5 Arguments Car Key Immobiliser Repair Is Actually A Good Thing
5 Arguments Car Key Immobiliser Repair Is Actually A Good Thing
Blog Article
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most vehicles are equipped with an immobilizer that prevents car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob there may be a problem with the transponder chip not sending an authorization code to the immobilizer system.
This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's examine the different components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
If you're in the auto repair business, it is important to concentrate on your shop's revenue 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 your shop's profits without the need to sublet to the dealership.
The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. However, it does not power the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip that is located in the fob or key. This chip transmits a code to the car's immobilizer unit, which may be built into the PCM, BCM, instrument cluster smart junction box, or standalone module. The system then checks the code to ensure that it is correct. If the code is not correct it will disable the components that are crucial to the start of the car, such as the ignition motor or starter motor. This makes the car difficult to start if you don't have the right key.
Since its introduction, the immobiliser has been a very effective tool in decreasing car theft. Even so the thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it can be to hot-wire an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now incorporating the use of an immobiliser to calculate premiums. This makes it more appealing to purchase a car that has this feature. Even cars that are factory fitted with an immobiliser may have issues. These issues are typically simple and cheap to fix. Most times, a faulty immobiliser is caused by an inactive or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test will reveal this issue. 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, also known as a transponder, is built inside the head portion of your car keys. This technology was introduced in cars made after 1995. It is also referred to as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to prevent your engine from starting if someone else has an identical key. It works by transmitting radio signals from the key to your immobiliser system. If the code stored in the car's computer matches the signal transmitted by the key, it will disable the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key that has the transponder chip is sometimes called"fob" or a "smart" key because it is much more difficult to clone than a conventional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a standard key but not a transponder one. Contrary 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 through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder chip the ignition cylinder needs to be turned on. The ring emits IR energy that is received by a microchip within the key. The chip then sends an individual code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer compared the remote key repairs code stored in its memory to the one from the transponder chip and If they are compatible, the engine will start.
The immobiliser shuts down the engine when it detects an unauthorised key or transponder. It also blocks any essential components of the vehicle from working. Without a functioning engine the vehicle won't be able to move, and it will be easy for criminals to connect the vehicle to a hot wire and then drive off. This is an effective deterrent to crime, and is why you should 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 vehicle will continue blinking, and you won't be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to send an electrical signal to the chip that is in 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 digital serial from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, which will stop the car from starting.
The car immobiliser system is an an effective way to stop thieves, but it is also possible for it to become out of connection with the key or the transponder chip. This can be due to interference or the system is too sensitive. This could need the system to be reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and start the car. This will reset the key system, so that it is ready to accept your keys again.
The security light is the car immobiliser's method of letting you know that there is an issue with the system. If the light is illuminated and you try to start your car, it means that the code that is stored in the ECU does not match the chip in the key. This can happen in the event that your car's key was replaced with an alternative key that is not programmed to work with the vehicle, or if the ECU has been swapped incorrectly.
If this is the case, then it's time to go to a professional to have the transponder or key chip properly programmed to your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key due to an update or software issue. To test, insert your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do not attempt to start the car. The key should remain in this position for 10 minutes. This will cause the security light to turn on and to go off. If it does not then you must repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat the process three times and the problem is likely to be solved.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running if the fob or key is not programmed correctly. It is a unique RFID chip that is unable to be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged when it is unable to recognize the code. It's tough to beat.
Modern cars are fitted with this security system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to 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 will then verify that it's the correct key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system won't permit the vehicle to start if it does not receive the correct code. Some models will even notify the owner in the event that someone attempts to use an incorrect key or fob.
The system is not impervious to attack, but it is. 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 into thinking that the correct key or fob is being used. However, this method is extremely dangerous and requires a lot of knowledge of how to accomplish it without electrocuting yourself. Modern car thieves are also employing more sophisticated methods like Bluetooth or other specialized apps to steal a car's information and remotely manage it.
Car owners will frequently notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser that has gone out of control. It can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common is a faulty or dead battery in the key fob. The issue can be solved by an easy replacement.
If this does not work, it could be that the transponder chip may be defective or the ECU is mismatched. This is harder to determine and fix since it could require a specialist locksmith or dealership. However, a car immobiliser can also be damaged due to water intrusion, or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If you experience any of these problems it is a good idea to consult a local car dealer or garage to seek help.