction in the ECU. This is a risky technique and requires a lot of knowledge to avoid electrocuting oneself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have moved to more sophisticated methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to steal a car's data and remotely control it from their phone.
Owners of cars will often see warning lights that indicate an immobiliser malfunctioning. It can happen for many reasons however the most common reason is a defective battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement can fix the issue.
If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to determine and fix since it may require a professional locksmith or dealership. The car immobiliser could also be damaged if water manages to enter the system or is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If you encounter any of these problems it is a good idea to visit a local car dealer or garage to seek help.
