Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
The majority of vehicles have an immobilizer to prevent theft. If your vehicle won't start after inserting the key fob there may be a problem with the transponder chip not sending an encryption code to the immobilizer 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's immobiliser and see what you can do.
Battery
It is essential to focus on the revenue and cost-savings potentials of your auto repair shop. You can achieve this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only help your customers, but it will also increase the profits of your business without having 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 battery in the key fob. The immobiliser is powered by a transponder in the key, fob or instrument cluster. The chip transmits a passcode to the car's immobilizer unit that can be integrated into the PCM, BCM or instrument cluster smart junction box, or standalone module. The system then verifies the code to ensure that it is correct. If it is not then the system will disable parts that are essential to start the vehicle, such as the starter motor or ignition. This will make the car nearly impossible to start without the correct key.
Since its inception, the immobiliser has been a very effective tool in decreasing car theft. Despite this the fact that thieves are always looking for new ways to bypass these security measures. One of these strategies is a recent trend known as the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showcased how easy it is to wire a vehicle.
Most insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums, which makes it more attractive to shop for an automobile that has this feature. Even cars that are factory fitted with an immobiliser might be prone to problems. These issues are usually simple and affordable to fix. A dead or dying keyfob battery can be the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test will uncover the problem. If the issue persists, it could be due to electrical issues or wiring issues. If this is the case, it's best to seek out a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, referred to as transponder, is embedded into the head portion of your car keys. This technology was first introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. It is also referred to as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to stop your engine from starting if another person has an identical key. It works by transmitting an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser system. If the code on the car's computer matches the signal from the key, it will disable the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin.
The key with a transponder can also be referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key due to the fact that it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key but not a transponder one. In contrast to the central locking element remote of a standard key which is powered by batteries, a transponder chip powered by an infrared (IR) signal transmitted through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder must be switched to ON. The ring emits a flash of IR energy which is picked up by the microchip inside the key. The chip then responds with a unique code to the immobiliser of your car. car key remote repair near me examines the code in its memory with the transponder's code and when the two codes match, it will start the engine.
If the immobiliser detects an unauthorised transponder, key or other device is in use, it will disable the engine and block any of its vital components from working. Without a functioning engine the vehicle won't be able to move and it could be easy for criminals to connect the vehicle to a hot wire and drive away. This is a powerful deterrent against criminals and is one of the main reasons why it's important to have your car key immobiliser repaired immediately you discover a fault with it. If you don't fix it, the security light on your car will continue to flash and it will be impossible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser uses a small battery to send an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting the car without the correct keys. If the system is unable to detect a digital serial number from the chip in your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser and stop the car from starting.
This car immobiliser system is an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can be out of sync with the key or the transponder chip. This can be due to interference or the system is too sensitive. This could need an adjustment. To do this simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reinstall the battery and then restart the vehicle. This will reset the key system so that it is ready to accept keys once more.
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 your car and the light stays on, it indicates that the chip inside your key isn't in sync with the code that is stored in the ECU. This can happen if you have recently replaced your car key with another that was not programmed to the vehicle or in the event that you've had a defective swapped ECU.
If this is the case then you need to go to a professional for assistance and get the transponder or key chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It is possible that the system isn't able to accept the key because of a software update or bug. To test this, place your key in the ignition and switch it to ON but don't attempt to start the engine. Let the key stay in this position for 10 minutes. The security light should turn on, and then go off. If it doesn't then you'll have to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue If you repeat the procedure three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser stops the car's engine from operating without a correctly programmed key or fob. It uses a special RFID micro-chip that can't be duplicated and comes with its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working if it does not recognise the code. That's why it's difficult to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it very difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or use a different key for starter. The system works by checking the chip in the key fob or key and sending a passcode back to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU is then able to determine that it's the right 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, and some models will even report back to the owner if a person tries to use an incorrect key or fob.
The system isn't completely 100% secure, however. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser using methods like hot-wiring. This involves crossing the wrong wires in the wiring of a vehicle, which fools the ECU into thinking the proper key or fob is being used. This method is risky and requires a lot of experience to avoid electrocuting oneself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have moved over to more advanced methods like using specialized apps or Bluetooth to take over a car's data and remotely control it using their phones.
Car owners often see warning lights that indicate the immobiliser is malfunctioning. This can happen for various reasons, but one of the most frequent causes is a dead or defective battery in the key fob. This issue can be resolved by a simple replacement.
If this doesn't work, it could be that the transponder chip may be defective or the ECU is not matched. This is more complicated to diagnose and fix because it requires a specialist locksmith for cars or a dealership. However, a car immobiliser can also be damaged due to water ingress or even physically being removed from the fob or key. If any of these problems occur, it's a good idea to visit the nearest garage or dealer for assistance.