Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most vehicles are equipped with an immobilizer that prevents car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob there may be a problem with a transponder chip that is not transmitting a security 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 immobiliser to discover what you can do.
Battery
It is crucial to concentrate on the profit and cost-saving opportunities of your auto repair shop. You can accomplish this by providing key fob replacements as well as reprogramming your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also increase your shop's profits without subletting to the dealership.
Typically, the key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it does not supply power to the immobiliser. The immobiliser is powered by a transponder in the fob, key or instrument cluster. This chip sends a passcode to the car's immobilizer device which can be integrated into the PCM, BCM, instrument cluster smart junction box, or standalone module. The system then checks the code to ensure it is correct. If the code is not correct the system will disable elements that are crucial to starting the car, such as the starter motor or ignition. The car will be impossible to start if you do not have the correct key.
Since its inception, the immobiliser has been a very effective tool in reducing car theft. However, thieves are always looking for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these strategies is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it is to connect hot wires to an automobile.
electronic car key repair in the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums, which makes it more attractive to buy an automobile that has this feature. Even cars that are factory fitted with an immobiliser could have issues. Fortunately, these issues are usually straightforward and affordable to solve. Most of the time an immobiliser that is not working properly is the result of a dead or dying key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test can reveal this issue. If the problem persists then it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It is best to have a professional diagnose the problem and fix it.
Transponder Chip
In cars manufactured after 1995, a small electronic chip called a transponder is built into the head of your car key. It is also referred to as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its goal is to prevent your engine from starting when another person has an identical key. It works by sending a radio frequency from the key to your immobiliser. If the code in the car's computer matches that signal transmitted by the key, it will disarm the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key that has the transponder chip is often referred to as a 'fob' or a "smart" key because it is much more difficult to duplicate than a traditional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key but not a transponder key. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal not battery power.
To activate the transponder chip the ignition cylinder needs to be turned on. The ring emits a burst IR energy that is detected by a microchip in the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with the transponder's and when the two codes match it will begin the engine.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorized transponder or key is in use it will shut down the engine and block any of its vital components from working. The car won't move if the engine is not functioning. It would be easy for a criminal hot-wire it and then drive off. This is an effective security measure against crime, and is why you must have your car key-immobiliser repaired as quickly as possible if it develops a fault. If you don't take this action, the security light on your car will continue flashing and you will not be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that sends an electrical signal to the transponder chip in your key. This is an anti theft device that prevents anyone from opening your car without the right key. If the system cannot detect an electronic serial number from the chip on your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, which will stop the car from starting.
This system for car immobilisation is an effective in stopping thieves, however it can be out of connection with the key or transponder chip. This can be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. If this is the case it may need to be reset. To do this simply disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes, then insert it and begin the car. This will reset the key system to ensure that it is ready to accept keys once more.
The security light is the car immobiliser's method of letting you know that there is an issue with the system. If you try to start the car and the light stays on, it means that the chip in your key doesn't match the code that is stored in the ECU. This can occur when your car's key has been replaced with a new one that is not programmed for the vehicle, or when an ECU was swapped in a wrong manner.
If this is the situation, then you need to go to a professional for assistance and get the the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It's possible that the system will not accept the key due to a software update or bug. To test this, place your key in the ignition and turn it to ON but don't attempt to start the engine. The key should remain in this position for ten minutes. The security light should come on, then go off. If it doesn't work, you'll have to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser stops the engine from running if a key or fob is not programmed correctly. It uses a special RFID chip that is unable to be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will disengage when it is unable to recognize the code. This is why it's so hard to defeat.
Modern cars come with this security system as standard. This makes it very difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or use a different key as a starter. The system works by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is aware that it's the right key and that it doesn't have to been compromised code. The system will not allow the vehicle to start if it doesn't have the correct code, and some models will even report back to the owner if someone tries to use an incorrect fob or key.
However it isn't impervious to theft. Some thieves have been able to bypass the immobiliser by using methods like hot-wiring. This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle to fool the ECU. However, this is quite dangerous and requires a lot of experience to accomplish it without damaging yourself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have switched to more sophisticated methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to take over the car's data and then remotely control it via their phone.
Owners of cars will often see warning lights that indicate an immobiliser gone haywire. It can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most frequent is a dead or defective battery on the key fob. A simple replacement can fix this problem.
If this doesn't work it could be because the transponder chip is faulty or the ECU is not compatible. It is more difficult to fix and diagnose and may require a specialist car locksmith or 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 visit a local garage or car dealer for assistance.