Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Today, the majority of vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer to protect against theft of cars. If your vehicle will not start after inserting the key fob it could be due to a problem 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 examine the different components of your vehicle's immobiliser to find out what you can do.
Battery
It is essential to focus on the cost-savings and revenue opportunities of your auto repair shop. One method to achieve this is to offer key fob replacement and reprogramming services to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers, but also increase the profits of your shop without having to sublet to the dealership.
Typically the key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't supply power to the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip on the fob or key. The chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer module of the car, which can be integrated into the PCM (power control module), BCM (brake control module for brake control) instrument cluster, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system will check the code to ensure that it is correct. If the code isn't correct, the system disables components that are essential to the start of the car, such as the ignition or starter motor. The car will be impossible to start if the driver doesn't have the right key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proven to be a very effective tool in reducing the theft of cars. However, thieves are constantly trying to get around these security measures. One of these strategies is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that demonstrates how easy it is to connect hot wires to an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now taking in the use an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to purchase a car that has this feature. However, even vehicles equipped by the manufacturer with an immobiliser can experience issues with it. Fortunately, these problems are usually straightforward and affordable to repair. 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 continues, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It is best to seek out a professional to identify the issue and then solve it.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a small electronic chip referred to transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. It is also referred to as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to prevent the engine from starting when someone else has the same key. It works by transmitting a radio frequency from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the car's computer matches that signal from the key, it will disarm the immobiliser and allow the engine 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 traditional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key but not a transponder one. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal, not battery power.
To activate the transponder the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits a flash of IR energy which is picked up by the 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 if the two codes match it will begin the engine.
The immobiliser will shut down the engine if it detects an unauthorized key or transponder. It will also prevent any vital components of the vehicle from functioning. The car will not move in the event that the engine is not working. It's easy for criminals to wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent to criminals, which is the reason why you should get your car key-immobiliser repaired as soon as you can in the event of a malfunction. 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 send an electrical signal to the chip that is in your key. This is an anti-theft device that prevents anyone from driving your vehicle without the correct key. If the system cannot detect a serial number digital from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, preventing the car from beginning.
The car immobiliser is an excellent way to deter thieves, however it can sometimes be out of sync. This could be due to interference or the system being too sensitive. This may require a reset. To do this, just disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and start the vehicle. This will reset the key system so that it is ready to accept your keys again.
The security light is the car immobiliser's way of telling you that there's an issue with the system. If you try to start the car but the light is solid on it indicates 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 was replaced with an alternative key that is not compatible with the vehicle, or if the ECU has been swapped incorrectly.
If this is the situation it is recommended to take your key or transponder chip to a professional to have them correctly programmed for car key and repair the vehicle you are driving. It is possible that the system will not accept the key due to a software upgrade or bug. To test this put your key in the ignition and switch it to the ON position but don't try to start the engine. Let the key remain in this position for 10 minutes. This will cause the security light to light up and then to turn off. If it does not, you will need to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue If you repeat the procedure three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running if a key or fob is not programmed correctly. It is based on a specific RFID microchip that cannot be duplicated and comes with its own serial number. The immobiliser will be disconnected if it does not recognise the code. It's difficult to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by sending a code from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is aware that it's the right key and hasn't been a compromise in the code. The system won't permit the vehicle to start if it doesn't have the correct code, and some models will even report back to the owner if a person tries to use an incorrect key or fob.
However, the system is not completely secure. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser by using techniques such as 'hot wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires in the wiring of a vehicle to trick the ECU into thinking the correct key or fob is being used. However, this method is pretty risky and requires a lot of experience in order to carry out the procedure without cutting yourself. Modern car thieves are employing more sophisticated methods, like Bluetooth or other apps that steal a car's information and remotely manage it.
Car owners will often get warning lights that signal that the immobiliser has gone off the rails. It can occur for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is a faulty or dead battery in the key fob. This problem can be fixed by an easy replacement.
If this isn't working the transponder chip could be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is more complicated to determine and fix and may require an expert car locksmith or dealership. However, a car immobiliser may also be damaged due to water ingress or even physically being removed from the fob or key. If you experience any of these issues, it is a good idea that you visit an auto dealer in your area or garage to seek help.