Car Key Immobiliser Repair Tips That Can Change Your Life
Car Key Immobiliser Repair Tips That Can Change Your Life
Blog Article
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most cars are equipped with an immobilizer to prevent theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob there could be a problem with a transponder chip that is not sending an encryption code to the immobiliser system.
This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various parts of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
It is important that you concentrate on the cost-savings and revenue potentials of your auto repair shop. One method to achieve this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming services to your customers. This will not only help your customers but will also increase the profits of your shop without subletting to the dealership.
The key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't power the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip located in the key or fob. This chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer unit in the car. It can be integrated into the PCM (power control module) BCM (brake control module for brake control) instrument clusters, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system will check the code to ensure it's correct. If the code isn't correct the system will disable elements that are crucial to the start of the car, such as the ignition motor or starter motor. This will make the vehicle nearly impossible to start without the correct key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proved to be a very effective tool in reducing the theft of cars. Despite this it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these strategies is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it is to wire an automobile.
Insurance companies are now taking in the use an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a car that has this feature. However, even cars that came factory-fitted with an immobiliser could face problems with it. These issues are typically simple and cheap to fix. Most times, a faulty immobiliser is the result of an inactive or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test could identify the issue. If the problem persists and continues to recur, there could be other causes for the vehicle's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's recommended to have a professional diagnose and fix the problem.
Transponder Chip
In cars manufactured after 1995, a tiny electronic chip, referred to as transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. Also known as a chip key or a 'transmitter and responder key, it is designed to stop the engine from starting if someone else has an exact copy of your car key. It works by transmitting a radio frequency from the key to your immobiliser system. If the code on the car's computer is in line with the signal from the key, it will disarm the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin.
The key that has a transponder can also be referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key, but not a transponder one. Unlike the remote central locking element of a standard key which is powered by batteries, a transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal transmitted by the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
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 detected by the microchip inside the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code the immobiliser in your car. The computer in the car compares the code stored in its memory with the one on the transponder and when the two codes match it will begin the engine.
If the immobiliser detects an unauthorised transponder, key or other device is being used repair broken car key it will shut down the engine and prevent any of its vital components from working. The car will not move if the engine is not working. It would be easy for a criminal to hot-wire it and drive off. This is an effective security measure against crime, and is why you must have your car's key-immobiliser fixed promptly in the event of a malfunction. 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 uses a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. It is an anti-theft device that blocks anyone from driving your car without the correct key. If the system cannot detect a digital serial number from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, preventing the car from getting started.
The car immobiliser is an excellent method of deterring thieves, however it can sometimes get out of in sync. This could be due to interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. If this is the case it could be necessary to reset. To do this, just disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and begin the car. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept your key once more.
The security light is an immobiliser's method of alerting you to an issue. If you attempt to start the car but the light stays on it indicates that the chip in your key isn't compatible with the code stored in the ECU. This could happen if you have recently replaced the car key with one that was not programmed to the vehicle, or in the event that you've had a defective swapped ECU.
If this is the situation, it's best to bring your transponder key or chip to a professional to have them correctly programmed for the vehicle you are driving. It's possible that the system isn't able to accept the key due to a software update or bug. To test, put your key into the ignition and turn the ON position. Don't try to start the car. The key should remain in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security lights to light up and then to turn off. If it doesn't then you'll have to repeat the procedure and wait another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue if you repeat it three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running if a key or fob is not properly programmed. It uses a special RFID chip that can't be duplicated and has a unique digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. It's difficult to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it very difficult to hot-wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by analyzing the chip inside the key fob or key and transmitting a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU is then able to determine that it's the correct key and that the code isn't compromised. The system will not allow the car to start when it doesn't receive the correct code. Some models even notify the owner when they attempt to use a wrong fob or key.
However it isn't completely secure. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser by using techniques such as 'hot wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle to cause a malfunction in the ECU. However, this is pretty risky and requires a lot of experience to accomplish it without cutting yourself. Modern car thieves are also employing more sophisticated methods like Bluetooth or specialised apps to obtain information about a vehicle and remotely manage it.
Car owners often notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser that has gone out of control. It can happen for various reasons however the most common one is a malfunctioning battery in the keyfob. This issue can be resolved by a simple replacement.
If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is harder to diagnose and fix as it may require a specialist locksmith or dealership. However, a car's immobiliser may also be damaged due to water ingress or even physically being pulled away from the fob or key. If any of these issues occur, it's a good idea visit a local garage or car dealer to seek assistance.