Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Today, the majority of vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer to prevent car theft. If your vehicle will not start after inserting the key fob it could be due to an issue with a transponder that's not sending a security message to the immobiliser.
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's immobiliser and discover what you can do.
Battery
If you are working in the field of auto repair it is essential to concentrate 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 benefit your customers but also increase your shop's profits without subletting to the dealership.
Typically the battery for the key fob powers the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser is not powered by the battery in the key fob. The immobiliser is powered through the transponder in the fob, key or instrument cluster. The 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) BCM (brake control module for brake control) instrument clusters, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system then validates the code to make sure it is correct. If the code isn't correct it will disable the components that are essential to starting the car, such as the ignition or starter motor. The car will be impossible to start if the driver doesn't have the right key.
The immobiliser system has proven extremely effective in reducing car theft since it was first introduced. Despite this it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these strategies is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok, which shows how easy it is to wire an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now factoring in the use an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to purchase a car that has this feature. However, even vehicles that came factory-fitted with an immobiliser may experience issues with it. These issues are typically simple and cheap to fix. A dying or dead keyfob battery is typically the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test can reveal this issue. If the issue continues to persist, then there might be other reasons for the car's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's recommended to seek out a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, also known as transponder, is embedded into the head portion of your car keys. This technology was introduced in cars manufactured after 1995. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to prevent your engine from starting when someone else has a duplicate of your key. It works by transmitting radio signals from the key to the immobiliser system. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will be disarmed and the engine will start.
The key with a transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. With the help of specific methods, it is possible to duplicate a standard car key however, not a transponder key. In contrast to the central locking element remote of a standard key which is powered by batteries the transponder chip is powered by the infrared (IR) signal transmitted by 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 a burst IR energy which is detected by a microchip inside the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to your car's immobiliser. 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 essential components from functioning. Without a functioning engine, the car will not be able to move and it would be very easy for a criminal to hot-wire the vehicle and drive away. This is a great deterrent to criminals, which is why you must have your car key-immobiliser repaired promptly in the event of a malfunction. If you do not car key and repair take action, the security light on your vehicle will continue blinking, and you won't be able to start it.
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 prevents anyone from driving your car without the right key. If the system is not able to recognize a digital serial from the chip on your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser to stop the car starting.
The car immobiliser is a great way to deter thieves, however it can sometimes get out of sync. This can be caused by interference or the system being too sensitive. If this is the case it might need to be reset. To do this simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, you can reinstall the battery and then restart the car. This will reset the system and allow it to accept the key again.
The security light is an immobiliser's way of alerting you to a problem. If the light is on when you attempt to start your car, it means that the code in the ECU does not match the chip on the key. This can happen if you have recently replaced your car's key with one that has not been programmed to the vehicle, or if you've had a bad swapped ECU.
If this is the case, it's best to bring your transponder key or chip to a professional to have them properly programmed for your car. It's possible that the system isn't able to accept the key because of a software update or glitch. To test this, insert your key in the ignition and turn the ON position. Do not attempt to start the vehicle. The key should remain in this position for ten minutes. This will cause the security light to come on and then to go off. If it does not, you will need to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue If you repeat the procedure three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running if the fob or key is not properly programmed. It uses a special RFID chip that is unable to be duplicated and has a unique digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working if it does not recognise the code. It's hard to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it really hard to wire the car hot or use another 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 then knows that it's the correct key and that the passcode hasn't been compromised. The system won't allow the car to start if it does not receive the correct code. Some models will even notify the owner in the event that someone attempts to use a wrong key or fob.
However, the system is not foolproof. Certain thieves have been able to bypass the immobiliser by using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle to trick the ECU. However, this is quite dangerous and requires a lot of experience to carry out the procedure without cutting yourself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have switched over to more advanced methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to steal the car's data and then remotely control it via their mobile.
Owners of cars will often notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser malfunctioning. This could be due to various reasons however the most common one is a malfunctioning battery in the keyfob. A simple repair should resolve this problem.
If this doesn't work it could be because the transponder chip is faulty or the ECU is mismatched. This is more difficult to diagnose and fix and may require a specialist locksmith for cars or a dealership. The car immobiliser could also be damaged if water manages to get into the system or is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If any of these issues occur it's a good idea visit a local garage or car dealer to seek assistance.