Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Today, the majority of vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to stop car theft. If remote key repair near me won't start after inserting your key fob, it could be a problem with a transponder which isn't sending a security message to the immobiliser.
This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
It is important that you concentrate on the cost-savings and revenue opportunities that your auto repair shop. One method to achieve this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only assist your customers, but it will also add to the profits of your business without having to sublet to the dealership.
Typically, the key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it does not power the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser is dependent on the transponder chip that is located in the fob or key. This chip sends a passcode to the immobilizer unit of the car that can be integrated into the PCM, BCM or instrument cluster, smart junction box or standalone module. The system will check the code to ensure it's correct. If it is not it is, the system will shut down elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, such as the starter motor or ignition. The car will be impossible to start if you do not have the right key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proved to be a very effective tool in reducing car theft. Despite this it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these methods includes an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to hot-wire a vehicle.
Most insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums, which makes it even more appealing to buy an automobile that has this feature. Even cars equipped with an immobiliser might be prone to problems. These problems are often easy and inexpensive to solve. A dying or dead keyfob battery is usually the reason for a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. This can be confirmed with an easy diagnostic test. If the problem persists then 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 fix the problem.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, called transponder, is embedded inside the head portion of your car keys. This technology was introduced in cars manufactured after 1995. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to stop the engine from starting when someone else has an identical 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 from the key, it will deactivate the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key with the transponder can also be referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key, because it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. Using special techniques, it is possible to copy a standard car key but not transponder keys. In contrast to the central locking element remote of a conventional key, which uses battery power, a transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal transmitted by the antenna ring that is located on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder chip the ignition cylinder needs to be turned to the ON position. The ring emits IR energy which is received by a microchip in the key. The chip responds by transmitting a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer checks the code in its memory with that from the transponder chip, and when they match, the engine will start.
The immobiliser shuts down the engine in the event of an unauthorized key or transponder. It also stops any essential components of the car from working. Without a functioning engine the car will not be able to move, and it will be easy for criminals to wire the vehicle and drive away. This is an effective deterrent to crime, and is why you must have your car key-immobiliser repaired as quickly as possible when it has a problem. If you don't take this action, the security light on your car will continue flashing and you will not be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser uses a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting the car if they don't have the proper keys. If the system can't detect a serial number digital from the chip in your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser, preventing the car from starting.
This car immobiliser system is an effective way to stop thieves, but it is also possible for it to become out of connection with the key or transponder chip. This could be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. This may require the system to be reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes, then insert it and begin the car. This will reset the key system, so that it is ready to accept keys once more.
The security light is the car immobiliser's method of letting you know that there is an issue with the system. If the light is on when you try to start your car, it is a sign that the code stored in the ECU does not match the chip inside the key. This could happen if you have recently replaced your car's key with another 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 transponder or key chip to a professional to have them properly programmed for your vehicle. 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 in the ignition and then turn it to the ON position. Do not attempt to start the car. Let the key remain in this position for ten minutes. The security light should turn on, then go off. If it doesn't then you'll have to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. This should solve the problem when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running if the fob or key are not properly programmed. It utilizes a specific RFID chip that is unable to be copied and is equipped with a digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. That's why it's so difficult to beat.
Modern cars are equipped with this security system in the standard configuration. This makes it extremely difficult to wire the car hot or use a different key for starter. The system works by checking the chip inside the key fob or key, and sending a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU will then verify that it's the right key and that the passcode hasn't been compromised. The system won't allow the car to start if the does not receive the correct code, and some models will even inform the owner if someone tries to use a wrong fob or key.
The system isn't foolproof, however. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to trick the ECU. This method is risky and requires extensive experience to avoid electrocuting oneself. Modern car thieves are using more advanced methods, such as Bluetooth or other specialized apps to take over a car's data and remotely control it.
Car owners will often get warning lights that indicate the immobiliser has gone haywire. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but 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 doesn't work, the transponder chip might be defective or not compatible with the ECU. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose as it may require a specialist locksmith or dealership. The car immobiliser could also be damaged if water is able to enter the system, or if it is physically removed from its fob or key. If you experience any of these problems it is a great idea to visit the local car dealer or garage to seek help.