Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer to prevent car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob, there could be a problem with the transponder chip not sending an authorization code to the immobilizer system.
This is a quick fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various elements of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
If you're involved in the auto repair industry 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 services to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but will also boost your shop's profits without subletting to the dealership.
Typically, the key fob battery powers the remote opening and locking systems. However, it does not power the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip in the fob or key. The chip transmits a passcode to the immobilizer unit of the car that can be integrated into the PCM, BCM, the instrument cluster, smart junction box or standalone module. The system then checks the code to ensure that it is correct. If the code isn't correct the system will disable components that are essential to the start of the car, such as the ignition motor or starter motor. This will make the vehicle almost impossible to start without the right key.
The immobiliser system has proven extremely effective in reducing car theft since it was first introduced. However, thieves are always looking 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 wire an vehicle.
The majority of insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums, which makes it more attractive to purchase cars that already have this feature. Even vehicles that are factory-fitted with an immobiliser might have problems. These issues are typically simple and cheap to fix. A dead or dying keyfob battery can be the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. This can be determined by a quick diagnostic test. If the issue continues to persist it could be due to other causes for the vehicle's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring problem. If this is the case, it's best to seek out a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
Transponder Chip
In cars manufactured after 1995, a small electronic chip referred to 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 the engine from starting when another person has the same key. It works by sending a radio frequency from the key to the immobiliser system. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal transmitted by the key, the immobiliser will be deactivated and the engine will start.
The key with the transponder chip can be referred to as"fob" or a smart key because it is more difficult to clone than a traditional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a conventional key but not a transponder one. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal not battery power.
To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder must be switched to ON. The ring emits a blast of IR energy, which is detected by the microchip inside the key. The chip responds with an unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with that from the transponder chip, and when they match the engine will be able to start.
If the immobiliser detects an unauthorised transponder or key is being used it will shut down the engine and block any of its essential components from working. The car will not move when the engine isn't working. It would be easy for a criminal hot-wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent to crime, and is the reason why you should get your car 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 continue flashing and you will not be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser car key and repair makes use of a tiny battery to send an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This device is designed to prevent anyone from starting their car without the correct keys. If the system cannot detect a digital serial number from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, which will stop the car from starting.
This car immobiliser system is an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can become out of connection with the key or transponder chip. This could be due interference or a system that is too sensitive. If this is the situation, it could be necessary to reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and begin the car. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key again.
The security light is a way of alerting you to an issue. If you attempt to start the car and the light stays on, it indicates that the chip in your key isn't in sync with the code that is stored in the ECU. This could happen in the event that your car's key has been replaced by a new one that is not programmed to work with the vehicle, or when an ECU was not swapped correctly.
If this is the situation, then it's time to go to a professional and have the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key due to an issue with the software or an update. To test this, put your key in the ignition and switch it to the ON position but don't try to start the engine. The key should remain in this position for ten minutes. This should cause the security light to turn on and to turn off. If it does not then you must repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue if you repeat it three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser prevents the car's engine from operating without a correctly programmed key or fob. It utilizes a specific RFID chip that cannot be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. It's difficult to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or use a different key as a starter. The system works by analyzing the chip in the key fob or key, and transmitting a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU then knows that it's the correct key and that the code isn't compromised. The system won't allow the car to start if the doesn't receive the correct code. Some models will even notify the owner in the event that someone attempts to use an unapproved key or fob.
However it isn't foolproof. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser by using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wires through the wiring of a vehicle to trick the ECU to believe that the correct key or fob is being used. However, this is quite risky and requires a lot of experience in order to carry out the procedure without damaging yourself. Modern car thieves are also employing more sophisticated methods for instance, Bluetooth or other apps that take over a car's data and remotely control it.
Car owners will frequently see warning lights that indicate an immobiliser gone haywire. It can occur for a variety of reasons, but one of the most frequent causes is a dead or defective battery on the key fob. The issue can be solved by a simple replacement.
If this isn't working the transponder chip could be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is more complicated to diagnose and fix, as it can involve a specialist locksmith for cars or a dealership. The car immobiliser could also be damaged if water is able to enter the system or is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If any of these problems occur it's recommended to visit a local garage or car dealer to seek assistance.