Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most vehicles are equipped with an immobilizer that prevents car theft. If your vehicle won't start after inserting the key fob there may be a problem with a transponder chip that is not sending an encryption code to the immobilizer system.
This is a simple fix for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let's examine the different components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
It is important that you concentrate on the revenue and cost-savings potentials of your auto repair shop. You can achieve this by providing key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only help your customers but also add to your shop's profits without subletting to the dealership.
Typically the key fob battery powers the remote opening and locking systems. The immobiliser isn't powered by the key fob battery. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip in the fob or key. The chip transmits a code from the key or fob to the immobilizer module of the car, which could be integrated into the PCM (power control module) or BCM (brake control module), instrument cluster, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. car key fob repair service verifies the code to make sure it is correct. If the code is incorrect it will disable the elements that are crucial to the start of the car, such as the ignition or starter motor. This makes the car nearly impossible to start without the right key.
The immobiliser has proven highly effective in cutting down on car theft since its introduction. Despite this, thieves are always looking for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these strategies is an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to hot-wire a vehicle.
Many insurance companies are now incorporating in the use of an immobiliser when they calculate rates, which makes it more appealing to purchase a car that already has this feature. However, even vehicles equipped by the manufacturer with an immobiliser may experience problems with it. Fortunately, these problems are usually easy and cheap to repair. The majority times the issue is caused by the dying or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test can uncover the problem. If the problem persists it could be due to other causes for the vehicle's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's recommended to consult a professional for a diagnosis and fix the issue.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a small electronic chip referred to transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. Also known as a chip key or a 'transmitter and responder' key, it is designed to stop the engine from starting if a third party has an exact 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 computer of the car matches the signal sent by the key, the immobiliser will be disarmed and the engine will begin to run.
The key that has the transponder chip is sometimes called a 'fob' or a 'smart' key because it is more difficult to copy than a conventional mechanical key. Using specific techniques, it is feasible to copy a standard car key however, not a transponder key. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal, not battery power.
To turn on the transponder, the ignition cylinder needs to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst of IR energy that is picked up by the microchip in the key. The chip responds with an unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer analyzes the code stored in its memory with the transponder's and when the two codes match, it will start the engine.
The immobiliser shuts down the engine in the event of an unauthorized key or transponder. It will also prevent all vital parts of the car from working. The car will not move if the engine is not functioning. It is easy for a criminal to hot-wire it and drive off. This is a great security measure against crime, and is the reason why you should get your car's key-immobiliser fixed promptly when it has a problem. If you don't do this and 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 is an anti-theft device that stops anyone from opening your vehicle without the proper key. If the system is unable to detect a serial number digital from the chip in your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser and stop the car from getting started.
This car immobiliser system is an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can get out of connection with the key or the transponder chip. This could be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. If this is the case it might need to be reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. Leave it disconnected for about 15 minutes before reinstalling it and begin the vehicle. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept your key once more.
The security light is the car immobiliser's method of letting you know that there's a problem with the system. If the light is on and you attempt to start your car, it is a sign that the code stored in the ECU is not compatible with the chip on the key. This can occur when your car's key has been replaced with a new one that is not programmed to work with the vehicle, or if the ECU has been swapped incorrectly.
If this is the situation you should take your transponder or key chip to a professional to have them correctly programmed for the vehicle you are driving. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key due to a software bug or update. To test, insert your key into the ignition and turn 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 go off. If it doesn't you'll need to repeat the procedure and wait another 10 minutes. Do this three times and the problem should be solved.
Programming
The car immobiliser stops the engine from running when the fob or key is not properly programmed. It is a unique RFID chip that is unable to be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disconnected when it doesn't recognize the code. It's hard to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to hot-wire the car or use another key for starter. The system works by analyzing the chip in the key fob or a key and sending a passcode back to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU is then able to determine that it's the correct key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system won't permit the car to start if it does not receive the correct code. Some models will even notify the owner if a person tries to use an incorrect key or fob.
The system isn't completely foolproof, however. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser by using techniques like 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires through the wiring of a vehicle to trick the ECU to believe that the correct key or fob is being used. However, this method is extremely risky and requires a great deal of experience to carry out the procedure without cutting yourself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have moved to more sophisticated methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to steal the car's information and remotely control it via their phones.
Car owners are often faced with warning lights that indicate the immobiliser is malfunctioning. It can happen for many reasons however the most common one is a faulty battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement can fix this problem.
If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is harder to diagnose and fix as it could require an expert locksmith or a dealership. However, a car immobiliser may also be damaged due to water ingress or even physically being removed from the fob or key. If any of these issues occur it's a good idea to visit a local garage or car dealer to seek assistance.