Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Nowadays, all vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to stop car theft. If your vehicle won'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 examine the different elements of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
If you are involved in the auto repair industry, it is important to be aware of your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. One method to achieve this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit 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. However, it doesn't power the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip located in the key or fob. The chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob to the immobilizer unit in 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 checks the code to make sure it is correct. If the code is incorrect the system will disable components that are crucial to starting the car, like the ignition motor or starter motor. The car will be impossible to start if you don't have the correct 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 get around these security measures. One of these techniques is an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to hot-wire a vehicle.
Most insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when they calculate premiums, making it more appealing to shop for an automobile that has this feature. However, even vehicles that were factory-fitted with an immobiliser can experience problems with it. Fortunately, these problems are usually simple and inexpensive to solve. A dying or dead keyfob battery is typically the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. This can be determined by an instant diagnostic test. If the issue continues to persist it could be due to other causes of the car's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring problem. If this is the case, it's recommended to consult a professional for a diagnosis and fix the issue.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, called a transponder, is built in the head of your car keys. The technology was introduced in cars manufactured after 1995. Also referred to as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter and responder key, it's designed to stop the engine from starting if someone else has the same key. It works by sending an audio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system of your car. If the code on the car's computer is in line with the signal from the key, it will deactivate the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin.
The key with the transponder chip is sometimes called"fob" or a "smart" key because it is more difficult to copy than a conventional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a standard key, but not a transponder one. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal, not battery power.
To activate the transponder the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst of IR energy, which is absorbed by the microchip within the key. The chip responds with an unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer analyzes the code stored in its memory with the transponder's code and if the two codes match it will begin the engine.
The immobiliser shuts down the engine in the event of an unauthorised key or transponder. It also blocks all vital components of the car from working. The car will not move if the engine is not working. It's easy for a criminal hot-wire it to drive away. This is a great deterrent to crime, and is the reason why you should get your car key-immobiliser repaired as quickly as possible in the event of a malfunction. If you don't fix it, the security light on your car will keep flashing and it will be inaccessible 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 device is designed to prevent anyone from starting their car without the correct keys. If the system is unable to detect a digital serial number from the chip on your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to prevent the car from starting.
This system for car immobilisation is an an effective way to stop thieves, however it can get out of sync with the key or the transponder chip. This could be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. This may require a reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reconnect the battery and then restart the vehicle. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept your key once more.
The security light is a way of warning you of the presence of a problem. If the light is on and you try to start your car, it means that the code stored in the ECU is not compatible with the chip on the key. This could happen in the event that your car's key has been replaced by a new key that's not programmed to work with the vehicle, or if the ECU has been swapped incorrectly.
If this is the situation it is recommended to take your transponder or key chip to a professional to get them properly programmed for your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key because of a software bug or update. To test, insert your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do not try to start the vehicle. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. This should cause the security lights to come on and then to turn off. If it does not, you will need to repeat this procedure and wait another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running when a key or fob is not programmed correctly. It makes use of a unique RFID microchip that isn't able to be duplicated and comes with its own serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged in the event that it doesn't recognize the code. It's tough to beat.
Modern cars are fitted with this security system in the standard configuration. This makes it really hard to wire the car hot or use a different key as a starter. The system works by analyzing the chip inside a key fob or a key and sending a passcode back 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 will not allow the car to start if it doesn't receive the correct code. Some models will even inform the owner if a person tries to use an unapproved key or fob.
However, the system is not impervious to theft. car key repair service have managed to get around the immobiliser using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to trick the ECU. But, this technique is pretty risky and requires a lot of knowledge of how to carry out the procedure without electrocuting yourself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have moved over to more advanced methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to steal the car's data and then remotely control it using their mobile.
Car owners will often get warning lights that signal that the immobiliser is malfunctioning. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but the most common one is a faulty battery in the keyfob. The issue can be solved by a simple replacement.
If this doesn't work the transponder chip could be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to diagnose and fix as it could require a professional locksmith or dealership. However, a car immobiliser can also be damaged due to water ingress or even physically being removed from the fob or key. If any of these issues occur, it's a good idea visit a local garage or car dealer for assistance.