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 prevent car theft. If your vehicle won't start after inserting the key fob there could be a problem with the transponder chip not transmitting an encryption code to the immobiliser system.
This is a quick fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various parts of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
If you are involved in the auto repair industry, it is important to concentrate on your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can achieve this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only help your customers but also boost the profits of your business without having to sublet to the dealership.
Typically, the key fob battery powers the remote opening and locking systems. The immobiliser is not powered by the battery in the key fob. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip on the fob or key. This chip transmits a code to the car's immobilizer unit which can be integrated into the PCM, BCM or 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 it will disable the elements that are crucial to start the car, such as the ignition or starter motor. This will make the car nearly impossible to start if you don't have the right key.
The immobiliser has proven extremely effective at reducing car theft since its first introduction. Even so the thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it can be to hot-wire an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now taking the use of an immobiliser to calculate premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a vehicle with this feature. Even vehicles equipped with an immobiliser could have issues. Fortunately, these problems are usually easy and cheap to solve. A dying or dead keyfob battery is typically the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test can reveal this issue. If the problem persists it could be due to other causes for the vehicle's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's recommended to have a professional diagnose and fix the issue.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, called a transponder, is built in the head of your car keys. This technology was introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. Also referred to as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter & responder key, it is designed to stop the engine from starting if a third party has an exact copy of your car key. It works by sending an audio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system inside your car. If the code on the car's computer is in line with the signal sent from the key, it will disarm the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin.
The key with the transponder chip is sometimes called"fob" or a "smart" key because it is more difficult to copy than a conventional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key, but not a transponder key. In contrast to the central locking element remote of a conventional key, that relies on battery power the transponder chip is powered by the infrared (IR) signal transmitted by the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To turn on the transponder, the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy that is detected by a microchip inside the key. The chip then sends an unique code to the immobiliser inside your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with that from the transponder chip and if they match, the engine will start.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorised transponder, key or other device is in use, it will disable the engine and stop any of its vital components from working. Without a functioning engine, the vehicle won't be able to move, and it would be very easy for criminals to hot-wire the vehicle and drive away. This is a powerful security measure against crime, and is why you must have your car's key-immobiliser fixed promptly if it develops a fault. If you do not take action, the security light on your car will keep blinking, and you won't be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a tiny battery that sends an electrical signal to the transponder chip within your key. This is an anti-theft device that blocks anyone from starting your car without the correct key. If the system is not able to recognize an electronic serial number from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, which will stop the car from starting.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic way to deter thieves, however it can sometimes be out of sync. This can be caused by interference or the system being too sensitive. This may need the system to be reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, you can reinstall the battery and then restart the vehicle. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key once more.
The security light is an immobiliser's method of alerting you to the presence of a problem. If the light is illuminated and you attempt to start your vehicle, it indicates that the code in the ECU does not match the chip in the key. This could happen if have recently replaced your car key with another that has not been programmed to your vehicle or in the event that you've had a defective swapped ECU.
If this is the case, it's best to bring your transponder key or chip to a professional to have them properly programmed for your car. It's possible that the system isn't able to accept the key because of a software update or bug. To test this, insert your key in the ignition and turn the ON position. Don't try to start the vehicle. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. The security light should come on, then turn off. If it doesn't work, you'll need to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Do this three times and the issue is likely to be solved.
Programming
An immobiliser for cars prevents the engine of a car from running without a key that is programmed correctly or fob. It uses a special RFID micro-chip that can't be duplicated and comes with its own serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. This is why it's so hard to defeat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or use a different key for starter. The system works by sending a code from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU then knows that it's the correct key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system won't allow the car to start if it does not receive the correct code. Certain models will even notify the owner if they try to use an incorrect fob or key.
The system isn't impervious to attack, but it is. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser by using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to fool the ECU. However, this method is pretty dangerous and requires a lot of experience to carry out the procedure without electrocuting yourself. Additionally, many modern car thieves have shifted to more sophisticated methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to hijack the car's data and then remotely control it via their phone.
Car owners often see warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This can happen for various reasons, but one of the most frequent is a faulty or dead battery in the key fob. key fob repair service near me can be resolved by a simple replacement.
If this doesn't work, it could be that the transponder chip may be defective or the ECU is not matched. This is more complicated to determine and fix and may require a specialist car locksmith or dealership. However, a car's immobiliser may also be damaged due to water intrusion, or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If you encounter any of these issues it is a good idea to consult the local car dealer or garage for assistance.