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 won't start after inserting the key fob it could be due to an issue with a transponder that isn't sending a security signal to the immobilizer.
This is a straightforward fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's look at the various parts of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
It is essential to focus on the cost-savings and revenue potentials of your auto repair shop. One way to do this is to offer key fob replacement and reprogramming services to your customers. This will not only assist your customers, but it will also increase your shop's profits without subletting to the dealership.
The key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser is not powered by the battery in the key fob. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip in the key or fob. The chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer module of the car. It can be integrated into the PCM (power control module) or BCM (brake control module for brake control), instrument clusters smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system checks the code to ensure it's correct. If it is not, the system will disable elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, like the ignition or starter motor. The car will be nearly impossible to start if you do not have the correct key.
Since its inception, the immobiliser has been a very effective tool in reducing car theft. Even so thieves are always looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these methods includes a recent trend known as the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to wire a vehicle.
Insurance companies are now incorporating in the use an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to buy a car with this feature. However, even cars equipped by the manufacturer with an immobiliser can experience issues with it. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple and inexpensive to fix. Most times the issue is the result of a dead or dying key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test could uncover the problem. If the problem persists, then there might be other reasons for the car's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring issue. It is best to let a professional determine the issue and repair it.
Transponder Chip
A small electronic chip, called a transponder, is built inside the head portion of your car keys. This technology was first introduced in vehicles manufactured after 1995. It is also referred to as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to stop your engine from starting when you have a duplicate of your key. It works by sending the radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system in your car. If the code stored in the computer of the car is in line with the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will then be disarmed and the engine will start.
The key that has a transponder can also be referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key due to the fact that it is more difficult to duplicate than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a standard key, but not a transponder one. In contrast to the central locking element remote of a standard key that relies on battery power, a transponder chip powered by the infrared (IR) signal transmitted by the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder chip the ignition cylinder must be turned to the ON position. The ring emits a blast of IR energy that is absorbed by the microchip inside the key. The chip responds with an individual code to the immobiliser inside your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with the transponder's and If the two codes are identical it will begin the engine.
The immobiliser shuts down the engine when it detects an unauthorised key or transponder. It also stops any vital components of the car from functioning. Without a functioning engine, the car will not be able to move and it could be easy for a criminal to hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away. This is a powerful deterrent to crime, and is the reason why you should get your car key-immobiliser repaired as quickly as possible if it develops a fault. If you don't take this action and the security light on your vehicle will continue flashing and you will not be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a tiny battery that transmits an electrical signal to the transponder chip inside your key. This device is designed to prevent anyone from starting their car without the correct keys. If the system can't detect a serial number digital from the chip inside your key, it will deactivate the engine immobiliser and stop the car from getting started.
This system for car immobilisation is an an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can be out of in sync with the key or transponder chip. This could be due interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. This could need a reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes then reinsert 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 an immobiliser's method of alerting you to the presence of a problem. If car key repairs near me attempt to start the car but the light stays on it indicates that the chip in your key isn't in sync with the code stored in the ECU. This can happen if your car key was replaced with a new one that is not compatible with the vehicle, or if the ECU was not swapped correctly.
If this is the case it is recommended to take your transponder or key chip to a professional to get them properly programmed for your vehicle. It's possible that your system won't accept the key because of a software update or glitch. To test this, insert your key in the ignition and turn the ON position. Do not try to start the vehicle. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. This will cause the security light to light up and then to turn off. If it does not then you must repeat this procedure and wait another 10 minutes. Do this three times and the issue should be solved.
Programming
An immobiliser for cars prevents the car's engine from operating without a correctly programmed key or fob. It is a unique RFID chip that can't be copied and is equipped with a digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working if it doesn't recognise the code. This is why it's so hard to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it very difficult to hot-wire the car or use a different key as a starter. The system works by checking the chip inside a key fob or a key and sending a passcode back to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU recognizes that it is the correct key and that there hasn't been a compromise in the code. The system will not allow the car to begin when it doesn't receive the correct code. Some models even notify the owner if they try to use a wrong fob or key.
The system isn't completely 100% secure, however. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wires in the wiring of a vehicle, which fools the ECU into thinking the proper key or fob is being used. However, this method is quite dangerous and requires a lot of experience in order to accomplish it without electrocuting yourself. Modern car thieves are also using more advanced methods, such as Bluetooth or other specialized apps to steal a car's information and remotely manage it.
Owners of cars will often notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser gone haywire. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but one of the most frequent is a dead or defective battery in the key fob. A simple replacement can fix this problem.
If this doesn't work, the transponder chip might be defective or mismatched with the ECU. This is more difficult to diagnose and fix as it could require a specialist locksmith or dealership. A car immobiliser may also be damaged if water manages to enter the system, or if it is physically removed from its fob or key. If you encounter any of these issues it is a good idea to visit an auto dealer in your area or garage for assistance.