7 Things You've Never Learned About Car Key Immobiliser Repair
7 Things You've Never Learned About Car Key Immobiliser Repair
Blog Article
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
The majority of vehicles have an immobilizer to prevent theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob, there could be an issue with the transponder chip not transmitting an authorization code to the immobilizer system.
This is a straightforward fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's examine the different components of your vehicle's immobiliser and find out what you can do.
Battery
If you are working in the field of auto repair it is essential to concentrate on your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can achieve this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming for your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also increase the profits of your shop without the need sublet the dealership.
The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't supply power to the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip that is located in the key or fob. This chip sends a passcode to the car's immobilizer unit that can be integrated into the PCM, BCM or instrument cluster smart junction box, or standalone module. The system examines the code to ensure it is correct. If it's not, the system will disable parts that are essential to start the vehicle, such as the starter motor or ignition. This will make the vehicle nearly impossible to start if you don't have the right key.
The immobiliser system has proven extremely effective in decreasing car theft since its introduction. Despite this it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods includes a recent trend known as the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to wire a vehicle.
Insurance companies are now taking in the use an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to purchase a vehicle with this feature. Even vehicles that are factory-fitted with an immobiliser might have issues. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy and cheap to solve. A dying or dead keyfob battery is usually the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. This can be determined by an instant diagnostic test. If the problem persists then it could be due to electrical issues or wiring issues. It is best to have a professional identify the issue and then repair it.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a small electronic chip referred to a transponder is built into the head of your car key. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to stop the engine from starting when another person has an identical key. It works by transmitting a radio frequency from the key to the 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 be able to start.
The key with the transponder chip is often referred to as a 'fob' or a smart key because it is more difficult to duplicate than a conventional mechanical key. Using specific methods, it is possible to duplicate a standard car key but not the transponder key. Unlike the central locking element remote of a standard key which is powered by batteries, a transponder chip powered by the infrared (IR) signal transmitted by the antenna ring that is located on the ignition cylinder.
To turn on the transponder, the ignition cylinder must be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy which is received by a microchip inside the key. The chip then sends an unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The computer in the car examines the code in its memory to the transponder's code and if the two codes match, it will start the engine.
The immobiliser shuts down the engine when it detects an unauthorised key or transponder. It also blocks all vital components of the vehicle from working. Without a functioning engine the vehicle will not be able to move and it will be easy for a criminal to connect the vehicle to a hot wire and then drive away. This is a powerful deterrent to crime, and is why you must have your car's key-immobiliser fixed promptly if it develops a fault. If you do not take action and the security light on your car will keep flashing and you will not be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a tiny battery that sends an electric signal to the transponder chip in your key. This anti-theft device prevents anyone from starting their car without the correct keys. If the system is unable to detect a digital serial from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to stop the car starting.
The car immobiliser system is an an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can be out of in sync with the key or transponder chip. This can be due to interference or the system being too sensitive. This may need an adjustment. To do this, just disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reconnect the battery and then restart the vehicle. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept your key again.
The security light is the vehicle immobiliser's method of letting you know that there's a problem with the system. If you try to start your car and the light is solid on it indicates that the chip in your key isn't in sync with the code that is stored in the ECU. This could happen if you have recently replaced your car's key with a different one that has not been programmed to the vehicle, or when you've had a damaged swapped ECU.
If this is the situation, it's best to take your transponder or key chip to a professional to have them correctly programmed for the vehicle you are driving. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key because of an update or software issue. To test this, place 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 10 g28carkeys minutes. This will cause the security light to turn on and to turn off. If it doesn't then you'll need to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Do this three times and the problem will be resolved.
Programming
The car immobiliser stops the engine from running when the fob or key is not programmed correctly. It is a unique RFID chip that cannot be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working if it doesn't recognise the code. It's difficult to beat.
Modern cars are fitted with this security system in the standard configuration. This makes it extremely difficult to hot-wire the car or use another key for starter. The system works by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU recognizes that it is the correct key and that there hasn't been a compromise in the code. The system will not allow the car to start if the does not receive the correct code, and some models will even inform the owner if a person tries to use an unapproved fob or key.
However, the system is not foolproof. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser by using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wires in the wiring of a vehicle to trick the ECU to believe that the proper key or fob is being used. However, this is pretty risky and requires a lot of experience in order to accomplish it without cutting yourself. Modern car thieves are using more advanced methods, for instance, Bluetooth or specialised apps to steal a car's information and remotely control it.
Car owners will often get warning lights that indicate the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This could be due to various reasons however the most common one is a faulty battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement should fix this problem.
If this doesn't work the transponder chip could be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose, as it can involve a specialist car locksmith or dealership. A car's immobiliser can be damaged if water manages to get into the system or is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If any of these problems occur, it's a good idea to visit the nearest garage or dealer for assistance.