Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to stop car theft. If your vehicle won't start after inserting your key fob it could be due to a problem with a transponder that's not sending a security signal to the immobiliser.
This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's examine the different components of your vehicle's immobiliser to find out what you can do.
Battery
It is essential to concentrate on the cost-savings and revenue opportunities of your auto repair shop. You can achieve this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also increase your shop's profits without the need to sublet to the dealership.
Typically the battery for the key fob powers the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser isn't powered by the key fob battery. The immobiliser is powered through the transponder in the fob, key or instrument cluster. This chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob to the immobilizer module of the car, which can be integrated into the PCM (power control module) or BCM (brake control module) instrument clusters, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system then verifies the code to ensure that it is correct. If it is not, the system will disable components crucial to starting the vehicle, like the starter motor or ignition. The car will be impossible to start if the driver doesn't have the correct key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proved to be a very effective tool in reducing car theft. However, thieves are always looking for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these methods includes a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showcased how easy it is to connect a vehicle with hot wires.
Insurance companies are now incorporating the use of an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to buy a car with this feature. Even cars that are factory-fitted with an immobiliser might be prone to problems. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple and inexpensive to solve. A dead or dying keyfob battery is usually the cause of a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test could uncover the problem. If the issue persists, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. If this is the case, it's best to seek out a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, called a transponder, is built inside the head portion of your car keys. This technology was first introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. Also known as a 'chip key' or a 'transmitter and responder key, it's designed to prevent the engine from starting if another person has an exact copy of your car key. It functions by sending a radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system in your car. If the code in the car's computer matches that signal transmitted by the key, it will deactivate the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key with a transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key, but not a transponder key. In contrast to the remote central locking element of a standard key which is powered by batteries, a transponder chip is powered by the infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted by the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To turn on the transponder, the ignition cylinder needs to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy that is detected by a microchip inside the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with the transponder's and when the two codes match it will begin the engine.
If the immobiliser detects an unauthorized transponder or key is being used, it will disable the engine and prevent the essential components from working. Without a functioning engine, the vehicle will not be able to move and it could be easy for a criminal to hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent against crime, and is one of the reasons why it is essential to get your car key immobiliser repaired immediately you discover an issue. If you don't fix it, the security light on your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be inaccessible for you to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that sends an electrical signal to the transponder chip within your key. This is an anti-theft device that stops anyone from starting your vehicle without the right key. If the system can't detect a digital serial number from the chip in your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser, preventing the car from starting.
This system for car immobilisation is an effective in stopping thieves, however it can be out of in sync with the key or the transponder chip. This could be due interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. This could need an adjustment. To do this, disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reconnect the battery and then restart the vehicle. This will reset the key system, so that it is ready to accept your keys again.
The security light is a way of alerting you to an issue. If the light is on when you try to start your vehicle, it indicates that the code stored in the ECU is not compatible with the chip in the key. This could happen if you have recently replaced the car key with a different one that has not been programmed to your vehicle or if you've had a bad swapped ECU.
If this is the situation you should take your key or transponder chip to a professional for them properly programmed for your vehicle. There is also repair broken car key that the system isn't accepting the key because of a software bug or update. To test this, insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do not try to start the vehicle. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. This will cause the security light to light up and then to go off. If it doesn't work, you'll have to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should solve the problem when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser stops the car's engine from operating without a key that is programmed correctly or fob. It makes use of a unique RFID microchip that cannot be duplicated and comes with its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working when it is unable to recognize the code. That's why it's difficult to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to hot-wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by checking the chip inside a key fob or key and sending a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU will then verify that it's the correct key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system won't permit the car to start if the doesn't receive the correct code, and some models will even notify the owner in the event that someone attempts to use an unapproved key or fob.
However the system isn't foolproof. Some thieves have been able to bypass the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves using the wrong wiring in an automobile to fool the ECU. However, this method is pretty risky and requires a lot of experience in order to carry out the procedure without electrocuting yourself. Modern car thieves are using more advanced methods, such as Bluetooth or specialised apps to obtain information about a vehicle and remotely manage it remotely.
Car owners will often get warning lights that signal that the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but one of the most frequent is due to a damaged or dead battery on the key fob. This problem can be fixed by a simple replacement.
If this isn't working the transponder chip could be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose as it may require a professional locksmith or dealership. The car immobiliser could 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 good idea that you visit an auto dealer in your area or garage for assistance.