Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most cars are equipped with an immobilizer to prevent theft. If your vehicle isn't starting after inserting the key fob, there could be an issue with a transponder chip that is not sending an encryption code to the immobilizer system.
This is a simple fix for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let's take a look at the different parts of your vehicle's immobiliser to find out what you can do.
Battery
It is crucial to focus on the cost-savings and revenue opportunities of your auto repair shop. You can accomplish this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only help your customers but will also boost the profits of your shop without subletting to the dealership.
Typically the key fob battery powers the remote opening and locking systems. The immobiliser is not powered by the key fob battery. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip that is located in the fob or key. The chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob to the immobilizer module of the car, which can be integrated into the PCM (power control module) BCM (brake control module), instrument cluster, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system will check the code to ensure that it is correct. If the code is not correct the system will disable elements that are crucial to start the car, such as the ignition motor or starter motor. The car will be impossible to start if you do not have the correct key.
Since its inception, the immobiliser has been an extremely effective tool for reducing car theft. Despite this it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to bypass these security measures. One of these strategies is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it can be to hot-wire an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now factoring in the use an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to purchase a car that has this feature. Even cars that are factory-fitted with an immobiliser might have problems. These issues are typically simple and inexpensive to solve. A dead or dying keyfob battery is usually the reason for a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test will reveal this issue. If the issue persists it could be due to other causes of the car's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's best to seek out a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
Transponder Chip
In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a tiny electronic chip referred to transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to stop your engine from starting when another person has an identical key. It works by transmitting an audio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system in your car. If the code in the car's computer matches that signal from the key, it will deactivate the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key with the transponder is also referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key, because it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. Using special techniques, it is feasible to duplicate a standard car key, but not a transponder key. Contrary to the central locking element remote of a conventional key, which uses battery power the transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted by the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder, the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy that is detected by a microchip inside the key. The chip then responds with an individual code to the immobiliser inside your car. The computer in the car analyzes the code stored in its memory with the one on the transponder and when the two codes match it will begin the engine.
The immobiliser will disable the engine in the event of an unauthorised key or transponder. It also blocks all vital components of the vehicle 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 deterrent against criminals and is one of the reasons why it's essential to have your car's key immobiliser repaired immediately you discover any issue with it. If you don't do this, the security light in your car will continue to flash and it will be inaccessible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to send an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This is an anti-theft device that stops anyone from opening your car without the correct key. If the system is unable to detect an electronic serial number from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, which will stop the car starting.
This system for car immobilisation is an an effective way to stop thieves, however it can get out of sync with the key or transponder chip. This could be due interference or the system is too sensitive. This may require an adjustment. To do this, just disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, you can reinstall the battery and restart 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 way of telling you that there is an issue with the system. If the light is on and 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 could happen when your car's key has been replaced by a new key that's not programmed to work with the vehicle, or when an ECU was not swapped correctly.
If this is the situation it is recommended to bring your transponder key or chip to a professional to get them correctly programmed for the vehicle you are driving. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key because of an issue with the software or an update. To test this put your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position but don't attempt to start the engine. Let the key stay in this position for ten minutes. This should cause the security light to turn on and to go off. If it doesn't, you'll need to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat this three times, and the issue is likely to be solved.
Programming
The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running when the fob or key is not programmed correctly. It makes use of a unique RFID micro-chip that can't be duplicated and comes with its own serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged if it doesn't recognise the code. It's difficult to beat.
Modern cars are equipped with this security system in the standard configuration. This makes it very difficult to hot-wire the car or use a different key as a starter. The system works by checking the chip inside the key fob or key and transmitting a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU then knows that it's the correct key and that the passcode hasn't been compromised. The system will not allow the car to begin if it does not receive the correct code. Some models even inform the owner if they attempt to use an incorrect fob or key.
The system is not impervious to attack, but it is. Certain thieves have been able to bypass the immobiliser by using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wire in a vehicle in order to fool the ECU. This method is risky and requires a lot of knowledge to avoid electrocuting oneself. Modern car thieves are also employing more sophisticated methods for instance, Bluetooth or other specialized apps to steal a car's information and remotely control it remotely.
Car owners are often faced with warning lights that indicate the immobiliser is malfunctioning. This could be due to many reasons but the most frequent one is a malfunctioning battery in the keyfob. This problem can be fixed by a simple replacement.
If this doesn't work, it could be that the transponder chip is defective or the ECU is mismatched. This is more difficult to diagnose and fix as it could require a specialist locksmith or dealership. However, a car immobiliser can be damaged by water intrusion, or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If car key repair service of these issues occur, it's a good idea visit a local garage or car dealer for assistance.