It's Time To Expand Your Car Key Immobiliser Repair Options
It's Time To Expand Your Car Key Immobiliser Repair Options
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 prevent car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob, there may be a problem with a transponder chip that is not sending an encryption code to the immobiliser 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 vehicle immobiliser to find out what you can do.
Battery
If you're involved in the auto repair industry it is essential to focus on your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. One method to achieve this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also increase the profits of your shop without the need to sublet to the dealership.
Typically the battery for the key fob powers the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser isn't powered by the key fob battery. The immobiliser is powered by the transponder in the key, fob or instrument cluster. The chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob to the immobilizer module of the car. It can be integrated into the PCM (power control module) or BCM (brake control module for brake control), instrument cluster smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system then verifies the code to make sure it is correct. If it's not it is, the system will shut down components crucial to starting the vehicle, such as the ignition or starter motor. The car will be nearly impossible to start if you do not have the right key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proven to be an extremely effective tool for reducing car theft. Even so thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these techniques is a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to hot-wire a vehicle.
The majority of insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when they calculate premiums, making it even more appealing to shop for a car that already has this feature. Even vehicles that are factory-fitted with an immobiliser may have issues. Fortunately, these problems are usually straightforward and affordable to solve. A dead or dying keyfob battery is typically the reason for a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. This can be identified with an easy diagnostic test. If the issue continues, it could be due to electrical issues or wiring issues. It's best to have a professional identify the issue and then repair it.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, called transponder, is incorporated inside the head portion of your car keys. This technology was introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. Also known as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter & responder key, it's created to stop the engine from starting if someone else has a copy of your car key. It works by transmitting a radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system inside your car. If the code stored in the car's computer is in line with the signal sent 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 due to the fact that it is more difficult to duplicate than a conventional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a conventional key, but not a transponder one. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal, not battery power.
To activate the transponder, the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy that is received by a microchip inside the key. The chip responds by transmitting a unique code to your car's immobiliser. The computer in the car examines the code in its memory with the one on the transponder 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 essential components from working. The car will not move in the event that the engine is not functioning. 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 key-immobiliser repaired as quickly as possible if it develops a fault. If you don't do this then the security light on your car will keep blinking, and you won't be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that sends an electrical signal to the transponder chip inside your key. This is an anti theft device that prevents anyone from opening your car without the proper key. If the system is unable to detect an electronic serial number from the chip on your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to prevent the car starting.
The car immobiliser is a great method to deter thieves, but it can sometimes get out of in sync. This could be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. This could require a reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. Leave it disconnected for about 15 minutes then reinsert it and begin the car. This will reset the key system to ensure that it is ready to accept keys once more.
The security light is the car immobiliser's way of telling you that there's an issue with the system. If the light is on when you try to start your car, it means that the code that is stored in the ECU is not compatible with the chip inside the key. This could happen if you have recently replaced the car key with one that isn't programmed to your vehicle or when you've had a damaged swapped ECU.
If this is the case, then it's time to talk to a professional and have the the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It's possible that your system isn't able to accept the key due to a software upgrade or bug. To test, insert your key in the ignition and turn the ON position. Do not try to start the car. Let the key stay in this position for ten minutes. The security light should come on, then go off. If it doesn't, you'll need to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Do this three times and the problem is likely to be solved.
Programming
An immobiliser for cars prevents the engine of a car from running without a correctly programmed key or fob. It uses a special RFID micro-chip that can't be copied and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will disengage if it doesn't recognise the code. That's why it's so difficult to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it very difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or utilize a different key for starter. The system works by sending a code from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU recognizes that it is the correct key and hasn't been a compromise in the code. The system won't allow the car to begin in the event that it does not receive the correct code. Some models even notify the owner key lock repair near me if they try to use an unapproved fob or key.
The system isn't completely foolproof, however. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser by using methods like hot-wiring. This involves crossing the wrong wires through a vehicle's wiring to fool the ECU into thinking the proper key or fob is being used. But, this technique is pretty dangerous and requires a lot of experience in order to carry out the procedure without cutting yourself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have moved to more sophisticated methods like using specialized apps or Bluetooth to steal the car's data and then remotely control it via their phone.
Car owners are often faced with warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser is malfunctioning. This could be due to various reasons but the most frequent one is a malfunctioning battery in the keyfob. The issue can be solved by a simple replacement.
If this doesn't work, the transponder chip might be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to diagnose and fix as it could require an expert locksmith or a dealership. The car immobiliser could also be damaged if water manages to get into the system or is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If you experience any of these problems it is a great idea that you visit a local car dealer or garage for assistance.