Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer to prevent car theft. If your vehicle will not start after inserting your key fob it could be a problem with a transponder that's not sending a security message to the immobiliser.
This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's take a look at the different parts of your vehicle immobiliser to discover what you can do.
Battery
It is important that you focus on the revenue and cost-savings opportunities of your auto repair shop. You can achieve this by providing key fob replacements as well as reprogramming your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also increase your shop's profits without having sublet the dealership.
The key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser isn't powered by the battery in the key fob. Instead, the immobiliser is dependent on the transponder chip in the key or fob. The 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 then verifies the code to make sure it is correct. If it is not then the system will disable parts that are essential to start the vehicle, such as the ignition or starter motor. The car will be nearly impossible to start if you do not have the right key.
The immobiliser has proven highly effective in cutting down on car theft since its introduction. Even so the thieves are always trying to get around these security measures. One of these methods is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok, which shows how easy it is to wire an automobile.
The majority of insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when calculating rates, which makes it more appealing to shop for a car that already has this feature. Even cars that are factory-fitted with an immobiliser may be prone to problems. These issues are typically simple and inexpensive to solve. A dying or dead keyfob battery is typically the cause of a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. This can be determined by an easy diagnostic test. If the issue continues to persist and continues to recur, there could be other causes of the car's irregular behavior, such as electrical issues or a wiring issue. It is best to have a professional identify the issue and then fix it.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, also known as transponder, is embedded in the head of your car keys. This technology was first introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. Also known as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter and responder' key, it is created to stop the engine from starting if another person has an exact copy of your car key. It works by sending an audio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system inside your car. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will then be removed and the engine will begin to run.
The key that has the transponder chip is often referred to as"fob" or a 'smart' key due to the fact that it is more difficult to clone than a conventional mechanical key. Using special methods, it is possible to copy a conventional car key however, not transponder keys. In contrast to the central locking element remote of a conventional key, which is powered by batteries, 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 to the ON position. The ring emits a flash of IR energy which is detected by the microchip inside the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with that from the transponder chip and If they are compatible, the engine will start.
The immobiliser will disable the engine if it detects an unauthorized key or transponder. It will also prevent all vital components of the car from working. The car won't move when the engine isn't working. It is easy for criminals to wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent against crime, and is one of the main reasons why it's important to have your car's key immobiliser repaired immediately you discover any issue with it. If you don't, the security light on your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be impossible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that transmits an electrical signal to the transponder chip inside your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting the car if they don't have the correct keys. If the system cannot detect a digital serial from the chip on your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to stop the car starting.
The car immobiliser is a great method to deter thieves, however it can sometimes get out of sync. This could be due interference or a system that is too sensitive. If this is the case it could be necessary to reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes, then insert it and start the vehicle. This will reset the key system, so that it is ready to accept keys once more.
The security light is a way of alerting you to an issue. If you attempt to start the car but the light stays on it indicates that the chip inside your key isn't in sync with the code that is stored in the ECU. This can happen if you have recently replaced your car key with another that isn't programmed to the vehicle or if you've had a bad swapped ECU.
If this is the case then it's time to talk to a professional for assistance and get the the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key due to a software bug or update. To test this put your key in the ignition and turn it to ON but don't try to start the engine. Let the key stay in this position for 10 minutes. The security light should turn on, then go off. If it does not you'll need to repeat the procedure and wait another 10 minutes. Repeat the process three times and the issue will be resolved.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running if the fob or key is not properly programmed. It is based on a specific RFID micro-chip that can't be duplicated and comes with its own serial number. The immobiliser will stop working in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. This is why it's so hard to defeat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it really hard to wire the car hot or use a different key as a starter. The system operates by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is then able to determine that it's the right key and that the code isn't compromised. The system will not 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.
However it isn't foolproof. Some thieves have bypassed the immobiliser with techniques such as 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires within the wiring of a vehicle, which fools the ECU into thinking that the proper key or fob is being used. However, this method is quite risky and requires a great deal of knowledge of how to carry out the procedure without cutting yourself. Additionally, mobile key repair have shifted over to more advanced methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to hijack the car's information and remotely control it via their phones.
Car owners often see warning lights that indicate the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but the most frequent causes is due to a damaged or dead battery on the key fob. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery.
If this doesn't work, the transponder chip might be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose as it could require an expert locksmith or a dealership. The car immobiliser could also be damaged if water is able to get into the system or is physically removed from its fob or key. If any of these issues occur it's recommended to visit the nearest garage or dealer for assistance.