How To Find Out If You're Ready To Car Key Immobiliser Repair
How To Find Out If You're Ready To Car Key Immobiliser Repair
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Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Today, the majority of vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer to stop car theft. If your vehicle won't start after inserting the key fob it could be a problem with a transponder that's not sending a security message to the immobiliser.
This is a straightforward fix for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let's take a look at the different parts of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
It is important that you concentrate on the revenue and cost-savings potentials of your auto repair shop. 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 having sublet the dealership.
Typically, the key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser isn't powered by the key fob battery. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip located on the fob or key. This chip sends a passcode to the immobilizer unit of the car which can be integrated into the PCM, BCM, instrument cluster smart junction box, or standalone module. The system checks the code to make sure that it is correct. If it is not it is, the system will shut down parts that are essential to start the vehicle, like the starter motor or ignition. This will make the vehicle almost impossible to start if you don't have the right key.
Since its introduction the immobiliser has proved to be a very effective tool in decreasing car theft. However the thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these techniques is a recent trend known as 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 car that has this feature. However, even vehicles that were factory-fitted with an immobiliser may experience problems with it. These issues are usually simple and affordable to fix. Most of the time the issue is caused by the dying or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test can reveal this issue. If the problem persists then it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It's best to seek out a professional to identify the issue and then solve it.
Transponder Chip
In cars manufactured after 1995, a small electronic chip called a transponder is built into the head of your car key. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its goal is to prevent your engine from starting when another person has the same key. It works by sending a radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system of your car. If the code stored in the car's computer is in line with the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will then be removed and the engine will be able to start.
The key with a transponder is also referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key due to the fact that it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. Utilizing specific techniques, it is feasible to copy a standard car key, but not the transponder key. In contrast to the remote central locking element of a conventional 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 has to be turned to the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy that is received by a microchip in the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to your car's immobiliser. The computer in the car examines the code in its memory to 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, key or other device is in use, it will disable the engine and block the essential components from functioning. The car won't move when the engine isn't working. It's easy for a criminal hot-wire it and drive off. This is a powerful way to deter crime, and is one of the reasons why it's essential to have your car key immobiliser repaired immediately you discover an issue. If you don't, the security light in your car will keep flashing and it will be inaccessible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a tiny battery that transmits an electrical signal to the transponder chip in your key. This is an anti theft device that prevents anyone from starting your car without the right key. If the system is not able to recognize a digital serial number from the chip on your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser to prevent the car from starting.
This car immobiliser system is effective in stopping thieves, however it can be out of connection with the key or transponder chip. This can be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. This could need the system to be reset. To do this simply disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes, then insert it and begin the car. This will reset the key system to ensure that it is ready to accept your keys once again.
The security light is a way of alerting you to the presence of a problem. If you attempt to start your car and the light stays on it means that the chip inside your key doesn't match the code that is stored in the ECU. This can happen if your car key was replaced with a new key that's not compatible with the vehicle, or when an ECU was not swapped correctly.
If this is the situation, then it's time to go to a professional and have the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It is possible that the system will not accept the key due to a software update or glitch. To test, insert your key into the ignition and then turn it to the ON position. Don't try to start the car. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. The security light should come on, then go off. If it doesn't, you will need to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue if you repeat it three times.
Programming
An immobiliser for cars prevents the engine of a car from running without a properly programmed key or fob. It uses a special RFID chip that cannot be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disconnected in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. It's tough auto key repair to beat.
Modern cars come with this security system by default. This makes it extremely difficult to wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by sending a passcode 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 start when it doesn't receive the correct code. Certain models will even notify the owner if they attempt to use an unapproved fob or key.
The system isn't foolproof, however. Some thieves have been able to get around the immobiliser using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wires within a vehicle's wiring to fool the ECU into thinking the correct key or fob is being used. This is a risky technique and requires extensive knowledge 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 take over a car's data and remotely control it using their phones.
Car owners will frequently see warning lights that indicate an immobiliser that has gone out of control. This could be due to many reasons, but the most common one is a malfunctioning battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement should fix this issue.
If this isn't working the transponder chip could be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more complicated to diagnose and fix and may require an expert car locksmith or dealership. However, a car's 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 to visit a local car dealer or garage to seek help.