Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Most vehicles are equipped with an immobilizer system that stops car theft. If your vehicle will not start after inserting the key fob it could be due to an issue with a transponder which isn't sending a security message to the immobilizer.
This is a straightforward fix for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let's examine the different components of your vehicle's immobiliser to see what you can do.
Battery
If you're in the auto repair business, it is important to focus on your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can accomplish this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming for your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but also increase your shop's profits, 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 power the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip in the fob or key. 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 will check the code to make sure it is correct. If the code is not correct it will disable the components that are essential to start the car, such as the starter motor or ignition. This makes the car nearly impossible to start without the right key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proved to be an extremely effective tool in reducing car theft. Despite this the fact that thieves are always looking for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these strategies is a recent trend known as the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showed how easy it was to wire a vehicle.
Most insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when calculating rates, which makes it more appealing to purchase cars that already have this feature. However, even vehicles that came factory-fitted with an immobiliser may experience issues with it. Fortunately, these problems are usually simple and inexpensive to repair. The majority times, a faulty immobiliser is the result of the dying or dead key fob battery. This can be identified 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 problem. It's best to seek out a professional to determine the issue and solve it.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, called a transponder, is built in the head of your car keys. This technology was introduced in cars manufactured after 1995. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to prevent your engine from starting when another person has an identical key. It works by transmitting an audio signal from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the car's computer matches the signal transmitted by the key the immobiliser will be removed and the engine will begin to run.
The key with the transponder is also called a "fob" or a "smart" key, as it is more difficult to duplicate than mechanical keys. It is possible to duplicate a conventional key, but not a transponder one. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal not battery power.
To activate key fob repair service transponder the ignition cylinder must be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy which is received by a microchip within the key. The chip responds by transmitting a unique code to your car's immobiliser. The car's computer examines the code in its memory to 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 will also prevent all vital components of the vehicle from working. Without a functioning engine, the car will not be able to move and it will be easy for a criminal to hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away. This is a great deterrent to crime, and is why you must have your car key-immobiliser repaired as soon as you can if it develops a fault. If you don't do this and the security light on your car will keep flashing and you will not be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny 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 cannot detect a digital serial number from the chip in your key it will disengage the engine immobiliser, preventing the car from starting.
This system for car immobilisation is an an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can get out of in sync with the key or the transponder chip. This can be due to interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. This may need the system to be reset. To do this, just disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes then reinsert it and begin the car. 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 warning you of an issue. If the light is on and you try to start your car, it means that the code stored in the ECU does not match the chip in the key. This could happen in the event that your car's key has been replaced by an alternative key that is not compatible with the vehicle, or if an ECU was not swapped correctly.
If this is the situation, then it's time to talk to a professional for assistance and get the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. There is also the possibility that the system is not accepting the key because of a software bug or update. To test this, place your key in the ignition and switch it to the ON position but don't attempt to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. The security light should come on, then go off. If it doesn't, you will need to repeat this process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue if you repeat it three times.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running when the fob or key are not properly programmed. It uses a special RFID chip that cannot be duplicated and has a unique digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disconnected in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. This is why it's so hard to defeat.
Modern cars are equipped with this security system in the standard configuration. This makes it really hard to connect the car to a hot wire or use another key for starter. The system works by checking the chip in the key fob or key, and sending a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU recognizes that it is the correct key and hasn't been a compromise in the code. The system will not allow the car to start if the does not receive the correct code. Some models will even notify the owner in the event that someone attempts to use an incorrect key or fob.
The system is not impervious to attack, but it is. Some thieves have bypassed the immobiliser using methods such as 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires through a vehicle's wiring to fool the ECU into thinking that the appropriate fob or key is being used. But, this technique is extremely risky and requires a lot of experience to accomplish it without cutting yourself. Modern car thieves are also using more advanced methods, like Bluetooth or other specialized apps to steal a car's information and remotely manage it remotely.
Car owners will often get warning lights that indicate that the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This could be due to many reasons, but the most common one is a faulty battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement can fix this issue.
If this doesn't work, the transponder chip might be faulty or mismatched with the ECU. It is more difficult to diagnose and fix and may require 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 pulled away from its fob or key. If any of these problems occur it's recommended to visit a local garage or car dealer for assistance.