The Reasons Car Key Immobiliser Repair Is More Dangerous Than You Thought

Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming – Why Your Car Won't Start Most cars are equipped with an immobilizer system that stops car theft. If your vehicle won't start after inserting the key fob there may be a problem with the transponder chip not sending a security code to the immobilizer system. This is a quick fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's take a look at the different parts of your vehicle's immobiliser and see what you can do. Battery If you are working in the field of auto repair it is crucial 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 help your customers but will also increase the profits of your business without having 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 is dependent on the transponder chip in the key or fob. The chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob to the immobilizer module of the car, which could be integrated into the PCM (power control module) or BCM (brake control module) instrument cluster, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system examines the code to ensure it is correct. If the code is incorrect, the system disables components that are essential to starting the car, like the starter motor or ignition. This will make the vehicle difficult to start if you don't have the right key. The immobiliser system has proven extremely effective at cutting down on car theft since its first introduction. However, thieves are always looking for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it can be to hot-wire an automobile. Many insurance companies are now incorporating in the use of an immobiliser in calculating premiums, which makes it even more appealing to shop for an automobile that has this feature. Even cars that are factory fitted with an immobiliser could have issues. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple and inexpensive to fix. A dying or dead keyfob battery can be the reason for a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test will uncover the problem. If the issue continues, it could be due to electrical issues or wiring issues. It is recommended to seek out a professional to determine the issue and fix it. Transponder Chip In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a tiny electronic chip, referred to as transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. Also referred to as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter & responder key, it's created to stop the engine from starting if someone else has an exact copy of your car key. It functions by sending an audio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system of your car. If the code in the car's computer matches that signal transmitted by the key, it will disable the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin. The key that is equipped with a transponder chip is often referred to as a 'fob' or a “smart” key because it is more difficult to clone than a traditional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a conventional key, but not a transponder key. Unlike the remote central locking element of a conventional key which is powered by batteries, a transponder chip powered by an infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder. To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder has to be switched to ON. The ring emits a burst IR energy which is picked up by a microchip within the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer compared the code in its memory with the one from the transponder chip and If they are compatible the engine will begin to rev. The immobiliser shuts down the engine if it detects an unauthorized key or transponder. It will also prevent any vital parts of the car from working. Without a functioning engine, the vehicle won't be able to move, and it would be very easy for a criminal to hot-wire the vehicle and drive away. This is a powerful deterrent to crime and it is one of the reasons why it's essential to have your car's key immobiliser fixed immediately you discover an issue. If you don't fix it, the security light on your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be difficult to start your engine. Security Light The immobiliser uses a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This is an anti theft device that prevents anyone from starting your car without the proper key. If the system is unable to identify a digital serial number from the chip in your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser and prevent the car from beginning. The car immobiliser system is an an effective way to stop thieves, but it is also possible for it to become out of in sync with the key or the transponder chip. This can be due to interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. This may require a reset. To do this, just disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes before reinstalling it and begin 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 way of telling you that there is an issue with the system. If you try to start the car but the light stays on, it indicates that the chip inside your key doesn't match the code that is stored in the ECU. This can occur in the event that your car's key was replaced with a new key that's not compatible with the vehicle, or if the ECU has been swapped incorrectly. If this is the situation you should take your key or transponder chip to a professional to have them properly programmed for your car. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key due to an update or software issue. To test this, insert your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do not attempt to start the car. Let the key remain in this position for ten minutes. The security light should turn on, and then go off. If it doesn't work, you'll need to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. Repeat this three times, and the issue 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 is a unique RFID chip that cannot be copied and is equipped with a digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. That's why it's difficult to beat. Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it difficult to hot-wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by sending a code from the key fob to the ECU. how to repair car key lock is then able to determine that it's the right key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system will not allow the car to start if it does not receive the correct code. Some models will even notify the owner if a person tries to use a wrong key or fob. The system isn't completely foolproof, however. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser with techniques like 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires within a vehicle's wiring to fool the ECU to believe that the proper key or fob is being used. However, this method is pretty risky and requires a lot of knowledge of how to do it without electrocuting yourself. Modern car thieves are employing more sophisticated methods like Bluetooth or other specialized apps to obtain information about a vehicle and remotely control it. Owners of cars will often be greeted by warning lights that indicate an immobiliser that has gone out of control. This can happen for various reasons, but the most frequent causes is a faulty or dead battery in the key fob. This issue can be resolved by an easy replacement. If this isn't working the transponder chip could be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is more complicated to fix and diagnose because it requires a specialist locksmith for cars or a dealership. However, a car's immobiliser can be damaged by water intrusion or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If you encounter any of these problems it is a good idea to consult an auto dealer in your area or garage for assistance.