Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming – Why Your Car Won’t Start
Most vehicles are equipped with an immobilizer that prevents car theft. If your vehicle won’t start after inserting the key fob there may be a problem with the transponder chip not sending an authorization code to the immobilizer system.
This is a quick fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let’s look at the various elements of your car’s immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
It is essential to focus on the profit and cost-saving opportunities of your auto repair shop. One way to do this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only assist your customers but also increase your shop’s profits without subletting to the dealership.
Typically the battery for the Broken key repair near me fob powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn’t power the immobiliser. The immobiliser is powered by a transponder that is located in the key, fob or instrument cluster. This chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob 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 cluster smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system then verifies the code to ensure it is correct. If it’s not, the system will disable components crucial to starting the vehicle, like the starter motor or ignition. The car will be impossible to start if you do not have the correct key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proven to be an extremely effective tool for reducing car theft. Despite this the fact that thieves are always looking for new ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these methods is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that demonstrates how easy it is to wire an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now incorporating in the use an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to purchase a vehicle with this feature. Even vehicles equipped with an immobiliser might have issues. These issues are typically simple and broken key repair near me inexpensive to solve. A dying or dead keyfob battery can be the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test will reveal this issue. If the issue persists and continues to recur, there could be other causes for the vehicle’s misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring problem. If this is the case, it’s recommended to consult a professional for a diagnosis and repair the problem.
Transponder Chip
In cars manufactured after 1995, a tiny electronic chip called transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. Also known as a chip key’ or a ‘transmitter and responder’ key, it is created to stop the engine from starting if another person has an exact copy of your car 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 disarmed and the engine will be able to start.
The key that is equipped with a transponder chip is often referred to as a ‘fob’ or a “smart” key due to the fact that it is more difficult to clone than a conventional mechanical key. Using specific techniques, it is feasible to copy a conventional car key, but not a transponder key. Contrary to the remote central locking element of a conventional key that relies on battery power, a transponder chip powered by the infrared (IR) signal transmitted through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder the ignition cylinder has to be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst IR energy that is received by a microchip inside the key. The chip then responds with an individual code to the immobiliser inside your car. The car’s computer examines the code 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 in the event of an unauthorised transponder or key. It also stops all vital components of the vehicle from functioning. Without a functioning engine the car will not be able to move, and it could be easy for criminals to hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away. This is a great deterrent to crime, and is why you must have your car’s key-immobiliser repaired as soon as you can in the event of a malfunction. If you don’t do this then the security light on your vehicle will continue flashing and you will not be able to begin it.
Security Light
The immobiliser is powered by a small battery that sends an electrical signal to the transponder chip in your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting the car without the correct keys. If the system is unable to detect an electronic serial number from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to prevent the car starting.
This system for car immobilisation is an an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can become out of connection with the key or the transponder chip. This can be caused by interference or the system being too sensitive. If this is the case, it may need to be reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and start the vehicle. This will reset the system and allow it to accept the key again.
The security light is the car immobiliser’s way of telling you that there’s a problem with the system. If you attempt to start your car and 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 an alternative key that is not compatible with the vehicle, or when an ECU was not swapped correctly.
If this is the case, then you need to go to a professional to 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 an issue with the software or an update. To test this put your key in the ignition and turn it to ON but don’t try to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for ten minutes. The security light should turn on, then go off. If it doesn’t work, you’ll have to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. Repeat this three times, and the issue will be resolved.
Programming
An immobiliser for cars prevents the car’s engine from operating without a mobile key fob repair that is programmed correctly or fob. It makes use of a unique RFID microchip that cannot be duplicated and comes with its own serial number. The immobiliser will be disengaged if it doesn’t recognise the code. It’s tough to beat.
Modern cars come with this security system as standard. This makes it difficult to hot-wire a car or use a different key as a starter. The system works by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU knows it’s the correct key and that there hasn’t been a compromise in the code. The system won’t allow the car to start if it doesn’t receive the correct code, and some models will even inform the owner in the event that someone attempts to use a wrong key or fob.
The system isn’t completely foolproof, however. Some thieves have managed to get around the immobiliser using techniques like ‘hot-wiring’. This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to fool the ECU. This is a risky method and requires a lot of expertise to avoid electrocuting yourself. In addition, many modern car thieves have shifted to more sophisticated methods such as using specialised apps or Bluetooth to steal a car’s data and remotely control it from their phones.
Car owners often notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser that has gone out of control. This can happen for various reasons, but one of the most frequent is a dead or defective battery on the key fob key repair near me. A simple replacement should fix the issue.
If this doesn’t work the transponder chip could be defective or not compatible with the ECU. This is more difficult to fix and diagnose, as it can involve a specialist car 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 any of these issues occur, it’s recommended to visit the nearest garage or dealer for assistance.