Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most cars are equipped with an immobilizer that prevents car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob it could be due to a problem with a transponder that's not sending a security message to the immobilizer.
This is a straightforward fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's examine the different parts of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
G28 Car Keys
If you're 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 to your customers. This will not only assist your customers but also add to the profits of your shop 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 by a transponder located in the fob, key or instrument cluster. This chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key 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 checks the code to ensure that it is correct. If it is not then the system will disable elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, such as the ignition or starter motor. The car will be nearly impossible to start if you don't have the correct key.
The immobiliser system has been extremely effective in decreasing car theft since it was first introduced. However the fact that thieves are always looking for new ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods includes an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to connect a vehicle with hot wires.
Insurance companies are now taking in the use an immobiliser to calculate premiums. This makes it more attractive to buy a car with this feature. However, even cars that came factory-fitted with an immobiliser can experience issues with it. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple and inexpensive to repair. Most times an immobiliser that is not working properly is the result of a dead or dying key fob battery. This can be determined by 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 best to seek out a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a tiny electronic chip called transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. Also referred to as a 'chip key' or a 'transmitter and responder key, it's created to stop the engine from starting if another person has a copy of your car key. It works by sending an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser system. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will be removed and the engine will be able to start.
The key with the transponder is also referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key due to the fact that it is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key. Using specific techniques, it is feasible to duplicate a standard car key, but not the transponder key. 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 blast of IR energy, which is picked up by the microchip in the key. The chip responds by transmitting a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with the one from the transponder chip, and If they are compatible the engine will be able to start.
The immobiliser will shut down the engine if it detects an unauthorized key or transponder. It also stops all vital parts of the car from functioning. Without a functioning engine, the vehicle will not be able to move and it would be very easy for a criminal to wire the vehicle and drive away. This is a powerful deterrent to crime, and is one of the reasons why it is essential to get your car key immobiliser repaired when you spot a fault with it. If you don't take this action then the security light on your car will continue blinking, and you won't be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser uses a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip that is in your key. It is an anti-theft device that blocks anyone from driving your vehicle without the right key. If the system cannot detect a serial number digital from the chip inside your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser and prevent the car from beginning.
The car immobiliser is a great method of deterring thieves, however it can sometimes be out of the sync. This can be caused by interference or the system being too sensitive. If this is the case it could be necessary to reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes before reinstalling it and begin the vehicle. This will reset the key system, so that it is ready to accept keys 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 when you attempt to start your car, it means that the code that is stored in the ECU is not compatible with the chip inside the key. This can happen if you have recently replaced your car's key with another that has not been programmed to the vehicle, or in the event that you've had a defective swapped ECU.
If this is the case, it's best to bring your transponder key or chip to a professional for them properly programmed for your vehicle. It's possible that the system isn't able to accept the key due to a software upgrade or glitch. To test this, put your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position but don't try to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. The security light should come on, and then go off. If it doesn't, you'll have to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. Do this three times and the problem will be resolved.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running when the fob or key is not programmed correctly. It uses a special RFID microchip that cannot be duplicated and has its own serial number. The immobiliser will disengage in the event that it doesn't recognize the code. This is why it's so hard to beat.
Modern cars are equipped with this security system in the standard configuration. 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 correct key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system will not allow the car to start if the doesn't receive the correct code, and some models will even report back to the owner in the event that someone attempts to use a wrong fob or key.
However it isn't completely secure. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wire in a vehicle in order to cause a malfunction in the ECU. However, this method is extremely dangerous and requires a lot of experience in order to do it without electrocuting yourself. Modern car thieves are using more advanced methods, like Bluetooth or other specialized apps to obtain information about a vehicle and remotely control it.
Owners of cars will often 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 repair should resolve this issue.
If this does not work, it could be that the transponder chip may be defective or the ECU is not matched. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose as it may require a specialist locksmith or dealership. A car's immobiliser can be damaged if water manages to enter the system or is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If any of these problems occur, it's a good idea visit the nearest garage or dealer for assistance.