Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Today, the majority of vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer to prevent car theft. If your vehicle will not start after inserting your key fob, it could be 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 examine the different parts of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
It is essential to focus on the cost-savings and revenue opportunities of your auto repair shop. You can achieve this by offering key fob replacements as well as reprogramming your customers. This will not only help your customers, but it will also add to the profits of your shop without subletting to 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. Instead, the immobiliser is dependent on the transponder chip in the key or fob. The chip transmits a code 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 clusters smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system then validates the code to ensure it is correct. If the code is not correct, the system disables components that are essential to start the car, such as the ignition or starter motor. The car will be nearly impossible to start if the driver doesn't have the right key.
The immobiliser system has been highly effective in reducing car theft since its introduction. However it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it can be to hot-wire an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now factoring in the use an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to buy a car with this feature. Even vehicles that are factory fitted with an immobiliser might have problems. These issues are usually simple and affordable to fix. The majority of the time an immobiliser that is not working properly is caused by an inactive or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test could uncover the problem. If the problem persists then it could be due to electrical issues or wiring issues. If this is the case, it's recommended to have a professional diagnose and fix the problem.
Transponder Chip
In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a small electronic chip, referred to as transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to prevent your engine from starting if another person has an identical key. It works by sending radio signals from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the car's computer matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will then be removed and the engine will be able to start.
The key that has a transponder can also be referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key, because it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a conventional key, but not a transponder key. Unlike the central locking element remote of a conventional key, which uses battery power the transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal transmitted by the antenna ring that is located on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder has to be switched to ON. The ring emits a burst IR energy which is detected by a microchip in the key. The chip then sends a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer compared the code stored in its memory to the one from the transponder chip, and if they match the engine will be able to start.
The immobiliser will shut down the engine in the event of an unauthorized key or transponder. It also stops any vital components of the vehicle from working. The car will not move when the engine isn't working. It is easy for a criminal hot-wire it and drive off. This is a powerful deterrent to crime and it is one of the main reasons why it's essential to have your car key immobiliser repaired as soon as you notice an issue. If you don't, the security light on your car will continue to flash and it will be inaccessible for you to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny battery to send an electrical signal to the chip 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 digital serial number from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser and stop the car from getting started.
This system for car immobilisation is an effective in stopping thieves but sometimes it can become out of connection with the key or transponder chip. This could be due to interference or a system that is too sensitive. If this is the case, it could be necessary to reset. To do this, just disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reconnect the battery and restart the car. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key again.
The security light is an immobiliser's way of alerting you to an issue. If you attempt to start the car and 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 happen if your car key has been replaced with a new one that is not programmed for the vehicle, or if an ECU has been swapped incorrectly.
If this is the case then you need to go to a professional to have the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It's possible that the system isn't able to accept the key because of a software update or bug. To test this, place your key in the ignition and switch it to the ON position but don't attempt to start the engine. The key should remain in this position for ten minutes. The security light should turn on, then turn off. If it doesn't then you'll have to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. This should solve the problem when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running when the fob or key are not properly programmed. It uses a special RFID chip that is unable to be duplicated and has a unique digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disconnected in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. That's why it's difficult to defeat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it very difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or utilize a different key for starter. The system operates by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is then able to determine that it's the right key and that the passcode isn't compromised. The system will not allow the car to begin when it doesn't receive the correct code. Certain models will even notify the owner when they attempt to use an unapproved fob or key.
The system isn't completely 100% secure, however. Some thieves have managed to get around the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wire in a vehicle to fool the ECU. This method is risky and requires extensive expertise to avoid electrocuting yourself. In addition, many modern car thieves have moved over to more advanced methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to steal a car's data and remotely control it from their phone.
Car owners are often faced with warning lights that indicate 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 in the key fob. car keys repair can be fixed by a simple replacement.
If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be defective or not compatible with the ECU. This is harder to fix and diagnose as it may require a professional locksmith or dealership. However, a car immobiliser can be damaged by water intrusion or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If you experience any of these issues it is a good idea to consult the local car dealer or garage for assistance.