Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Nowadays, all vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to protect against theft of cars. If your vehicle won't start after inserting your key fob it could be an issue 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 car immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
If you're working in the field of auto repair it is essential to be aware of your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. One method to achieve this is to offer key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also boost the profits of your business without having to sublet to the dealership.
The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser is not powered by the battery in the key fob. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip that is located on the fob or key. The chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob to the immobilizer unit of the car. It 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 is incorrect, the system disables elements that are crucial to start the car, such as the ignition motor or starter motor. This will make the vehicle difficult to start without the right key.
Since its inception, the immobiliser has been an extremely effective tool in reducing car theft. However the fact that thieves are always looking for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that demonstrates how easy it is to wire an automobile.
Most insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when they calculate rates, which makes it more appealing to shop for a car that already has this feature. Even vehicles that are factory-fitted with an immobiliser could have problems. Fortunately, these problems are usually easy and cheap to repair. The majority times the issue is the result of the dying or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test can uncover the problem. If the issue persists it could be due to other causes for the vehicle's irregular behavior, such as electrical problems or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's best to consult a professional for a diagnosis and fix the problem.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a small electronic chip called a transponder is built into the head of your car key. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its goal is to stop the engine from starting when someone else has an identical key. It works by transmitting an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the car's computer is in line with the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will be disarmed and the engine will begin to run.
The key that has the transponder chip can be referred to as"fob" or a "smart" key because it is more difficult to copy than a conventional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a standard key, but not a transponder one. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal and not battery power.
To activate the transponder, the ignition cylinder needs to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst of IR energy which is picked up by the microchip inside the key. The chip responds with an unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with the one from the transponder chip, and If they are compatible the engine will begin to rev.
The immobiliser will shut down the engine if it detects an unauthorised key or transponder. It also stops any vital parts of the car from functioning. Without a functioning engine the vehicle won't be able to move, and it will be easy for a criminal to wire the vehicle and then drive off. This is an effective security measure against crime, and is the reason why you should get your car's key-immobiliser fixed as soon as you can if it develops a fault. If you do not take action then the security light on your vehicle will continue blinking, and you won't be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny battery to send an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This anti-theft device prevents anyone from starting the car without the proper keys. If the system is unable to detect a serial number digital from the chip in your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser and stop the car from beginning.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic way to deter thieves, however it can sometimes get out of sync. This could be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. This may require the system to be reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. Leave it disconnected for about 15 minutes, then insert it and start the vehicle. G28 Car Keys will reset the system and allow it to accept your key again.
The security light is an immobiliser's way of warning you of a problem. If you try to start the car and the light stays on, it means that the chip in your key isn't compatible with the code that is stored in the ECU. This could happen if your car key was replaced with a new key that's not programmed to work with the vehicle, or if an ECU was swapped in a wrong manner.
If this is the case then it's time to talk to a professional for assistance and get the the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It's possible that your system will not accept the key because of a software update or bug. To test, insert your key in the ignition and turn the ON position. Don't try to start the car. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security light to light up and then to turn off. If it does not you'll need to repeat this procedure and wait for another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue If you repeat the procedure three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running when the fob or key is not properly programmed. It is a unique RFID chip that cannot be copied and is equipped with a digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect when it doesn't recognize the code. That's why it's difficult to defeat.
Modern cars come with 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 code from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is then able to determine that it's the right key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system will not allow the car to start in the event that it does not receive the correct code. Certain models will even notify the owner if they attempt to use a wrong fob or key.
The system is not foolproof, however. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser by using techniques such as 'hot-wiring.' This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to trick the ECU. However, this is pretty risky and requires a great deal of knowledge of how to carry out the procedure without damaging yourself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have shifted over to more advanced methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to hijack the car's information and remotely control it via their phone.
Owners of cars will often see warning lights that indicate an immobiliser malfunctioning. This can happen for various reasons, but one of the most frequent causes is a dead or defective battery on the key fob. A simple replacement should fix this problem.
If this does not work, it could be that the transponder chip is faulty or the ECU is mismatched. This is more complicated to fix and diagnose because it requires an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. A car immobiliser may also be damaged if water manages to enter the system or if it is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If you experience any of these issues it is a great idea that you visit a local car dealer or garage to seek help.