Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start Most cars are equipped with an immobilizer system that stops car theft. If your vehicle will not start after inserting the key fob it could be an issue with a transponder that isn't sending a security message to the immobilizer. This is a simple fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various components of your vehicle immobiliser to see what you can do. Battery If you are working in the field of auto repair it is crucial to be aware of your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can achieve this by providing key fob replacements as well as reprogramming your customers. This will not only benefit your customers, but will also boost your shop's profit without the need sublet the dealership. Typically the key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't power the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip on the fob or key. The chip transmits a passcode to the car's immobilizer unit, which may be built into the PCM, BCM or instrument cluster smart junction box or standalone module. The system will check the code to ensure it's correct. If it's not it is, the system will shut down parts that are essential to start the vehicle, like the starter motor or ignition. This makes the car difficult to start if you don't have the right key. The immobiliser has proven highly effective in decreasing car theft since its introduction. Even so, thieves are constantly looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these methods includes a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showcased how easy it is to connect a vehicle with hot wires. Many insurance companies are now incorporating in the use of an immobiliser when they calculate premiums, making it even more appealing to purchase an automobile that has this feature. However, even vehicles equipped by the manufacturer with an immobiliser could face problems with it. Fortunately, these problems are usually straightforward and affordable to solve. A dying or dead keyfob battery is typically the cause of a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test can reveal this issue. If the issue persists, then there might be other reasons for the car's behavior, such as electrical problems or a wiring issue. repair car key fob to have a professional determine the issue and fix it. Transponder Chip A small electronic chip, called transponder, is incorporated in the head of your car keys. This technology was first introduced in cars manufactured after 1995. Also known as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter & responder key, it's designed to stop the engine from starting if another person has a copy of your car key. It works by transmitting a radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system of your car. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will be deactivated and the engine will start. The key that has the transponder chip is sometimes called a 'fob' or a 'smart' key because it is much more difficult to clone than a traditional mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key, but not a transponder key. Contrary to the central locking element remote of a conventional key, which uses battery power the transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder. To activate the transponder chip the ignition cylinder has to be turned on. The ring emits IR energy that is detected by a microchip within the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer compared the code in its memory to the one from the transponder chip and if they match the engine will begin to rev. The immobiliser will shut down the engine when it detects an unauthorised key or transponder. It will also prevent any vital components of the car from functioning. The car will not move if the engine is not working. It's easy for a criminal hot-wire it to drive away. This is a powerful deterrent to criminals, which is why you must have your car key-immobiliser repaired promptly if it develops a fault. If you don't, the security light in your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be impossible for you to start your engine. Security Light The immobiliser uses a small battery to send an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This anti-theft device prevents anyone from starting their car without the correct keys. If the system cannot identify a digital serial number from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser and prevent the car from starting. The car immobiliser system is an an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can become out of sync with the key or transponder chip. This could be due to interference or the system is too sensitive. This may need a reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reconnect the battery and restart the vehicle. This will reset the system and make it ready to accept the key again. The security light is a way of warning you of a problem. If you try to start the car but the light is solid on it indicates that the chip in your key isn't compatible with the code that is stored in the ECU. This can happen when your car's key has been replaced with an alternative key that is not compatible with the vehicle, or when an ECU has been swapped incorrectly. If this is the situation it is recommended to take your key or transponder chip to a professional to have them properly programmed for your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key due to an issue with the software or an update. To test this put your key in the ignition and switch it to ON but don't try to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. This should cause the security light to come on and then to turn off. If it doesn't, you'll have to repeat the procedure and wait another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue If you repeat the procedure three times. Programming The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running when the fob or key are not properly programmed. It is a unique RFID chip that cannot be copied and is equipped with a digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect when it doesn't recognize the code. That's why it's so difficult to defeat. Modern cars are equipped with this security system by default. This makes it really hard to connect the car to a hot wire or use a different key for starter. The system operates by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is aware that it's the right key and that it doesn't have to been a compromise in the code. The system won't permit the car to start if the doesn't receive the correct code, and some models will even inform the owner if a person tries to use an unapproved key or fob. The system is not impervious to attack, but it is. Some thieves have bypassed the immobiliser by using techniques such as 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires in the wiring of a vehicle to trick the ECU into thinking that the appropriate fob or key is being used. This method is risky and requires a lot of knowledge to avoid electrocuting oneself. Additionally, many 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 using their phones. Owners of cars will often be greeted by warning lights that indicate an immobiliser malfunctioning. This could be due to various reasons, but the most common one is a faulty battery in the keyfob. The issue can be solved by replacing the battery. If this doesn't work, the transponder chip might be defective or not compatible with the ECU. This is harder to fix and diagnose as it may require a specialist locksmith or dealership. However, a car's immobiliser may also be damaged by water intrusion or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If any of these problems occur, it's recommended to visit a local garage or car dealer to seek assistance.
repair car key fob
