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 doesn't start after inserting the key fob there could be an issue with a transponder chip that is not transmitting a security code to the immobilizer system.
This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's take a look at the different parts of your vehicle's immobiliser to discover what you can do.
Battery
If you are working in the field of auto repair it is essential to concentrate on your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can do this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers, but it will also add to the profits of your business without having to sublet to the dealership.
The key fob battery powers 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 that is located in the fob or key. This chip sends a passcode to the car's immobilizer device which can be integrated into the PCM, BCM, instrument cluster smart junction box, or standalone module. The system will check the code to ensure it's correct. If it is not then the system will disable parts that are essential to start the vehicle, such as the ignition or starter motor. The car will be impossible to start if you do not have the correct key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proven to be a very effective tool in reducing car theft. Even so, thieves are constantly trying to get around these security measures. One of these techniques is a recent trend known as the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showcased how easy it is to hot-wire a vehicle.
Insurance companies are now factoring in the use an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a vehicle with this feature. However, even cars equipped by the manufacturer with an immobiliser may experience issues with it. Fortunately, these problems are usually simple and inexpensive to fix. A dead or dying keyfob battery is usually the cause of a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test will identify the issue. If car key fob repair near me persists then it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. If this is the case, it's recommended to consult a professional for a diagnosis and fix the issue.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a small electronic chip referred to transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to stop your engine from starting if you have a duplicate of your key. It works by sending the radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system inside your car. If the code stored in the car's computer matches the signal transmitted by the key, the immobiliser will be removed and the engine will be able to start.
The key that is equipped with a transponder chip can be referred to as"fob" or a smart key because it is more difficult to copy than a conventional mechanical key. Using special methods, it is possible to duplicate a standard car key however, not the transponder key. Contrary to the remote central locking element of a conventional key, which is powered by batteries, a transponder chip powered by an infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted by the antenna ring that is located on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder must be switched to ON. The ring emits IR energy that is picked up by a microchip inside the key. The chip then sends an individual code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer analyzes the code stored in its memory to the transponder's and when the two codes match it will begin the engine.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorised transponder or key is in use, it will disable the engine and block the essential components from working. The car won't move in the event that the engine is not functioning. It would be easy for criminals to wire it to drive away. This is a powerful deterrent against crime and it is one of the main reasons why it is essential to get your car key immobiliser repaired when you spot a fault with it. If you don't, the security light in your car will keep flashing and it will be inaccessible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that transmits an electrical signal to the transponder chip in your key. This is an anti theft device that blocks anyone from driving your car without the correct key. If the system cannot detect a digital serial number from the chip inside your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser and stop the car from beginning.
The car immobiliser system is an effective in stopping thieves but sometimes it can be out of connection with the key or the transponder chip. This can be due to interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. This may require an adjustment. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reinstall the battery and restart the vehicle. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key again.
The security light is a 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 on the key. This can happen if your car key has been replaced with a new key that's not compatible with the vehicle, or if an ECU has been swapped incorrectly.
If this is the case it is recommended to bring your transponder key or chip to a professional to have them properly programmed for your car. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key due to an issue with the software or an update. To test, put your key into the ignition and turn the ON position. Don't try to start the vehicle. The key should remain in this position for ten minutes. This should cause the security lights to light up and then to go off. If it doesn't work, you'll need to repeat the procedure and wait another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue if you repeat it three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser stops the engine of a car from running without a properly programmed key or fob. It uses a special RFID chip that is unable to be copied and is equipped with a digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working when it doesn't recognize the code. That's why it's difficult to defeat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or use a different key as a starter. The system operates by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU recognizes that it is the correct key and that there hasn't be compromised code. The system won't allow the car to start if it does not receive the correct code. Some models even inform the owner when they attempt to use an incorrect fob or key.
The system isn't completely 100% secure, however. Some thieves have been able to bypass the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to trick the ECU. This is a risky technique and requires extensive expertise to avoid electrocuting yourself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have moved to more sophisticated methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to hijack a car's data and remotely control it from their phones.
Owners of cars will often notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser that has gone out of control. It can happen for many reasons but the most frequent reason is a defective battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement can fix the issue.
If this doesn't work, the transponder chip might be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose as it could require a professional locksmith or dealership. However, a car's immobiliser may also be damaged due to water ingress or even physically being pulled away from the fob or key. If you experience any of these problems it is a good idea to consult a local car dealer or garage to seek help.