Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Today, the majority of vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer to stop car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob it could be a problem with a transponder that's not sending a security message to the immobiliser.
This is a simple fix for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let's take keys repair at the different components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
It is crucial to concentrate on the profit and cost-saving opportunities 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 will also boost your shop's profit without having to sublet to the dealership.
Typically the key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't provide power to the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip located in the key or fob. This chip transmits a code to the car's immobilizer device, which may be built into the PCM, BCM or instrument cluster smart junction box or standalone module. The system then verifies the code to ensure that it is correct. If it's not then the system will disable elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, like the starter motor or ignition. This will make the car nearly impossible to start without the correct key.
Since its introduction, the immobiliser has been a very effective tool in decreasing car theft. However, thieves are constantly trying to get around these security measures. One of these methods is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that demonstrates how easy it is to wire an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now taking in the use an immobiliser to calculate premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a car that has this feature. However, even vehicles equipped by the manufacturer with an immobiliser can experience issues with it. These issues are usually simple and inexpensive to solve. Most times the issue is the result of the dying or dead key fob battery. This can be determined by a quick diagnostic test. If the problem persists and continues to recur, there could be other causes of the car's irregular behavior, such as electrical problems or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's best to seek out a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, referred to as transponder, is incorporated into the head portion of your car keys. The technology was introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. Also known as a chip key or a 'transmitter & responder key, it's designed to stop the engine from starting if a third party has an exact copy of your car key. It works by transmitting an audio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system of your car. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal transmitted by the key, the immobiliser will be disarmed and the engine will be able to start.
The key that has the transponder chip is sometimes called a '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 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 must be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy which is detected by a microchip in the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The computer in the car compares the code stored in its memory with the transponder's code and when the two codes match it will start the engine.
The immobiliser shuts down the engine if it detects an unauthorized key or transponder. It also blocks any vital parts of the car from functioning. The car won't move when the engine isn't functioning. It is easy for a criminal to hot-wire it and then drive off. This is an effective deterrent to criminals, which is the reason why you should get your car's key-immobiliser repaired as soon as you can when it has a problem. If you don't, the security light on your car will keep flashing and it will be impossible for you to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This is an anti theft device that stops anyone from driving your vehicle without the proper key. If the system cannot identify a digital serial number from the chip inside your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser and stop the car from starting.
The car immobiliser is an excellent way to deter thieves, but it could sometimes get out of the sync. This could be due to interference or the system being too sensitive. If this is the situation, it may need to be reset. To do this simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, you can reinstall the battery and restart the vehicle. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept your key once more.
The security light is the car immobiliser's method of letting you know that there is a problem with the system. 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 can happen if you have recently replaced your car key with another that isn't programmed to the vehicle, or when you've had a damaged swapped ECU.
If this is the case, it's best to take your key or transponder chip to a professional to get them correctly programmed for the vehicle you are driving. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key due to a software bug or update. To test this, place your key in the ignition and switch it to ON but don't try to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. The security light should come on, and then go off. If it does not then you must repeat this process and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat this three times and the issue should be solved.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running when the fob or key are not properly programmed. It is a unique RFID chip that can't be copied and is equipped with a digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect when it doesn't recognize the code. That's why it's so difficult to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it very difficult to connect the car to a hot wire or use a different key as a 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 is then able to determine that it's the right key and that the passcode 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 if someone tries to use a wrong key or fob.
The system isn't completely foolproof, however. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser by using techniques like 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wire in a vehicle in order to fool the ECU. However, this method is quite dangerous and requires a lot of experience in order to do it without electrocuting yourself. Modern car thieves are using more advanced methods, like Bluetooth or other apps that take over a car's data and remotely manage it.
Car owners often see warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser has gone haywire. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is a dead or defective battery in the key fob. A simple repair should resolve this problem.
If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to diagnose and fix, as it can involve an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. However, a car's immobiliser can also be damaged due to water intrusion, or even being removed from the fob or key. If any of these issues occur, it's a good idea visit the nearest garage or dealer for assistance.