Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start The majority of vehicles have an immobilizer to prevent theft. If your vehicle won't start after inserting the key fob it could be an issue with a transponder which isn't sending a security signal 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 in the auto repair business, it is important to concentrate on your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. You can do this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming for your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also increase your shop's profits, without having sublet the dealership. Typically the battery for the key fob powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't power the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser is dependent on the transponder chip located in the fob or key. The chip transmits a passcode to the immobilizer unit of the car that can be integrated into the PCM, BCM, instrument cluster, smart junction box or standalone module. The system checks the code to ensure it's correct. If it's not, the system will disable elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, like the starter motor or ignition. This makes the car nearly impossible to start without the right key. Since its introduction, the immobiliser has been a very effective tool in reducing the theft of cars. Even so, thieves are constantly seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods includes a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to wire a vehicle. Many insurance companies are now incorporating in the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums, which makes it more appealing to shop for an automobile that has this feature. However, even cars equipped by the manufacturer with an immobiliser may experience issues with it. These issues are typically simple and cheap to fix. The majority times, a faulty immobiliser is the result of an inactive or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test will uncover the problem. If the problem persists then it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It is recommended to have a professional diagnose the problem and solve it. Transponder Chip In cars made after 1995, a small electronic chip, referred to as transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. Also known as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter and responder key, it's designed to stop the engine from starting if another person has a copy of your car key. It works by sending a radio frequency from the key to the immobiliser system. If the code in the car's computer is in line with the signal transmitted by the key, it will disable the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin. The key with the transponder can also be referred to as a fob or a smart key, because it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key, but not a transponder one. Unlike the remote central locking element of a conventional key which is powered by batteries the transponder chip is powered by the 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 switched to ON. The ring emits IR energy that is picked up by a microchip inside the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code your car's immobiliser. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory to the transponder's code and if the two codes match it will begin the engine. If the immobiliser detects an unauthorised transponder, key or other device is in use, it will disable the engine and block any of its vital components from working. Without a functioning engine, the vehicle will not be able to move, and it would be very easy for criminals to hot-wire the vehicle and drive away. This is a powerful way to deter crime, and is one of the main reasons why it's essential to have your car's key immobiliser repaired immediately you discover a fault with it. If you don't do this then the security light on your car will continue blinking, and you won't be able to start it. Security Light The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that sends an electric signal to the transponder chip inside your key. It is an anti-theft device that prevents anyone from driving your car without the right key. If key fob repairs is unable to detect a digital serial from the chip on your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to stop the car from starting. This system for car immobilisation is an an effective way to stop thieves, however it can become out of in sync with the key or transponder chip. This can be due to interference or the system is too sensitive. This may require a reset. To do this, just disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reconnect the battery and restart the car. This will reset the key system, so that it is ready to accept keys once more. The security light is an immobiliser's way of warning you of a problem. If the light is on when you try 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 could happen if your car key has been replaced by an alternative key that is not programmed for the vehicle, or if an ECU was swapped in a wrong manner. If this is the situation, then you need to go to a professional and have the transponder or key chip properly programmed to your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key due to a software bug or update. To test this, place your key in the ignition and turn it to ON but don't try to start the engine. Let the key remain in this position for ten minutes. This will cause the security light to light up and then to go off. If it doesn't then you'll have to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue if you repeat it three times. Programming The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running if a key or fob is not properly programmed. It uses a special RFID microchip that cannot be duplicated and comes with its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disconnected when it doesn't recognize the code. It's tough to beat. Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to wire a car or utilize a different key for starter. The system works by analyzing the chip inside the key fob or a key and sending a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU is aware that it's the right key and hasn't been a compromise in the code. The system will not allow the vehicle to start if it doesn't have the correct code. Some models will even report back to the owner in the event that someone attempts to use an incorrect fob or key. The system isn't completely impervious to attack, but it is. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser by using methods like hot-wiring. This involves crossing the wrong wiring in a vehicle to trick the ECU. This is a risky method and requires a lot of experience to avoid electrocuting oneself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have moved to more sophisticated methods like using specialized apps or Bluetooth to steal the car's data and then remotely control it via their phones. Car owners are often faced with warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This could be due to various reasons, but the most common reason is a defective battery in the keyfob. This issue can be resolved by a simple replacement. If this isn't working the transponder chip could be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is harder to diagnose and fix as it could require a professional locksmith or dealership. However, a car immobiliser can be damaged by water ingress or even physically being pulled away from the fob or key. If you encounter any of these problems it is a good idea that you visit a local car dealer or garage to seek help.
key fob repairs
