Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to protect against theft of cars. If your vehicle will not start after inserting the key fob it could be an issue with a transponder that's not sending a security message to the immobilizer.
This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's take a look at the different components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
It is important that you concentrate on the cost-savings and revenue opportunities of your auto repair shop. One way to do this is to offer key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but will also boost your shop's profit without the need to sublet to the dealership.
The key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it does not provide power to the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip in the fob or key. The chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob to the immobilizer unit in the car, which could be integrated into the PCM (power control module), BCM (brake control module for brake control) instrument clusters, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system checks the code to make sure it's correct. If it's not, the system will disable elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, like the ignition or starter motor. This will make the car almost impossible to start without the right key.
The immobiliser system has proven highly effective in decreasing car theft since its introduction. However thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it is to connect hot wires to an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now taking in the use an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a car that has this feature. Even clicking here equipped with an immobiliser may be prone to problems. These issues are usually simple and cheap to fix. A dead or dying keyfob battery is usually the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. This can be identified with a quick diagnostic test. If the issue persists, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It is best to have a professional identify the issue and then fix it.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, also known as transponder, is embedded in the head of your car keys. The technology was introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. Also known as a chip key' or a 'transmitter and responder key, it is designed to prevent the engine from starting if someone else has a copy of your car key. It works by transmitting radio signals from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the computer of the car is in line with the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will be removed and the engine will be able to start.
The key with a transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key, because it is more difficult to copy than a 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 must be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy which is picked up by a microchip in the key. The chip responds with an individual code to the immobiliser inside your car. The computer in the car compares the code stored in its memory to the transponder's code and If the two codes are identical, it will start the engine.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorized transponder or key is in use, it will disable the engine and block any of its essential components from functioning. Without a functioning engine, the vehicle won't be able to move, and it would be very easy for criminals to hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away. This is a powerful deterrent to crime, and is why you should have your car's key-immobiliser fixed as quickly as possible when it has a problem. If you don't, the security light in your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be inaccessible for you to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to send an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This device is designed to prevent anyone from starting their car without the proper keys. If the system cannot detect a serial number digital from the chip inside your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser and prevent the car from getting started.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic method of deterring thieves, but it could occasionally be out of sync. This can be due to interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. If this is the situation, it might need to be reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reinstall the battery and restart the vehicle. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept the key again.
The security light is the car immobiliser's way of telling you that there's a problem with the system. If you attempt to start the car and the light stays on it indicates that the chip in your key doesn't match the code stored in the ECU. This can occur in the event that your car's key was replaced with a new key that's 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 for assistance and get the the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It is possible that the system will not accept the key due to a software update or glitch. To test this, insert your key in the ignition and turn the ON position. Do not try to start the vehicle. The key should remain in this position for ten minutes. This should cause the security light to come on and then to go off. If it doesn't work, you'll have to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat the process three times, and the issue should be solved.
Programming
An immobiliser for cars prevents a car's engine from running without a key that is programmed correctly or fob. It uses a special RFID chip that cannot be duplicated and has a unique digital serial number. The immobiliser will disengage when it is unable to recognize the code. It's difficult to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or utilize a different key for starter. The system works by sending a code from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU then knows that it's the correct key and that the code isn't compromised. The system won't permit the car to start if it doesn't have the correct code, and some models will even notify the owner if a person tries to use an unapproved fob or key.
However the system isn't impervious to theft. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser with techniques such as 'hot wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wire in an automobile to cause a malfunction in the ECU. This is a risky technique and requires a lot of knowledge to avoid electrocuting oneself. Modern car thieves are employing more sophisticated methods like Bluetooth or other apps that steal a car's information and remotely control it.
Owners of cars will often see warning lights that indicate an immobiliser gone haywire. This can happen for various reasons, but one of the most frequent is due to a damaged or dead battery in the key fob. A simple replacement should fix this problem.
If this doesn't work, it could be that the transponder chip is defective or the ECU is not compatible. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose and may require an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. However, a car's immobiliser may also be damaged by water intrusion or even being removed from the fob or key. If any of these issues occur, it's a good idea visit a local garage or car dealer for assistance.