Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most vehicles are equipped with an immobilizer system that stops car theft. If your vehicle isn't starting after inserting the key fob there could be an issue with a transponder chip that is not transmitting a security code to the immobiliser system.
This is a straightforward fix for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let's take a look at the different parts of your vehicle's immobiliser and discover what you can do.
Battery
If you're involved in the auto repair industry, it is important to be aware of your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. 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. nearby key repair shop isn't powered by the battery in the key fob. The immobiliser is powered through the transponder in the key, fob or instrument cluster. The chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer module of the car. It can be integrated into the PCM (power control module), BCM (brake control module) instrument cluster smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system will check the code to ensure it's correct. If the code is incorrect the system will disable elements that are crucial to start the car, like the starter motor or ignition. This will make the vehicle difficult to start without the right key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proven to be a very effective tool in reducing the theft of cars. However thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods includes a recent trend known as the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to hot-wire a vehicle.
Many insurance companies are now incorporating in the use of an immobiliser in calculating rates, which makes it even more appealing to purchase cars that already have this feature. Even vehicles that are factory-fitted with an immobiliser could have problems. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple and inexpensive to fix. The majority of the time the issue is caused by an inactive or dead key fob battery. This can be confirmed with a quick diagnostic test. If the problem persists then it could be due to electrical issues or wiring issues. If this is the case, it's recommended to consult a professional for a diagnosis and repair the issue.
Transponder Chip
In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a small electronic chip, referred to as transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. It is also referred to as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to stop the engine from starting when someone else has an identical key. It works by transmitting an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser system. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will be disarmed and the engine will be able to start.
The key with the transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key, because it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. Utilizing specific techniques, it is possible to duplicate a standard car key however, not a transponder key. Contrary to the remote central locking element of a conventional key, which uses battery power, a transponder chip is powered by the infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted by the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder the ignition cylinder needs to be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy that is received by a microchip within 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 the one from the transponder chip and when they match the engine will begin to rev.
The immobiliser will shut down the engine when it detects an unauthorised key or transponder. It will also prevent any essential parts of the car from working. Without a functioning engine, the vehicle will not be able to move, and it would be very easy for criminals to wire the vehicle and drive away. This is a great deterrent to criminals, which is why you should have your car's key-immobiliser repaired as soon as you can when it has a problem. If you don't do this, the security light in your car will continue to flash and it will be difficult for you to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to send an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting the car without the correct keys. If the system can't detect a serial number digital from the chip inside your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser and stop the car from starting.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic method to deter thieves, however it can sometimes get out of the sync. This could be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. This could need the system to be reset. To do this simply disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and start the car. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key once more.
The security light is an immobiliser's way of warning you of an issue. If you try to start the car and the light stays on it means that the chip inside your key isn't compatible with the code that is stored in the ECU. This could happen in the event that your car's key has been replaced with an alternative key that is not programmed for the vehicle, or when an ECU was swapped in a wrong manner.
If this is the case, then you need to go to a professional to have the 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, put your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do not attempt to start the car. Let the key stay in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security lights to come on and then to go off. If it doesn't, you'll have to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. Repeat the process three times and the issue will be resolved.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running if the fob or key is not programmed correctly. It makes use of a unique RFID microchip that isn't able to be copied and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working if it does not recognise the code. It's difficult to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it very difficult to wire the car hot or use a different key for starter. The system works by sending a code from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is then able to determine that it's the right key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system will not allow the vehicle to start if it doesn't receive the correct code. Some models will even notify the owner in the event that someone attempts to use an unapproved key or fob.
However it isn't foolproof. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser by using techniques such as 'hot wiring.' This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to cause a malfunction in the ECU. This is a risky technique and requires a lot of expertise to avoid electrocuting yourself. Modern car thieves are also employing more sophisticated methods for instance, Bluetooth or other specialized apps to steal a car's information and remotely control it.
Car owners are often faced with warning lights that signal that the immobiliser has gone haywire. This can happen for various reasons, but one of the most frequent is due to a damaged or dead battery on the key fob. A simple replacement should fix the issue.
If this doesn't work the transponder chip could be defective or not compatible with the ECU. This is more difficult to diagnose and fix and may require an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. A car immobiliser may also be damaged if water manages to get into the system or if it is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If any of these problems occur, it's recommended to visit a local garage or car dealer to seek assistance.