5 Reasons Car Key Immobiliser Repair Is Actually A Good Thing
5 Reasons Car Key Immobiliser Repair Is Actually A Good Thing
Blog Article
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most cars are equipped with an immobilizer to prevent theft. If your vehicle won't start after inserting the key fob, it could be a problem with a transponder which isn't sending a security signal to the immobiliser.
This is a straightforward fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various parts of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
It is essential to focus on the cost-savings and revenue opportunities that your auto repair shop. You can do this by providing key fob replacements and reprogramming for 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 doesn't power the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip located in the fob or key. The chip transmits a code 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 for brake control), instrument cluster, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system then validates the code to ensure it is correct. If the code is not correct it will disable the components that are essential to the start of the car, such as the starter motor or ignition. This will make the car almost impossible to start if you don't have the right key.
The immobiliser system has proven extremely effective at reducing car theft since its introduction. However it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these strategies is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok, which shows how easy it can be to hot-wire an automobile.
Many insurance companies are now incorporating in the use of an immobiliser when calculating rates, which makes it even more appealing to shop for an automobile that has this feature. Even vehicles that are factory fitted with an immobiliser might have issues. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy and cheap to repair. The majority of the time an immobiliser that is not working properly is caused by an inactive or dead key fob battery. This can be identified with an easy diagnostic test. If the issue continues to persist it could be due to other causes of the car's irregular behavior, such as electrical issues or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's best to seek out a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, referred to as transponder, is incorporated into the head portion of your car keys. This technology was first introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its goal is to prevent the engine from starting when another person has a duplicate of your key. It works by sending radio signals from the key to your immobiliser. If the code in the car's computer matches the signal from the key, it will deactivate the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin.
The key that has the transponder chip is often referred to as a 'fob' or a smart key because it is more difficult to copy than a traditional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a traditional 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 a blast of IR energy that is picked up by the microchip inside the car key repair shop key. The chip then responds with a unique code to the immobiliser inside your car. The car's computer compares the code in its memory with that from the transponder chip, and if they match the engine will begin to rev.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorised transponder or key is in use, it will disable the engine and prevent the essential components from working. Without a functioning engine, the car will not be able to move and it could be easy for criminals to wire the vehicle and then drive away. This is a powerful way to deter crime and it is one of the reasons why it's essential to have your car's key immobiliser repaired as soon as you notice any issue with it. If you don't do this, the security light in your car will continue to flash and it will be difficult to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that sends an electric signal to the transponder chip inside your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting their car without the proper keys. If the system can't detect a serial number digital from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser and prevent the car from beginning.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic method to deter thieves, however it can sometimes be out of in sync. This could be due interference or the system is too sensitive. If this is the situation, it may need to be reset. To do this simply disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes, then insert it and start the vehicle. This will reset the key system, so that it is ready to accept keys once more.
The security light is the vehicle immobiliser's method of letting you know that there's a problem with the system. If you attempt to start the car but the light is solid on it means that the chip inside your key isn't in sync with the code that is stored in the ECU. This could happen in the event that your car's key has been replaced with a new one that is not programmed for the vehicle, or when an ECU has been swapped incorrectly.
If this is the case you should take your key or transponder chip to a professional to get them correctly programmed for the vehicle you are driving. It's possible that your system will not accept the key due to a software update or glitch. To test this put your key in the ignition and switch it to ON but don't try to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. The security light should come on, then turn off. If it doesn't you'll need to repeat this procedure and wait another 10 minutes. Do this three times and the problem will be resolved.
Programming
The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running if a key or fob is not properly programmed. It makes use of a unique RFID microchip that isn't able to be duplicated and comes with its own serial number. The immobiliser will disengage if it doesn't recognise the code. That's why it's difficult to beat.
Modern cars are equipped with this security system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to connect the car to a hot wire or use a different key as a starter. The system operates by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU then knows that it's the right key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system won't allow the vehicle to start if it does not receive the correct code. Some models will even inform the owner in the event that someone attempts to use an incorrect fob or key.
However it isn't completely secure. Certain thieves have been able to get around the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wiring in an automobile to trick the ECU. This is a risky method and requires a lot of knowledge to avoid electrocuting oneself. Modern car thieves are also using more advanced methods, like Bluetooth or specialised apps to obtain information about a vehicle and remotely control it.
Car owners are often faced with warning lights that signal that the immobiliser has gone haywire. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but the most frequent is a dead or defective 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 difficult to determine and fix, as it can involve an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. However, a car's immobiliser may also be damaged by water intrusion, or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If any of these issues occur it's a good idea to visit the nearest garage or dealer for assistance.