Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to protect against theft of cars. If your vehicle will not start after inserting the key fob, it could be a problem with a transponder that's not sending a security signal to the immobiliser.
This is a quick fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's take a look at the different parts of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
If you're working in the field of auto repair, it is important to concentrate on your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can achieve this by providing key fob replacements and reprogramming for your customers. This will not only help your customers but also boost the profits of your business 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 through the transponder in the key, fob or instrument cluster. The chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer unit of the car, which 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 then checks the code to make sure it is correct. If the code is not correct the system will disable components that are essential to start the car, like the ignition motor or starter motor. The car will be nearly impossible to start if you don't have the correct key.
The immobiliser system has proven extremely effective in reducing car theft since it was first introduced. Even so, thieves are constantly trying to get around these security measures. One of these techniques is a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to connect a vehicle with hot wires.
The majority of insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser in calculating premiums, which makes it more attractive to purchase an automobile that has this feature. Even cars equipped with an immobiliser may have issues. Fortunately, these issues are usually straightforward and affordable to fix. The majority times the issue is the result of a dead or dying key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test could identify the issue. If the issue continues to persist it could be due to other reasons for the car's behavior, such as electrical problems or a wiring issue. It is recommended to seek out a professional to determine the issue and fix it.
Transponder Chip
In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a small electronic chip referred to transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. Also known as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter & responder' key, it is created to stop the engine from starting if another person has an exact copy of your car key. It functions by sending an audio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system inside your car. 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 chip is sometimes called a 'fob' or a smart key due to the fact that it is more difficult to duplicate than a conventional mechanical key. Using specific methods, it is possible to copy a standard car key however, not a transponder key. Contrary to the central locking element remote of a conventional key that relies on battery power, a transponder chip powered by the infrared (IR) signal transmitted by the antenna ring that is located on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst of IR energy which is absorbed by the microchip in the key. The chip responds with an individual code to the immobiliser in your car. 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.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorised transponder or key is being used, it will disable the engine and prevent the essential components from working. Without a functioning engine the car will not be able to move and it will be easy for criminals to hot-wire the vehicle and drive away. This is a powerful deterrent to criminals and is one of the main reasons why it is essential to get your car's key immobiliser fixed immediately you discover any issue with it. If you don't take this action then the security light on your vehicle will continue blinking, and you won't be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This is an anti theft device that prevents anyone from driving your vehicle without the proper key. If key fob repair service is unable to detect a digital serial number from the chip in your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser and stop the car from beginning.
The car immobiliser system is an an effective way to stop thieves, however it can become out of sync with the key or transponder chip. This can be due to interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. This could need an adjustment. To do this, disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes, then insert it and begin the car. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key again.
The security light is the car immobiliser's way of telling you that there is an issue with the system. If you try to start your car and the light is solid on it indicates that the chip in your key isn't in sync with the code that is stored in the ECU. This could happen if have recently replaced your car key with another that isn't programmed to the vehicle, or if you've had a bad swapped ECU.
If this is the case then you need to go to a professional to have the transponder or key chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It's possible that your system will not accept the key due to a software upgrade or glitch. To test, put your key in the ignition and turn the ON position. Do not attempt to start the vehicle. The key should remain in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security lights to turn on and to go off. If it doesn't then you must repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue if you repeat it three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser stops the engine from running when the fob or key is not properly programmed. It is a unique RFID chip that cannot be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working in the event that it doesn't recognize the code. That's why it's so difficult to defeat.
Modern cars are equipped with this security system by default. This makes it really hard to hot-wire the car or use a different key for starter. The system operates by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is aware that it's the right key and hasn't been compromised code. The system won't allow the car to start when it doesn't receive the correct code. Some models even notify the owner if they try to use a wrong fob or key.
However it isn't foolproof. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser with techniques such as 'hot wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle to trick the ECU. This is a risky technique and requires a lot of experience to avoid electrocuting oneself. In addition, many modern car thieves have moved over to more advanced methods like using specialized apps or Bluetooth to take over the car's information and remotely control it using their phone.
Owners of cars will often see warning lights that indicate an immobiliser malfunctioning. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but one of the most frequent causes is a faulty or dead battery in the key fob. A simple repair should resolve this problem.
If this doesn't work it could be because the transponder chip is faulty or the ECU is not matched. This is harder to fix and diagnose as it could require a professional locksmith or dealership. The car immobiliser could also be damaged if water manages to enter the system or is physically removed from its fob or key. If you experience any of these issues, it is a good idea to visit the local car dealer or garage to seek help.