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 a problem with a transponder which isn't sending a security message 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
It is important that you focus on the profit and cost-saving opportunities 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 benefit your customers but also increase the profits of your shop without the need sublet the dealership.
Typically, the key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser is not powered by the key fob battery. Instead, the immobiliser is dependent on the transponder chip located on the fob or key. The chip transmits a code from the fob or key to the immobilizer unit in the car, which could be integrated into the PCM (power control module) or BCM (brake control module), instrument clusters smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system checks the code to ensure it is correct. If the code isn't correct it will disable the components that are essential to start the car, such as the starter motor or ignition. This will make the car difficult to start without the correct key.
The immobiliser system has proven extremely effective at reducing car theft since its introduction. However thieves are always looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that demonstrates how easy it is to connect hot wires to an vehicle.
Most insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums, which makes it more appealing to purchase a car that already has this feature. However, even vehicles that came factory-fitted with an immobiliser could face issues with it. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple and inexpensive to repair. A dying or dead keyfob battery can be the reason for a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. This can be confirmed with an easy diagnostic test. If the issue continues to persist, then there might be other causes for the vehicle's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's recommended to have a professional diagnose and fix the problem.
Transponder Chip
In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a tiny electronic chip called transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its goal is to prevent the engine from starting when someone else has the same key. It works by sending the radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system inside your car. If the code stored in the car's computer matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will then be disarmed and the engine will begin to run.
The key with a transponder is also referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key. It is possible to duplicate a traditional key, but not a transponder one. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal and not battery power.
To activate the transponder chip the ignition cylinder has to be turned on. The ring emits a burst IR energy that is detected by a microchip in the key. The chip responds by transmitting a unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with the one on the transponder and If the two codes are identical it will start 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 functioning. The car will not move if the engine is not functioning. It would be easy for criminals to wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful way to deter crime and it is one of the reasons why it's essential to have your car key immobiliser repaired when you spot any issue with it. If you don't do this, the security light on your car will continue to flash and it will be inaccessible for you to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny battery to send an electrical signal to the chip that is in your key. This is an anti-theft device that prevents anyone from starting your car without the right key. If the system is not able to recognize a digital serial number from the chip on your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to prevent the car from starting.
This car immobiliser system is effective in stopping thieves but sometimes it can get out of sync with the key or transponder chip. This could be due to interference or the system being too sensitive. If this is the situation, it may need to be reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reinstall the battery and restart the vehicle. This will reset the key system to ensure that it is ready to accept keys once more.
The security light is the vehicle immobiliser's way of telling you that there is a problem with the system. If key repair shop near me G28 Car Keys Solutions try to start the car but the light is solid on it indicates that the chip inside your key doesn't match the code that is stored in the ECU. This could happen if have recently replaced your car's key with a different one that has not been programmed to the vehicle, or if you've had a bad swapped ECU.
If this is the case you should bring your transponder key or chip to a professional to get them properly programmed for your vehicle. It's possible that your system won't accept the key due to a software update or bug. To test this, place your key in the ignition and turn it to ON but don't attempt to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. This should cause the security light to light up and then to turn off. If it doesn't work, you'll need to repeat the procedure and wait another 10 minutes. This should resolve the issue when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
A car immobiliser stops the engine of a car from running without a correctly programmed key or fob. It uses a special RFID chip that is unable to be copied and is equipped with a digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working when it doesn't recognize the code. This is why it's so hard to beat.
Modern cars come with this security system in the standard configuration. This makes it really hard to wire the car hot or use another key for starter. The system works by checking the chip in the key fob or key, and transmitting a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU knows it's the correct key and that it doesn't have to been compromised code. The system won't allow the car to start if the does not receive the correct code, and some models will even notify the owner if someone tries to use an incorrect key or fob.
However it isn't completely secure. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser with techniques such as 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires within a vehicle's wiring to fool the ECU to believe that the proper key or fob is being used. This is a risky technique and requires a lot of experience to avoid electrocuting oneself. Modern car thieves are employing more sophisticated methods like Bluetooth or other apps that steal a car's information and remotely control it.
Owners of cars will often be greeted by warning lights that indicate an immobiliser malfunctioning. It can happen for many reasons however the most common one is a malfunctioning battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement can fix the issue.
If this doesn't work it could be because the transponder chip is faulty or the ECU is not matched. It is more difficult to diagnose and fix and may require an expert locksmith for cars or a dealership. However, a car's immobiliser can also be damaged by water ingress or even physically being pulled away from the fob or key. If you experience any of these issues it is a great idea to visit an auto dealer in your area or garage for assistance.