Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most cars are equipped with an immobilizer to prevent theft. 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 for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let's examine the different elements of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
It is crucial to focus on the revenue and cost-savings opportunities that your auto repair shop. You can achieve this by offering key fob replacements as well as reprogramming your customers. This will not only benefit your customers, but also increase the profits of your shop, 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 by the transponder in the fob, key or instrument cluster. The chip transmits a code from the fob or key to the immobilizer unit of the car. It can 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 examines the code to ensure it's correct. If it is not then the system will disable elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, such as the starter motor or ignition. This will make the vehicle almost impossible to start if you don't have the right key.
The immobiliser system has been extremely effective in reducing car theft since its first introduction. Even so thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods includes a recent trend known as the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showcased how easy it is to wire a vehicle.
Insurance companies are now factoring in the use an immobiliser to calculate premiums. This makes it more appealing to buy a car with this feature. Even cars that are factory fitted with an immobiliser might have issues. These issues are usually simple and affordable to fix. Most times the issue is caused by the dying or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test can identify the issue. If agree with this continues to persist, then there might be other reasons for the car's irregular behavior, such as electrical problems or a wiring issue. It is recommended to have a professional determine the issue and solve it.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, also known as transponder, is embedded in the head of your car keys. The technology was introduced in cars manufactured after 1995. Also referred to as a 'chip key' or a 'transmitter and responder' key, it is designed to stop the engine from starting if a third party has the same key. It works by transmitting an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser system. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will then be disarmed and the engine will be able to start.
The key with the transponder can also be referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to duplicate than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a standard 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 transmitted by the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder chip the ignition cylinder needs to be switched to ON. The ring emits IR energy which is received by a microchip within the key. The chip responds by transmitting a unique code to your car's immobiliser. The car's computer compared the code stored in its memory with that from the transponder chip, and If they are compatible, the engine will start.
The immobiliser will disable the engine in the event of an unauthorised transponder or key. It also blocks any essential parts of the car from working. Without a functioning engine, the vehicle won't be able to move, and it will be easy for a criminal to connect the vehicle to a hot wire and drive away. This is an effective deterrent to criminals, which is the reason why you should get your car key-immobiliser repaired promptly in the event of a malfunction. If you don't fix it, the security light on your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be inaccessible for you to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser uses a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip that is in your key. This is an anti theft device that blocks anyone from driving your car without the correct 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 stop the car from getting started.
The car immobiliser is an excellent method of deterring thieves, however it can sometimes get out of sync. This could be due to interference or the system being too sensitive. This may require an adjustment. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reinstall the battery and then restart the vehicle. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key again.
The security light is an immobiliser's way of alerting you to a problem. If the light is on and you attempt to start your car, it means that the code in the ECU does not match the chip on the key. This can occur if your car key was replaced with a new key that's not compatible with the vehicle, or if an ECU was swapped in a wrong manner.
If this is the case, it's best to take your transponder or key chip to a professional to get them correctly programmed for the vehicle you are driving. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key because of a software bug or update. To test agree with this put your key in the ignition and turn it to ON but don't try to start the engine. Let the key remain in this position for 10 minutes. The security light should come on, then turn off. If it does not then you must repeat this process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser stops the engine of a car from running without a correctly programmed key or fob. It uses a special RFID micro-chip that can't be copied and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disconnected when it doesn't recognize the code. That's why it's so difficult to defeat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it difficult to wire a car or use a different key as a starter. The system works by analyzing the chip inside the key fob or key and transmitting a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU is aware that it's the right key and that it doesn't have to been a compromise in the code. The system won't permit the vehicle to start if it does not receive the correct code, and some models will even inform the owner if a person tries to use an incorrect key or fob.
However the system isn't impervious to theft. Some thieves have bypassed the immobiliser using methods like 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires in the wiring of a vehicle to trick the ECU into thinking that the appropriate fob or key is being used. This method is risky and requires extensive experience to avoid electrocuting oneself. In addition, many modern car thieves have shifted to more sophisticated methods, such as using specialized apps or Bluetooth to take over a car's data and remotely control it using their phone.
Car owners are often faced with warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This can occur for many reasons however the most common one is a faulty battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement can fix this issue.
If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more complicated to diagnose and fix, as it can involve an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. However, a car's immobiliser can 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 to visit a local garage or car dealer for assistance.