The Reasons Car Key Immobiliser Repair Is Greater Dangerous Than You Think
The Reasons Car Key Immobiliser Repair Is Greater Dangerous Than You Think
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Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to protect against theft of cars. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob there could be an issue with the transponder chip not sending an encryption code to the immobilizer system.
This is a quick fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
If you are involved in the auto repair industry it is crucial to focus on your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. You can achieve this by offering 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 sublet the dealership.
Typically the key fob battery powers the remote opening and locking systems. However, it does not power the immobiliser. The immobiliser is powered through the transponder that is located in the fob, key or instrument cluster. This chip transmits a code to the car's immobilizer device, which may be built into the PCM, BCM, instrument cluster smart junction box or standalone module. The system will check the code to make sure it is correct. If it's not it is, the system will shut down elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, such as the starter motor or ignition. This will make the car difficult to start if you don't have the right key.
Since its inception, the immobiliser has been a very effective tool in reducing the theft of cars. However it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to bypass these security measures. One of these strategies is an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showcased how easy it is to hot-wire a vehicle.
Insurance companies are now taking the use of an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a vehicle with this feature. Even vehicles that are factory fitted with an immobiliser may have problems. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy and cheap to repair. A dead or dying keyfob battery can be the reason for a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. This can be confirmed with an easy diagnostic test. If the issue continues, it could be due to electrical issues or wiring issues. If this is the case, it's best to consult a professional for a diagnosis and fix the issue.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, referred to as transponder, is embedded in the head of your car keys. The technology was introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. Also known as a chip key' or a 'transmitter and responder key, it is created to stop the engine from starting if someone else has an exact copy of your car key. It works by sending a radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system in your car. If the code stored in the car's computer matches the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will then be deactivated and the engine will start.
The key with a transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key due to the fact that it is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key. With the help of specific methods, it is possible to copy a standard car key, but not the transponder key. Contrary to the remote central locking element of a conventional key which is powered by batteries the transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder the ignition cylinder must be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy which is received by a microchip inside the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to your car's immobiliser. The car's computer analyzes the code stored in its memory with the one on the transponder and If the two codes are identical it will begin the engine.
The immobiliser will shut down the engine in the event of an unauthorised transponder or key. It will also prevent all vital parts of the car from working. The car won't move when the engine isn't working. It is easy for criminals to wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful security measure against crime, and is the reason why you should get your car key-immobiliser repaired as quickly as possible in the event of a malfunction. If you do not take action then the security light on your car will continue blinking, and you won't be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny battery to send an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This is an anti theft device that blocks anyone from driving your vehicle without the correct key. If the system is not able to recognize a digital serial from the chip on your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to stop the car from starting.
This car immobiliser system is effective in stopping thieves, but it is also possible for it to become out of sync with the key or transponder chip. This can be due to interference or the system being too sensitive. If this is the situation, it may need to be reset. To do this, just disconnect the battery. Leave it disconnected for about 15 minutes, then insert it and start the car. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept your key once more.
The security light is the car immobiliser's way of telling you that there is a problem with the system. If you try to start the car but the light is solid on it indicates that the chip in your key isn't compatible with the code that is stored in the ECU. This can happen if you have recently replaced your car key with one that has not been programmed to your vehicle or when you've had a damaged swapped ECU.
If this is the case 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 isn't accepting the key due to an update or software issue. To test, insert your key in the ignition and turn the ON position. Do not try to start the car. The key should remain in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security lights to come on and then to go off. If it doesn't, you'll have to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue If you repeat the procedure three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser stops the engine of a car from running without a correctly programmed key or fob. It makes use of a unique RFID microchip that isn't able to be copied and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect if it does not recognise the code. That's why it's difficult to defeat.
Modern cars are fitted with this security system in the standard configuration. This makes it very difficult to hot-wire a car or use a different key as a starter. The system works by sending a code from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU then knows that it's the right key and that the passcode hasn't been compromised. The system won't allow the car to begin when it doesn't receive the correct code. Some models even inform the owner if they try to use a wrong fob or key.
However, the system is not impervious to theft. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to cause a malfunction keys repair in the ECU. This method is risky and requires a lot of experience to avoid electrocuting oneself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have shifted to more sophisticated methods, such as using specialized apps or Bluetooth to hijack the car's data and then remotely control it from their phone.
Car owners are often faced with warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This can happen for various reasons, but the most common is a dead or defective battery in the key fob. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery.
If this isn't working the transponder chip could be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to diagnose and fix as it may require a specialist locksmith or dealership. However, a car immobiliser can be damaged by water ingress or even physically being removed from the fob or key. If you experience any of these problems it is a good idea that you visit the local car dealer or garage to seek help.