Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to prevent car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob, there could be an issue with the transponder chip not transmitting a security code to the immobiliser system.
This is a straightforward fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various components of your vehicle (check out here) immobiliser to find out what you can do.
Battery
If you are involved in the auto repair car key fob industry it is essential to focus on your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can accomplish this by offering 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. The immobiliser is not powered by the key fob battery. The immobiliser is powered by a transponder that is located in the key, fob or instrument cluster. This chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer unit in the car, which can be integrated into the PCM (power control module) or BCM (brake control module for brake control) instrument cluster smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system then validates the code to make sure it is correct. If it's not then the system will disable elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, like the ignition or starter motor. This will make the vehicle difficult to start without the right key.
The immobiliser system has been highly effective in decreasing car theft since its introduction. Yet, thieves are constantly looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these techniques is a recent trend known as the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showcased how easy it is to wire a vehicle.
The majority of insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when they calculate premiums, making it more appealing to purchase a car that already has this feature. However, even cars that were factory-fitted with an immobiliser may experience issues with it. Fortunately, these problems are usually easy and cheap to fix. The majority 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 identify the issue. If the issue persists, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It is best to seek out a professional to determine the issue and solve it.
Transponder Chip
In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a tiny electronic chip, referred to as transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. Also referred to as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter & responder key, it is created to stop the engine from starting if a third party has the same key. It works by transmitting a radio frequency from the key to the immobiliser system. If the code stored in the car's computer matches the signal sent from the key, it will disable the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key that has the transponder chip is sometimes called"fob" or a "smart" key because it is much more difficult to copy than a traditional mechanical key. Utilizing specific techniques, it is feasible to duplicate a standard car key however, not a transponder key. Contrary to the remote key repair near me central locking element of a standard key which uses battery power the transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal transmitted through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To turn on the transponder, the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy which is received by a microchip within the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code the immobiliser in your car. The computer in the car examines the code in its memory to the one on the transponder and when the two codes match, it will start the engine.
If the immobiliser detects an unauthorized transponder or key is in use, it will disable the engine and stop any of its essential components from working. The car won't move when the engine isn't functioning. It is easy for a criminal hot-wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent to crime and it is one of the reasons why it's important to have your car key immobiliser repaired immediately you discover any issue with it. If you don't, the security light in your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be difficult for you to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that sends an electric signal to the transponder 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 can't detect a digital serial number from the chip in your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser and stop the car from starting.
The car immobiliser is an excellent method of deterring thieves, but it can sometimes be out of sync. This can be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. If this is the situation, it may need to be reset. To do this simply disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes, then insert it and start the car. This will reset the key system, so that it is ready to accept your keys once again.
The security light is the vehicle immobiliser's method of letting you know that there's an issue with the system. If the light is illuminated and you try to start your car, it is a sign that the code stored in the ECU does not match the chip on the key. This can happen in the event that your car's key has been replaced by an alternative key that is not programmed for the vehicle, or if the ECU was not swapped correctly.
If this is the situation, then it's time to go to a professional to have the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key due to an update or software issue. To test this, place 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 ten minutes. This should cause the security lights to come on and then to go off. If it doesn't you'll need to repeat this procedure and wait another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running when a key or fob is not programmed correctly. It makes use of a unique RFID micro-chip that can't be copied and has its own serial number. The immobiliser will disengage if it doesn't recognise the code. That's why it's so difficult to defeat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to wire a car 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 then able to determine that it's the correct key and that the passcode hasn't been compromised. The system won't allow the car to start if it doesn't have the correct code. Some models will even report back to the owner if someone tries to use an incorrect key or fob.
The system isn't completely impervious to attack, but it is. Some thieves have been able to get around the immobiliser using methods like hot-wiring. This involves crossing the wrong wires within a vehicle's wiring to fool the ECU to believe that the correct key or fob is being used. However, this method is quite risky and requires a great deal of knowledge of how to accomplish it without damaging yourself. Plus, a lot of modern repair car keys near me thieves have switched over to more advanced methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to steal the car's data and then remotely control it from their mobile.
Owners of cars will often notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser gone haywire. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but one of the most frequent is due to a damaged or dead battery on the key fob. A simple replacement can fix the issue.
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 diagnose and fix, as it can involve an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. However, a car immobiliser can also be damaged by water intrusion or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If any of these problems occur, it's a good idea to visit an auto garage or a local dealer to seek assistance.