Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
The majority of vehicles have an immobilizer to prevent theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob there may be a problem with a transponder chip that is not sending an authorization code to the immobilizer system.
This is a straightforward fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various components of your vehicle immobiliser to discover what you can do.
Battery
It is crucial to focus on the profit and cost-saving potentials of your auto repair shop. You can achieve this by offering key fob replacements 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.
The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't provide power to the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip that is located in the fob or key. This chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob to the immobilizer unit in the car. It can 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 will check the code to ensure it is correct. If it's not it is, the system will shut down components crucial to starting the vehicle, like the ignition or starter motor. The car will be impossible to start if you don't have the correct key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proven to be a very effective tool in reducing car theft. However, thieves are constantly looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these methods is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that demonstrates how easy it is to connect hot wires to an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now incorporating the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to purchase a vehicle with this feature. Even vehicles equipped with an immobiliser could have problems. These issues are usually simple and cheap to fix. The majority of the time an immobiliser that is not working properly is caused by the dying or dead key fob battery. This can be confirmed with an instant diagnostic test. If the issue persists, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It's best to let a professional identify the issue and then solve it.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, called a transponder, is built into the head portion of your car keys. This technology was first introduced in cars made after 1995. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to stop the engine from starting when another person has the same key. It works by transmitting an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser. If the code in the car's computer is in line with the signal sent from the key, it will disarm the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key with a transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key due to the fact that it is more difficult to duplicate than mechanical keys. Using special methods, it is possible to duplicate a standard car key but not the transponder key. In contrast 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 through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To turn on the transponder, the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy that is picked up by a microchip inside the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer compares the code in its memory with that from the transponder chip and when they match, the engine will start.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorised transponder, key or other device is being used, it will disable the engine and stop the essential components from functioning. The car will not move if the engine is not working. It's easy for criminals to wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent against crime, and is one of the reasons why it's important to have your car's key immobiliser repaired immediately you discover any issue with it. If you don't do this, the security light in your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be impossible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This is an anti theft device that stops anyone from driving your car without the right key. If the system is unable to identify a digital serial number from the chip in your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser and stop the car from starting.
The car immobiliser is an excellent method to deter thieves, however it can occasionally be out of the sync. This could be due interference or the system is too sensitive. If this is the case it may need to be reset. 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 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 mobile car key repair start your vehicle, it indicates that the code in the ECU is not compatible with the chip inside the key. This can happen if you have recently replaced the car key with another that has not been programmed to the vehicle or when you've had a damaged swapped ECU.
If this is the case then it's time to go to a professional for assistance and get the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It's possible that your system will not accept the key due to a software upgrade or bug. To test, insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do not try to start the car. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security light to light up and then to turn off. If it doesn't work, you'll need to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. Repeat the process three times and the issue will be resolved.
Programming
A car immobiliser prevents the engine of a car from running without a correctly programmed key or fob. It makes use of a unique RFID micro-chip that can't be duplicated and comes with its own serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged when it is unable to recognize the code. This is why it's so hard to defeat.
Modern cars are fitted with this security system by default. This makes it difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or use a different key for starter. The system works by sending a code from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is aware that it's the right key and that it doesn't have to been a compromise in the code. The system will not allow the car to start if the does not receive the correct code, and some models will even notify the owner if a person tries to use an unapproved fob or key.
The system isn't 100% secure, however. Certain thieves have been able to bypass the immobiliser using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle to fool the ECU. This is a risky technique and requires extensive knowledge to avoid electrocuting oneself. Modern car thieves are employing more sophisticated methods for instance, Bluetooth or other apps that steal a car's information and remotely manage it.
Car owners will frequently 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 is a faulty or dead battery on the key fob. This problem can be fixed by an easy replacement.
If this doesn't work, it could be that the transponder chip may be defective or the ECU is mismatched. This is more difficult to determine and fix since it could require a professional locksmith or dealership. The car immobiliser could also be damaged if water is able to get into the system or if it is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If any of these issues occur, it's recommended to visit the nearest garage or dealer for assistance.