Why Is There All This Fuss About Car Key Immobiliser Repair?
Why Is There All This Fuss About Car Key Immobiliser Repair?
Blog Article
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 isn't starting after inserting the key fob, there could be a problem with the transponder chip 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 examine the different components of your vehicle's immobiliser to discover what you can do.
Battery
If you are involved in the auto repair industry, it is important to be aware of your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can achieve this by providing key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but will also boost your shop's profit without the need to sublet to the dealership.
Typically the battery for the key fob powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't power the immobiliser. The immobiliser is powered by the transponder in the key, fob or instrument cluster. This chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer unit of 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 examines 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. The car will be impossible to start if you do not have the correct key.
The immobiliser system has been highly effective in decreasing car theft since it was first introduced. However thieves are always looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these strategies is a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showcased how easy it is to wire a vehicle.
The majority of insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser in calculating premiums, which makes it even more appealing to buy cars that already have this feature. However, even cars that came factory-fitted with an immobiliser could face issues with it. These issues are typically simple and cheap to fix. Most of the time an immobiliser that is not working properly is caused by the dying or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test can uncover the problem. If the issue persists, then there might be other causes for the vehicle's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring problem. It is best to let a professional diagnose the problem and fix it.
Transponder Chip
In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a small electronic chip called a transponder is built into the head of your car key. Also known as a 'chip key' or a 'transmitter and responder' key, it is created to stop the engine from starting if a third party has an exact copy of your car key. It works by transmitting radio signals from the key to your immobiliser system. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal transmitted by the key, the immobiliser will be deactivated and the engine will begin to run.
The key that has the transponder chip is sometimes called a 'fob' or a 'smart' key because it is much more difficult to duplicate than a conventional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key, but not a transponder one. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal not battery power.
To activate the transponder the ignition cylinder must be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy that is received by a microchip inside the key. The chip responds with an unique code to the immobiliser inside your car. The car's computer checks the code in its memory with the one from the transponder chip, and when they match the engine will begin to rev.
If the immobiliser detects that an unauthorized transponder or key is car key repair shop in use, it will disable the engine and block any of its essential components from working. The car won't move in the event that the engine is not working. It is easy for criminals to wire it and drive off. This is a powerful deterrent to criminals and is one of the main reasons why it's essential to have your car's key immobiliser repaired when you spot any issue with it. If you don't do this then the security light on your car will continue flashing and you will not be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This is an anti-theft device that prevents anyone from driving your car without the right key. If the system is unable to detect a serial number digital from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, preventing the car from getting started.
This car immobiliser system is an effective way to stop thieves, but it is also possible for it to become out of connection with the key or transponder chip. This could be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. This could require the system to be reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reconnect the battery and restart the car. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept your key again.
The security light is an immobiliser's method of warning you of an issue. If the light is on and you try to start your car, it means that the code in the ECU is not compatible with the chip on the key. This can happen if you have recently replaced your car's key with another that was not programmed to your vehicle or in the event that you've had a defective swapped ECU.
If this is the situation you should bring your transponder key or chip to a professional for them properly programmed for your vehicle. It's possible that your system won't accept the key because of a software update or glitch. To test this, insert your key in the ignition and then turn it to the ON position. Don't try to start the vehicle. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. The security light should turn on, and then go off. If it does not, you will need to repeat this process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should solve the problem when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running if the fob or key are not properly programmed. It uses a special RFID microchip that isn't able to be duplicated and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged if it doesn't recognise the code. That's why it's difficult to defeat.
Modern cars are equipped with this security system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to hot-wire a car or utilize a different key for starter. The system works by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. 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 vehicle to start if it doesn't have the correct code. Some models will even notify the owner if a person tries to use a wrong key or fob.
The system is not 100% secure, however. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle to cause a malfunction in the ECU. This method is risky and requires extensive experience to avoid electrocuting oneself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have switched to more sophisticated methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to take over the car's information and remotely control it from their mobile.
Owners of cars will often be greeted by warning lights that indicate an immobiliser gone haywire. This can occur for many reasons, but the most common one is a malfunctioning battery in the keyfob. A simple repair should resolve this problem.
If this isn't working the transponder chip could be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to determine and fix and may require an expert car locksmith or dealership. A car's immobiliser can be damaged if water manages to get into the system, or if it 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 to seek assistance.