Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
The majority of vehicles have an immobilizer that prevents car theft. If your vehicle isn't starting after inserting the key fob there could be an issue with the transponder chip not sending a security code to the immobilizer system.
This is a straightforward fix for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let's take a look at the different components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
It is essential to focus on the profit and cost-saving potentials of your auto repair shop. One way to do this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also increase your shop's profits, without having to sublet to the dealership.
Typically the battery for the key fob powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't supply power to the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip on the fob or key. The chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer unit of the car. It can be integrated into the PCM (power control module), BCM (brake control module) instrument clusters, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system will check the code to ensure it is correct. If the code is not correct the system will disable elements that are crucial to start the car, like the starter motor or ignition. This will make the vehicle almost impossible to start without the right key.
The immobiliser has proven highly effective in cutting down on car theft since its introduction. Yet thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these techniques is a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to connect a vehicle with hot wires.
Insurance companies are now factoring in the use an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to purchase a vehicle with this feature. Even vehicles that are factory-fitted with an immobiliser may have issues. These issues are usually simple and affordable to fix. Most of the time, a faulty immobiliser is caused by a dead or dying key fob battery. This can be determined by an easy diagnostic test. If the issue persists, then there might be other causes for the vehicle's irregular behavior, such as electrical problems or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's recommended to have a professional diagnose and fix the issue.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, called a transponder, is built into the head portion of your car keys. The technology was introduced in cars made after 1995. Also referred to as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter and responder key, it is designed to stop the engine from starting if someone else has the same key. It works by sending a radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system in your car. If the code in the car's computer is in line with the signal from the key, it will disarm the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin.
The key that has the transponder chip is sometimes called"fob" or a "smart" key due to the fact that it is more difficult to duplicate than a traditional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a conventional key but not a transponder key. Contrary to the remote central locking element of a conventional key which uses battery power the transponder chip is powered by the infrared (IR) signal transmitted by the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder, the ignition cylinder needs to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst of IR energy that is picked up by the microchip in the key. The chip then responds with an individual code to the immobiliser of your car. The computer in the car compares the code stored in its memory to the one on the transponder and if the two codes match, it will start the engine.
The immobiliser will shut down the engine when it detects an unauthorised key or transponder. It will also prevent any essential components of the car from working. The car will not move when the engine isn't functioning. It's easy for criminals to wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent to crime and it is one of the reasons why it's important to have your car's key immobiliser repaired as soon as you notice a fault with it. If you do not take action and the security light on your car will continue flashing and you will not be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting their car without the correct keys. If the system is not able to recognize a digital serial number from the chip in your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser to prevent the car from starting.
The car immobiliser system is an an effective way to stop thieves, but it is also possible for it to get out of connection with the key or transponder chip. This can be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. This could require a reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reinstall 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 an immobiliser's way of warning you of an issue. If the light is on and you try to start your car, it is a sign that the code in the ECU is not compatible with the chip in the key. This could happen if you have recently replaced your car key with another that was not programmed to your vehicle or if you've had a bad swapped ECU.
If car keys repair is the case then you need to go to a professional for assistance and get the transponder or key chip properly programmed to your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key because of 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 attempt to start the engine. Let the key stay in this position for ten minutes. The security light should turn on, then go off. If it doesn't work, you'll have to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue if you repeat it three times.
Programming
An immobiliser for cars prevents a car's engine from running without a key that is programmed correctly or fob. It uses a special RFID chip that cannot be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working if it does not recognise the code. It's difficult to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it very difficult to connect the car to a hot wire or use a different key for starter. The system works by checking the chip inside a key fob or key and sending a passcode back to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU will then verify that it's the correct key and that the passcode hasn't been compromised. The system won't allow the car to begin in the event that it does not receive the correct code. Certain models will even notify the owner when they attempt to use an unapproved fob or key.
However, the system is not foolproof. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to cause a malfunction in the ECU. However, this method is extremely dangerous and requires a lot of knowledge of how to do it without damaging yourself. Modern car thieves are employing more sophisticated methods, such as Bluetooth or specialised apps to take over a car's data and remotely manage it.
Owners of cars will often notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser that has gone out of control. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is a defective battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement should fix this problem.
If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. It is more difficult to diagnose and fix because it requires an expert car locksmith or dealership. A car's immobiliser can be damaged if water is able to get into the system or if it is physically removed from its fob or key. If you encounter any of these issues it is a good idea to visit the local car dealer or garage for assistance.