Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer to prevent car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting your key fob it could be an issue with a transponder which isn't 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 parts of your vehicle's immobiliser and find out what you can do.
Battery
If you are involved in the auto repair industry, it is important to be aware of your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. You can achieve this by providing key fob replacements as well as reprogramming your customers. This will not only benefit your customers, but will also boost your shop's profit without having sublet the dealership.
Typically the battery for the key fob powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't supply power to the immobiliser. The immobiliser is powered by a transponder that is located in the fob, key or instrument cluster. The chip transmits a passcode to the car's immobilizer unit, which may be built into the PCM, BCM, the instrument cluster smart junction box or standalone module. The system then validates the code to ensure that it is correct. If the code is incorrect the system will disable elements that are crucial to starting the car, such as the ignition or starter motor. The car will be impossible to start if you don't have the correct key.
Since its inception, the immobiliser has been a very effective tool in decreasing car theft. Even so the thieves are always trying to get around these security measures. One of these techniques is an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to hot-wire a vehicle.
Insurance companies are now taking the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to buy a car with this feature. However, even vehicles equipped by the manufacturer with an immobiliser can experience issues with it. Fortunately, these problems are usually simple and inexpensive to repair. The majority of the time an immobiliser that is not working properly is caused by an inactive or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test can identify the issue. If the problem persists it could be due to other causes for the vehicle's misbehaviour, including electrical problems or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's recommended to seek out a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, called transponder, is incorporated in the head of your car keys. The technology was introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to prevent your engine from starting if another person has the same key. It works by transmitting a radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system of your car. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will be removed 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 copy than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key but not a transponder key. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal and not battery power.
To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder needs to be switched to ON. The ring emits a blast of IR energy which is absorbed by the microchip inside the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer checks the code stored in its memory with the one from the transponder chip and If they are compatible the engine will be able to start.
The immobiliser will shut down the engine if it detects an unauthorized key or transponder. key fob repairs stops any vital components of the vehicle from functioning. Without a functioning engine, the vehicle won't be able to move, and it would be very easy for a criminal to wire the vehicle and then drive off. This is a powerful way to deter crime and it is one of the main reasons why it is essential to get your car's key immobiliser repaired when you spot a fault with it. If you do not take action and the security light on your car will continue blinking, and you won't be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that sends an electrical signal to the transponder chip in your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting their car without the proper keys. If the system is unable to detect a digital serial from the chip on your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser, which will stop the car starting.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic method to deter thieves, but it could occasionally be out of the sync. This could be due to interference or the system being too sensitive. If this is the case, it might need to be reset. To do this simply disconnect the battery. Leave it disconnected for about 15 minutes, then insert it and start the car. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key again.
The security light is the car immobiliser's method of letting you know that there's an issue with the system. If you attempt to start the car but the light stays on it indicates that the chip in your key doesn't match the code stored in the ECU. This could happen when your car's key was replaced with a new one that is not programmed to work with the vehicle, or when an ECU was not swapped correctly.
If this is the case it is recommended to bring your transponder key or chip to a professional for them properly programmed for your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key due to an issue with the software or an update. 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 lights to light up and then to turn off. If it doesn't work, you'll need to repeat the procedure and wait another 10 minutes. Do this three times and the problem should be solved.
Programming
The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running when a key or fob is not properly programmed. It makes use of a unique RFID micro-chip that can't be copied and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect when it doesn't recognize the code. It's hard to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it difficult to hot-wire a car or utilize a different key for starter. The system works by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. 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 when it doesn't receive the correct code. Some models even inform the owner if they attempt to use an incorrect fob or key.
However it isn't impervious to theft. Some thieves have been able to bypass the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wire in a vehicle to fool the ECU. This is a risky method and requires a lot of knowledge to avoid electrocuting oneself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have shifted over to more advanced methods like using specialized apps or Bluetooth to take over the car's data and then remotely control it using their phones.
Car owners will frequently be greeted by warning lights that indicate an immobiliser malfunctioning. It can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most frequent is a faulty or dead battery on the key fob. A simple repair should resolve the issue.
If this doesn't work, the transponder chip might be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to determine and fix since it may require a professional locksmith or dealership. However, a car's immobiliser can be da
