Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most vehicles are equipped with an immobilizer to prevent theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting your key fob, it could be a problem with a transponder which isn't sending a security signal to the immobiliser.
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 car's immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
If you are working in the field of auto repair it is essential to be aware of your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. You can accomplish this by providing key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers, but also increase your shop's profits, without having to sublet to the dealership.
The key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser isn't powered by the key fob battery. The immobiliser is powered through the transponder that is located in the key, fob or instrument cluster. car key fob repairs near me 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) BCM (brake control module) instrument cluster smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system then validates the code to ensure that it is correct. If it's not then the system will disable components crucial to starting the vehicle, like the starter motor or ignition. The car will be nearly impossible to start if you do not have the right key.
The immobiliser has proven extremely effective in cutting down on car theft since its introduction. Despite this it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok, which shows how easy it is to wire an vehicle.
Many insurance companies are now incorporating in the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums, making it more attractive to purchase cars that already have this feature. Even cars that are factory fitted with an immobiliser might be prone to problems. Fortunately, these issues are usually straightforward and affordable to fix. Most times an immobiliser that is not working properly is caused by a dead or dying key fob battery. This can be identified with an easy diagnostic test. If the issue continues, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. If this is the case, it's best to have a professional diagnose and fix the problem.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a tiny electronic chip called transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to stop the engine from starting when another person has the same key. It works by transmitting a radio frequency from the key to the immobiliser system. If the code in the car's computer is in line with the signal sent from the key, it will disarm the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin.
The key that is equipped with a transponder chip can be referred to as"fob" or a 'smart' key because it is more difficult to copy than a conventional mechanical key. Using specific techniques, it is possible to copy a standard car key however, not transponder keys. Unlike the central locking element remote of a conventional key which uses battery power, a transponder chip is powered by the infrared (IR) signal transmitted through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder needs to be turned to the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy that is received by a microchip within the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to your car's immobiliser. The car's computer checks the code in its memory with that from the transponder chip and If they are compatible the engine will begin to rev.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorised transponder or key is in use it will shut down the engine and prevent any of its vital components from functioning. The car will not move when the engine isn't functioning. It's easy for a criminal hot-wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful security measure against crime, and is the reason why you should get your car key-immobiliser repaired promptly in the event of a malfunction. If you don't do this then the security light on your vehicle will continue blinking, and you won't be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This device is designed to prevent anyone from starting the car if they don't have the correct keys. If the system is not able to recognize a digital serial from the chip on your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser, which will stop the car from starting.
This car immobiliser system is an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can be out of in sync with the key or transponder chip. This could be due interference or the system is too sensitive. If this is the situation, it could be necessary to reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and start the car. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept your key once more.
The security light is the vehicle immobiliser's way of telling you that there's an issue with the system. If the light is on when you try to start your car, it is a sign that the code in the ECU is not compatible with the chip on the key. This can occur in the event that your car's key was replaced with an alternative key that is not programmed for the vehicle, or if an ECU was swapped in a wrong manner.
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. It is possible that the system won't accept the key due to a software update or glitch. To test this, insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do not attempt to start the vehicle. The key should remain in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security light to come on and then to go off. If it doesn't, you will need to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat this three times and the issue should be solved.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running when the fob or key is not properly programmed. It is based on a specific RFID microchip that cannot be copied and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working if it does not recognise the code. It's difficult to beat.
Modern cars are equipped with this security system by default. This makes it very difficult to wire the car hot or use another key for starter. The system works by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU knows it's the correct key and hasn't been compromised code. The system won't permit the car to start if the does not receive the correct code. Some models will even report back to the owner if a person tries to use a wrong fob or key.
The system is not 100% secure, however. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser by using techniques like 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires within a vehicle's wiring to fool the ECU into thinking the proper key or fob is being used. But, this technique is pretty risky and requires a great deal of knowledge of how to carry out the procedure without cutting yourself. Modern car thieves are also employing more sophisticated methods, for instance, Bluetooth or other specialized apps to obtain information about a vehicle and remotely control it remotely.
Car owners will often get warning lights that signal that the immobiliser is malfunctioning. This can happen for various reasons, but one of the most frequent causes is a dead or defective battery on the key fob. The issue can be solved by an easy replacement.
If this doesn't work it could be because the transponder chip is faulty or the ECU is not compatible. This is more difficult to diagnose and fix as it may require a specialist locksmith or dealership. However, a car immobiliser can also be damaged by water ingress or even physically being removed 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.