Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Today, the majority of vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to stop car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting your key fob it could be due to a problem with a transponder that's not sending a security message to the immobilizer.
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 essential to focus on the revenue and cost-savings opportunities of your auto repair shop. You can achieve this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming for your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but will also boost your shop's profit, without having sublet the dealership.
The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser is not powered by the key fob battery. The immobiliser is powered by a transponder located in the fob, key or instrument cluster. This chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob to the immobilizer unit of the car, which could 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 verifies the code to ensure it is correct. If the code is not correct it will disable the components that are crucial to the start of the car, such as the ignition or starter motor. This makes the car nearly impossible to start without the correct key.
Since its introduction the immobiliser has proven to be an extremely effective tool in decreasing car theft. However, thieves are always looking for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these techniques is a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to connect a vehicle with hot wires.
Most insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums, which makes it even more appealing to purchase a car that already has this feature. Even vehicles that are factory fitted with an immobiliser might be prone to problems. These issues are typically simple and affordable to fix. Most times an immobiliser that is not working properly is caused by an inactive or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test can reveal this issue. If the problem persists and continues to recur, there could be other reasons for the car's irregular behavior, such as electrical issues or a wiring issue. It is best to let a professional identify the issue and then fix it.
Transponder Chip
In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a tiny electronic chip referred to 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 a copy of your car key. It works by sending an audio signal from the key to the immobiliser system. If the code stored in the car's computer matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will be disarmed and the engine will be able to start.
The key with the transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key but not a transponder one. key fob repair to the central locking element remote of a standard key which is powered by batteries the transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal that is 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 blast of IR energy that is absorbed by the microchip in the key. The chip then responds with a unique code to the immobiliser inside your car. The computer in the car compares the code stored in its memory to the one on the transponder and if the two codes match it will begin the engine.
If the immobiliser detects an unauthorised transponder or key is in use it will shut down the engine and block any of its essential components from functioning. The car will not move if the engine is not functioning. It would be easy for a criminal to hot-wire it and drive off. This is an effective security measure against crime, and is the reason why you should get your car's key-immobiliser repaired as soon as you can if it develops a fault. If you don't do this then the security light on your car will keep blinking, and you won't be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This device is designed to prevent anyone from starting their car without the proper keys. If the system cannot identify a digital serial number from the chip inside your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser and prevent the car from starting.
The car immobiliser is an excellent method to deter thieves, but it could sometimes be out of sync. This could be due to interference or the system is too sensitive. This could need an adjustment. To do this, disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reconnect the battery and restart the vehicle. This will reset the key system to ensure that it is ready to accept your keys again.
The security light is a way of alerting you to the presence of a problem. If the light is illuminated and you try to start your car, it means that the code that is stored in the ECU is not compatible with the chip inside the key. This could happen if have recently replaced your car key with another that has not been programmed to the vehicle, or when you've had a damaged swapped ECU.
If this is the case it is recommended to take your key or transponder chip to a professional for them correctly programmed for the vehicle you are driving. It is possible that the system isn't able to accept the key because of a software update or glitch. To test this, put your key in the ignition and turn it to ON but don't attempt to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. The security light should turn on, then go off. If it doesn't you'll need to repeat the procedure and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat this three times and the issue should be solved.
Programming
An immobiliser for cars prevents a car's engine from running without a properly programmed key or fob. It is based on a specific RFID microchip that isn't able to be duplicated and comes with its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working when it is unable to recognize the code. It's tough to beat.
Modern cars come with this security system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to hot-wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by checking the chip in a key fob or key, and sending a passcode back to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU is then able to determine that it's the right key and that the code isn't compromised. The system won't allow the car to begin if it does not receive the correct code. Certain models will even notify the owner when they attempt to use an incorrect fob or key.
However, the system is not impervious to theft. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser using methods like 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires through the wiring of a vehicle, which fools the ECU into thinking that the proper key or fob is being used. This is a risky technique and requires extensive expertise to avoid electrocuting yourself. Modern car thieves are employing more sophisticated methods, like Bluetooth or other apps that take over a car's data and remotely control it.
Car owners will often get warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser has gone haywire. It can occur for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is a dead or defective battery on the key fob. This issue can be resolved by an easy replacement.
If this isn't working the transponder chip could be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to determine and fix and may require an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. However, a car's immobiliser can also be damaged due to water ingress or even physically being pulled away from the fob or key. If you experience any of these problems it is a great idea to visit the local car dealer or garage for assistance.