Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to prevent car theft. If your vehicle isn't starting after inserting the key fob there could be an issue with a transponder chip that is not sending an encryption code to the immobiliser system.
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 find out what you can do.
Battery
If you are involved in the auto repair industry it is crucial to be aware of your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. 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 to sublet to the dealership.
Typically, the key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser isn't powered by the key fob battery. The immobiliser is powered by the transponder that is located in the fob, key or instrument cluster. 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 make sure it is correct. If the code isn't correct it will disable the elements that are crucial to start the car, like the ignition motor or starter motor. This will make the vehicle nearly impossible to start if you don't have the right key.
The immobiliser has proven highly effective in decreasing car theft since its introduction. However it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that shows how simple it is to connect hot wires to an vehicle.
Insurance companies are now incorporating the use of an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a vehicle with this feature. However, even cars that were factory-fitted with an immobiliser could face issues with it. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy and cheap to repair. The majority times, a faulty immobiliser is the result of an inactive or dead key fob battery. A quick diagnostic test could uncover the problem. If the issue continues, it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It's best to seek out a professional to identify the issue and then fix it.
Transponder Chip
In cars manufactured after 1995, a tiny electronic chip referred to transponder is integrated into the head of your car key. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to prevent your engine from starting if you have a duplicate of your key. It works by transmitting an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the computer of the car is in line with the signal sent by the key, the immobiliser will be removed and the engine will start.
The key that is equipped with a transponder chip can be 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 special techniques, it is possible to copy a standard car key, but not a transponder key. Contrary to the remote central locking element of a conventional key which uses battery power the transponder chip is powered by the infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted by the antenna ring that is located on the ignition cylinder.
To turn on the transponder, the ignition cylinder must be in the ON position. The ring emits a burst of IR energy which is detected by the microchip in the key. The chip then responds with an unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with the one from the transponder chip and if they match, the engine will start.
If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorized transponder or key is in use it will shut down the engine and prevent any of its essential components from working. The car won't move when the engine isn't working. It is easy for a criminal to hot-wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent to crime, and is one of the reasons why it's essential to have your car's key immobiliser fixed as soon as you notice a fault with it. If you do not take action and the security light on your car will continue blinking, and you won't be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This anti-theft device prevents anyone from starting the car without the correct keys. If the system is unable to detect a serial number digital from the chip inside your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser and prevent the car from starting.
The car immobiliser system is an an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can be out of connection with the key or the transponder chip. This could be due interference or the system is too sensitive. This may require a reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and begin the car. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key again.
The security light is a way of alerting you to an issue. If you try to start the car but the light stays on, it indicates that the chip inside your key isn't in sync with the code stored in the ECU. This can happen when your car's key has been replaced with an alternative key that is not programmed for the vehicle, or if an ECU was not swapped correctly.
If this is the situation, then you need to go to a professional for assistance and get the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It's possible that the system will not accept the key because of a software update or glitch. To test, put your key into the ignition and then turn it to the ON position. Do not try to start the car. Let the key stay in this position for ten minutes. The security light should come on, then turn off. If it doesn't you'll need to repeat the procedure and wait another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue when you repeat the process three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running if a key or fob is not properly programmed. It uses a special RFID chip that cannot be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect when it doesn't recognize the code. That's why it's so difficult to beat.
Modern cars are fitted with this security system as standard. This makes it very difficult to hot-wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by analyzing the chip in 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 that there hasn't been a compromise in the code. key fob repair will not allow the car to start if the doesn't receive 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 foolproof, however. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires within the wiring of a vehicle to trick the ECU to believe that the correct key or fob is being used. This is a risky method and requires extensive knowledge to avoid electrocuting oneself. Plus, a lot of modern car thieves have shifted over to more advanced methods, such as using specialized apps or Bluetooth to hijack the car's information and remotely control it from their mobile.
Car owners often notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser gone haywire. It can happen for various reasons however the most common reason is a defective battery in the keyfob. This issue can be resolved by a simple replacement.
If this doesn't work, it could be that the transponder chip is faulty or the ECU is not matched. It is more difficult to determine and fix because it requires a specialist car locksmith or dealership. A car immobiliser may also be damaged if water manages to get into the system or is physically pulled away from its fob or key. If any of these problems occur, it's a good idea to visit a local garage or car dealer to seek assistance.