Heather Brunson asked 4 days ago
Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming – Why Your Car Won’t Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to prevent car theft. If your vehicle isn’t starting after inserting the key fob there could be a problem with the transponder chip not transmitting a security code to the immobilizer system.
This is a straightforward fix for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let’s examine the different components of your vehicle’s immobiliser and see what you can do.
Battery
If you are involved in the auto repair industry, it is important to focus on your shop’s revenue and cost-saving opportunities. One way to do this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only assist your customers but also increase the profits of your business without having to sublet to the dealership.
Typically, the key fob battery powers the Remote car Key repairs opening and locking systems. The immobiliser is not powered by the key fob battery. The immobiliser is powered by the transponder in the fob, key or instrument cluster. This chip transmits a code to the car’s immobilizer device that can be integrated into the PCM, BCM, the instrument cluster smart junction box or standalone module. The system then checks the code to ensure it is correct. If the code is not correct the system will disable elements that are crucial to start the car, such as the starter motor or ignition. The car will be impossible to start if you do not have the right key.
The immobiliser system has proven highly effective in decreasing car theft since its introduction. However the fact that thieves are always looking for new ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it is to connect hot wires to an automobile.
Insurance companies are now factoring the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to buy a car with this feature. Even cars equipped with an immobiliser could have issues. Fortunately, these issues are usually straightforward and affordable to repair. The majority times an immobiliser that is not working properly is the result of an inactive or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test can identify the issue. If the issue continues to persist and continues to recur, there could be other causes of the car’s misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring issue. It is recommended to seek out a professional to diagnose the problem and fix it.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a small electronic chip, referred to as a transponder is built into the head of your car key. Also known as a chip key’ or a ‘transmitter and responder’ key, it is created to stop the engine from starting if someone else has a copy of your car key. It works by transmitting an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser system. If the code stored in the car’s computer matches that signal sent from the key, it will disable the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key with the transponder is also called a “fob” or a “smart” key, as it is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key. Utilizing specific techniques, it is feasible to duplicate a standard car key however, not transponder keys. Contrary to the remote car key repair central locking element of a standard key that relies on 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 must be turned on. The ring emits IR energy which is picked up by a microchip in the key. The chip then responds with an unique code to the immobiliser inside your car. The computer in the car compares the code stored in its memory to the transponder’s and If the two codes are identical, it will start the engine.
If the immobiliser detects an unauthorised transponder or key is being used, it will disable the engine and block any of its essential components from functioning. Without a functioning engine the car will not be able to move, and it would be very easy for criminals to connect the vehicle to a hot wire and drive away. This is a great deterrent to crime, and is why you must have your car key-immobiliser repaired as soon as you can in the event of a malfunction. If you don’t do this, the security light in your car key fob repairs 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 anti-theft device stops anyone from starting the car if they don’t have the proper keys. If the system is not able to recognize a digital serial number from the chip in your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser to prevent the car starting.
The car immobiliser is a great method to deter thieves, but it can sometimes be out of the sync. This could be due interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. If this is the situation, it might need to be reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and begin the car. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept the key again.
The security light is the car immobiliser’s way of telling you that there’s an issue with the system. If you attempt to start the car and the light stays on, it indicates that the chip in your key fob repair isn’t in sync with the code stored in the ECU. This could happen if have recently replaced your car key with a different one that isn’t programmed to the vehicle or in the event that you’ve had a defective swapped ECU.
If this is the case it is recommended to bring your transponder key or chip to a professional to get them properly programmed for your car. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key because of a software bug or update. To test this, place your key in the ignition and switch it to the ON position but don’t attempt to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. This will cause the security light to light up and then to turn off. If it doesn’t work, you’ll have to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue If you repeat the procedure three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser stops the engine from running if the fob or key are not programmed correctly. It is a unique RFID chip that can’t be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working when it doesn’t recognize the code. That’s why it’s difficult to beat.
Modern cars come with this 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 in a key fob or a key and transmitting a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU will then verify that it’s the right key and that the code hasn’t been compromised. The system won’t allow the vehicle to start if it doesn’t receive the correct code. Some models will even inform the owner in the event that someone attempts to use an unapproved key or fob.
However, the system is not impervious to theft. Certain thieves have been able to get around the immobiliser using methods such as ‘hot-wiring’. This involves crossing the wrong wire in an automobile to cause a malfunction in the ECU. But, this technique is quite dangerous and requires a lot of experience to carry out the procedure without electrocuting yourself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have shifted over to more advanced methods, such as using specialized apps or Bluetooth to hijack the car’s information and remotely control it from their mobile.
Car owners will frequently notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser malfunctioning. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but the most common is a dead or defective battery on the key fob. A simple replacement can fix the issue.
If this does not work, it could be that the transponder chip is defective or the ECU is mismatched. This is harder to diagnose and fix as it may require an expert locksmith or a dealership. However, a car immobiliser may also be damaged by water intrusion, or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If you experience any of these issues it is a good idea to consult an auto dealer in your area or garage to seek help.
