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 protect against theft of cars. If your vehicle won't start after inserting the key fob it could be a problem with a transponder which isn't sending a security signal to the immobilizer.
This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's examine the different parts of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
If you are in the auto repair business it is crucial to focus on your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. One way to do this is to offer key fob replacement and reprogramming services to your customers. This will not only help your customers but will also add to 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. However, it doesn't provide power to the immobiliser. The immobiliser is powered by the transponder in the key, fob or instrument cluster. The chip transmits a passcode to the car's immobilizer device, which may be built into the PCM, BCM, instrument cluster, smart junction box or standalone module. The system then validates the code to make sure it is correct. If the code isn't correct, the system disables components that are essential to start the car, like the ignition motor or starter motor. This will make the vehicle difficult to start if you don't have the right key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proven to be a very effective tool in reducing car theft. Despite this it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these strategies is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it is to connect hot wires to an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now factoring the use of an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to buy a car with this feature. Even cars equipped with an immobiliser may have problems. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy and cheap to repair. Most of the time an immobiliser that is not working properly is the result of the dying or dead key fob battery. This can be determined by an easy diagnostic test. If the issue persists, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It is best to have a professional identify the issue and then solve it.
Transponder Chip
In cars manufactured after 1995, a small electronic chip called a transponder is built 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 stop your engine from starting if another person has the same key. It works by transmitting radio signals from the key to your immobiliser system. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will then be deactivated and the engine will be able to start.
The key with the transponder chip is sometimes called"fob" or a "smart" key because it is more difficult to clone than a traditional mechanical key. With the help of special techniques, it is possible to copy a conventional car key, but not transponder keys. Contrary to the remote central locking element of a conventional key, that relies on battery power, a transponder chip powered by an infrared (IR) signal transmitted through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To turn on the transponder, the ignition cylinder must be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy which is picked up by a microchip inside the key. The chip responds with an unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The computer in the car examines the code in its memory with the transponder's and If the two codes are identical, it will start the engine.
The immobiliser will shut down the engine if it detects an unauthorized key or transponder. It also stops any vital parts of the car from functioning. The car won't move if the engine is not working. It's easy for a criminal to hot-wire it to drive away. This is a powerful way to deter crime, and is one of the main reasons why it is essential to get your car's key immobiliser fixed when you spot any issue with it. If you don't do this, the security light in your car will continue to flash and it will be inaccessible for you to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a tiny battery that transmits an electrical signal to the transponder chip within your key. This device is designed to prevent anyone from starting the car if they don't have the proper keys. If the system can't detect a digital serial number from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser and stop the car from starting.
This car immobiliser system is an effective way to stop thieves, however it can get out of in sync with the key or transponder chip. This could be due interference or a system that is too sensitive. This may need an adjustment. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. Leave it disconnected for about 15 minutes then reinsert it and start the car. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key again.
The security light is an immobiliser's method of warning you of an issue. If you attempt to start the car and the light is solid on it means that the chip inside your key isn't compatible with the code that is stored in the ECU. This can occur if your car key was replaced with a new key that's not programmed for the vehicle, or if the ECU was swapped in a wrong manner.
If this is the case, then you need to go to a professional and have the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It's possible that the system won't accept the key because of a software update or bug. To test, insert your key in the ignition and turn the ON position. Do not try to start the vehicle. Let the key stay in this position for 10 minutes. The security light should come on, then turn off. If it doesn't then you'll have to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. Repeat key repair near me , and the issue is likely to be solved.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running when the fob or key is not properly programmed. It uses a special RFID microchip that cannot be duplicated and comes with its own serial number. The immobiliser will stop working when it doesn't recognize the code. This is why it's so hard to beat.
Modern cars come with this security system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by analyzing the chip in the key fob or a key and sending a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU is aware that it's the right key and that it doesn't have to be compromised code. The system will not allow the car to start in the event that it does not receive the correct code. Some models even inform the owner if they try to use an unapproved fob or key.
The system is not foolproof, however. Certain thieves have been able to get around the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle to fool the ECU. But, this technique is quite risky and requires a great deal of experience to accomplish it without cutting yourself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have shifted over to more advanced methods, such as using specialized apps or Bluetooth to take over a car's data and remotely control it via their phones.
Owners of cars will often be greeted by warning lights that indicate an immobiliser that has gone out of control. This could be due to many reasons but the most frequent reason is a defective battery in the keyfob. This issue can be resolved by an easy replacement.
If this doesn't work it could be because the transponder chip is defective or the ECU is mismatched. It is more difficult to fix and diagnose because it requires a specialist locksmith for cars or a dealership. However, a car immobiliser may also be damaged by water intrusion or even being removed from the fob or key. If any of these problems occur it's a good idea to visit a local garage or car dealer for assistance.