Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Today, the majority of vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer to stop car theft. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting the key fob, there could be a problem with a transponder chip that is not sending an encryption code to the immobiliser system.
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 car's immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
It is important that you concentrate on the profit and cost-saving potentials of your auto repair shop. One method to achieve this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only assist your customers, but it will also increase the profits of your business without having to sublet to the dealership.
Typically the battery for the key fob powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't supply power to the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser is dependent on the transponder chip that is located in the key or fob. 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) or BCM (brake control module) instrument cluster, smart junction boxes, or standalone modules. The system examines the code to make sure that it is correct. If it's not then the system will disable parts that are essential to start the vehicle, such as the ignition or starter motor. This will make the vehicle nearly impossible to start without the right key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proven to be a very effective tool in reducing the theft of cars. Even so, thieves are constantly looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these methods is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that demonstrates how easy it can be to hot-wire an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now factoring the use of an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to buy a car with this feature. Even vehicles equipped with an immobiliser may have issues. These issues are typically simple and affordable to fix. Most times the issue is caused by a dead or dying key fob battery. This can be confirmed with an easy diagnostic test. If the issue persists and continues to recur, there could be other causes for the vehicle's behavior, such as electrical issues or a wiring problem. It is recommended to let a professional determine the issue and solve it.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a tiny electronic chip, referred to as transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. Also known as a 'chip key or a 'transmitter and responder key, it is designed to stop the engine from starting if another person has the same key. It works by sending a radio frequency from the key to the immobiliser system. If the code stored in the computer of the car matches the signal sent by the key, the immobiliser will be removed and the engine will start.
The key that has a transponder is also called 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 standard key which uses battery power, a transponder chip is powered by the infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted by the antenna ring that is located on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder, the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy that is picked up by a microchip within the key. The chip then responds with an individual code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer analyzes the code stored in its memory with the transponder's and when the two codes match, it will start the engine.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorised transponder, key or other device is being used, it will disable the engine and block any of its vital components from working. The car won't move if the engine is not functioning. It's easy for criminals to wire it to drive away. This is a powerful deterrent against crime and it is one of the main reasons why it is essential to get your car key immobiliser repaired immediately you discover an issue. If you don't take this action and the security light on your car will continue flashing and you will not be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to send an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This device is designed to prevent anyone from starting their car without the correct keys. If the system is unable to detect a serial number digital from the chip inside your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser and stop the car from getting started.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic method of deterring thieves, but it can occasionally be out of in sync. This can be caused by interference or the system becoming too sensitive. If this is the situation, it may need to be reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, you can reinstall the battery and then restart the vehicle. This will reset the key system, so that it is ready to accept your keys once again.
The security light is a way of warning you of a problem. If the light is on and you try to start your car, it means that the code that is stored in the ECU does not match the chip on the key. This could happen if you have recently replaced your car key with a different one that has not been programmed to the vehicle or when you've had a damaged swapped ECU.
If this is the case you should take your transponder or key chip to a professional to have them properly programmed for your car. There is also the possibility that the system isn't accepting the key because of an update or software issue. To test this put your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position but don't attempt to start the engine. Let the key stay in this position for ten minutes. The security light should turn on, then turn off. If it does not, you will need 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 blocks the engine from running when the fob or key is not programmed correctly. It is based on a specific RFID micro-chip that can't be duplicated and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged when it is unable to recognize the code. That's why it's so difficult to defeat.
Modern cars are fitted with this security system as standard. This makes it really hard to connect the car to a hot wire or use a different key as a starter. The system works by analyzing the chip inside a key fob or a key and sending a passcode back to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU then knows that it's the correct key and that the code isn't compromised. The system won't allow the car to begin in the event that it does not receive the correct code. Some models even inform the owner if they try to use an incorrect fob or key.
The system isn't 100% secure, however. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser using methods like 'hot-wiring.' g28carkeys.co.uk involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to fool the ECU. However, this is pretty risky and requires a great deal of experience to carry out the procedure without damaging yourself. In addition, many modern car thieves have shifted to more sophisticated methods, such as using specialized apps or Bluetooth to steal the car's data and then remotely control it via their phones.
Car owners will often get warning lights that signal that the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is a dead or defective battery in the key fob. The issue can be solved by an easy replacement.
If this doesn't work it could be because the transponder chip is defective or the ECU is not matched. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose as it could 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 for assistance.