broken key repair 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 your key fob it could be due to an issue with a transponder that's not sending a security signal 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
If you are working in the field of auto repair, it is important to focus on your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. One way to do this is to offer key fob replacement and reprogramming services to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also increase the profits of your shop without having sublet the dealership.
The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser is not powered by the key fob battery. The immobiliser is powered by the transponder that is located in the fob, key or instrument cluster. The chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer module of the car, which could be integrated into the PCM (power control module), BCM (brake control module), instrument clusters, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system then validates the code to make sure it is correct. If it is not, the system will disable parts that are essential to start the vehicle, like the ignition or starter motor. This will make the vehicle nearly impossible to start without the correct key.
Since its introduction, the immobiliser has been an extremely effective tool for reducing the theft of cars. Yet thieves are always looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these techniques is a recent trend known as the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to connect a vehicle with hot wires.
Insurance companies are now taking the use of an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to purchase a car that has this feature. Even vehicles equipped with an immobiliser could have issues. These issues are usually simple and cheap to fix. A dying or dead keyfob battery is typically the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. This can be identified with an instant diagnostic test. If the issue persists, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It is best to let a professional identify the issue and then repair it.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, also known as transponder, is incorporated into the head portion of your car keys. This technology was introduced in cars manufactured after 1995. Also known as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter & responder' key, it is created to stop the engine from starting if a third party has the same key. It works by sending an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser system. If the code stored in the car's computer is in line with the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will be disarmed and the engine will start.
The key with the transponder can also be referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key due to the fact that it is more difficult to duplicate than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a traditional 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 flash of IR energy which is absorbed by the microchip in the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The computer in the car examines the code in its memory to the one on the transponder and If the two codes are identical, it will start the engine.
If the immobiliser detects that an unauthorized transponder or key is being used it will shut down the engine and block any of its vital components from functioning. The car will not move when the engine isn't functioning. It is easy for a criminal to hot-wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent to criminals, which is the reason why you should get your car key-immobiliser repaired as quickly as possible if it develops a fault. If you don't do this then the security light on your car will continue blinking, and you won't be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a tiny battery that sends an electrical signal to the transponder chip inside your key. This anti-theft device prevents anyone from starting the car if they don't have the correct keys. If the system can't detect a serial number digital from the chip inside your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser, preventing the car from getting started.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic method to deter thieves, but it could sometimes get out of sync. This could be due to interference or the system being 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 before reinstalling it and start the vehicle. This will reset the key system so that it is ready to accept your keys once again.
The security light is the car immobiliser's method of letting you know that there's an issue with the system. If you try to start the car but the light stays on it means that the chip inside your key isn't compatible with the code stored in the ECU. This can occur when your car's key has been replaced by a new one that is not programmed for the vehicle, or if an ECU was swapped in a wrong manner.
If this is the case then you need to go to a professional for assistance and get the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key due to an update or software issue. To test, insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Do not attempt to start the vehicle. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. The security light should come on, and then go off. If it does not, you will need to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat the process three times and the problem should be solved.
Programming
An immobiliser for cars prevents the engine of a car from running without a properly programmed key or fob. It is based on a specific RFID microchip that isn't able to be copied and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working when it is unable to recognize the code. It's tough to beat.
Modern cars are fitted with this security system as standard. This makes it really hard to connect the car to a hot wire or use a different key for starter. The system works by analyzing the chip inside a key fob or key, and transmitting a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU is then able to determine that it's the correct key and that the passcode isn't compromised. The system won't allow the car to start in the event that it does not receive the correct code. Some models even notify the owner if they try to use a wrong fob or key.
The system is not 100% secure, however. Some thieves have gotten around the immobiliser by using techniques such as 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wiring in an automobile to cause a malfunction in the ECU. However, this method is quite risky and requires a lot of experience in order to carry out the procedure without damaging yourself. In addition, many modern car thieves have shifted to more sophisticated 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 frequently notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser gone haywire. This can occur for various reasons but the most frequent one is a faulty battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement should fix this issue.
If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. It is more difficult to determine and fix, as it can involve an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. A car immobiliser may also be damaged if water manages to enter the system, or if it is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If you encounter any of these problems it is a good idea to visit an auto dealer in your area or garage for assistance.