Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to protect against theft of cars. If your vehicle doesn't start after inserting your key fob it could be due to a problem with a transponder that isn't sending a security signal to the immobilizer.
This is a quick fix that any auto locksmith on the Gold Coast can do. Let's take a look at the different elements of your car's immobiliser and what you can do to fix it.
Battery
If you are involved in the auto repair industry it is crucial to focus on your shop's revenue and cost-saving opportunities. You can do this by providing key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only assist your customers, but it will also boost the profits of your business without having to sublet to the dealership.
The key fob battery powers the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't provide power to the immobiliser. Instead, the immobiliser relies on the transponder chip located in the key or fob. This chip transmits a passcode from the key or fob to the immobilizer unit 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 remote key fob repair is not it is, the system will shut down components crucial to starting the vehicle, like the ignition or starter motor. The car will be nearly impossible to start if the driver doesn't have the right key.
Since its inception, the immobiliser has been a very effective tool in reducing the theft of cars. Yet thieves are always seeking ways to bypass these security measures. One of these methods includes a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to wire a vehicle.
Insurance companies are now taking the use of an immobiliser to calculate premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a vehicle with this feature. However, even vehicles that came factory-fitted with an immobiliser may experience problems with it. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple and inexpensive to solve. Most of the time the issue is caused by an inactive or dead key fob battery. This can be determined by a quick diagnostic test. If the issue persists it could be due to other reasons for the car's misbehaviour, including electrical issues or a wiring problem. It's best to have a professional identify the issue and then fix it.
Transponder Chip
A tiny electronic chip, also known as transponder, is incorporated into the head portion of your car keys. This technology was introduced in cars manufactured after 1995. It is also referred to a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its function is to prevent your engine from starting if you have the same key. It functions by sending the radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system in your car. If the code in the car's computer matches that signal from the key, it will disable the immobiliser and allow the engine to 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 duplicate than a traditional mechanical key. Utilizing specific techniques, it is possible to duplicate 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 transmitted through the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.
To activate the transponder chip the ignition cylinder must be turned on. The ring emits a burst IR energy which is picked up by a microchip within the key. The chip then sends a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory to the transponder's code and if the two codes match it will begin the engine.
If the immobiliser detects that an unauthorised transponder or key is in use it will shut down the engine and stop any of its vital components from working. The car won't move in the event that the engine is not working. It's easy for a criminal to hot-wire it to drive away. This is a powerful deterrent to crime and it is one of the reasons why it's essential to have your car's key immobiliser fixed as soon as you notice an issue. If you do not take action and the security light on your vehicle will continue 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 is an anti-theft device that prevents anyone from opening your car without the correct key. If the system is unable to detect a digital serial number from the chip on your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser, which will stop the car starting.
The car immobiliser is a fantastic way to deter thieves, but it can sometimes be out of in sync. This could be due interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. If this is the case it could be necessary to reset. To do this, simply disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, you can reinstall the battery and then restart the vehicle. This will reset the key system to ensure that it is ready to accept keys once more.
The security light is an immobiliser's method of alerting you to a problem. If you try to start the car but the light stays on it indicates that the chip in your key doesn't match the code that is stored in the ECU. This could happen if you have recently replaced your car key with another that isn't programmed to the vehicle, or in the event that you've had a defective swapped ECU.
If this is the case 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 isn't accepting the key because of an issue with the software or an update. To test this put your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position but don't attempt to start the engine. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security light to come on and then to turn off. If it doesn't then you'll need to repeat the process and wait another 10 minutes. Do this three times, and the issue is likely to be solved.
Programming
The car immobiliser blocks the engine from running when a key or fob is not programmed correctly. It uses a special RFID microchip that isn't able to be copied and has its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will disengage in the event that it doesn't recognize the code. This is why it's so hard to beat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to wire a car or use a different key for starter. The system works by analyzing the chip in the key fob or key, and transmitting a passcode to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU then knows that it's the correct key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system will not allow the car to start if the doesn't receive the correct code. Some models will even notify the owner if someone tries to use an incorrect fob or key.
The system isn't completely impervious to attack, but it is. Certain thieves have been able to bypass the immobiliser using methods like hot-wiring. This involves crossing the wrong wires in the wiring of a vehicle, which fools the ECU to believe that the proper key or fob is being used. 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 specialized apps or Bluetooth to take over a car's data and remotely control it using their phones.
Car owners often see warning lights that indicate the immobiliser has gone off the rails. This can happen for various reasons, but one of the most frequent causes is a dead or defective battery on the key fob. The issue can be solved by a simple replacement.
If this doesn't work, it could be that the transponder chip is faulty or the ECU is mismatched. This is more difficult to diagnose and fix as it may require a professional locksmith or dealership. However, a car's immobiliser may also be damaged due to water ingress or even physically being removed from the fob or key. If you encounter any of these issues it is a good idea to consult a local car dealer or garage to seek help.