Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start
Nowadays, all vehicles are equipped with an engine immobilizer in order to protect against theft of cars. 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 signal to the immobiliser.
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 fix it.
Battery
If you're working in the field of auto repair it is essential to concentrate on your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. You can achieve this by providing key fob replacements as well as reprogramming your customers. This will not only assist your customers but also boost your shop's profits without subletting to the dealership.
The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. The immobiliser isn't powered by the key fob battery. Instead, the immobiliser depends on the transponder chip that is located on the fob or key. This chip transmits a passcode from the fob or key to the immobilizer unit of the car, which can be integrated into the PCM (power control module), BCM (brake control module for brake control), instrument cluster smart junction boxes or standalone modules. The system will check the code to make sure it is correct. If it is not it is, the system will shut down elements that are crucial to the start of the vehicle, like the starter motor or ignition. This will make the car difficult to start without the correct key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proven to be a very effective tool in decreasing car theft. However it is not uncommon for thieves to look for new ways to bypass these security measures. One of these strategies is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok that demonstrates how easy it can be to hot-wire an vehicle.
Most insurance companies now factor in the use of an immobiliser when they calculate premiums, making it more attractive to shop for 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 easy and cheap to solve. A dead or dying keyfob battery is usually the cause of a faulty ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test can uncover the problem. If the issue persists it could be due to other reasons for the car's misbehaviour, including electrical problems or a wiring issue. It is recommended to seek out a professional to identify the issue and then fix it.
Transponder Chip
In cars made after 1995, a small electronic chip, referred to as transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. Also known as a chip key or a 'transmitter & responder key, it's designed to prevent the engine from starting if someone else has a copy of your car key. It functions 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 is in line with the signal sent from the key, it will disarm the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.
The key that is equipped with a transponder chip is sometimes called"fob" or a 'smart' key because it is more difficult to copy than a conventional mechanical key. Utilizing specific methods, it is possible to copy a conventional car key but not the transponder key. Contrary to the central locking element remote of a conventional key which is powered by batteries, a 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 has to be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy that is detected by a microchip within the key. The chip then sends an unique code to the immobiliser inside your car. The computer in the car analyzes the code stored in its memory with the transponder's and when the two codes match, it will start the engine.
If the immobiliser detects that an unauthorised transponder or key is being used, it will disable the engine and prevent any of its essential components from functioning. Without a functioning engine the vehicle will not be able to move, and it could be easy for criminals to hot-wire the vehicle and drive away. This is a great deterrent to crime, and is why you should have your car's key-immobiliser repaired promptly if it develops a fault. If you don't, the security light in your car will keep flashing and it will be inaccessible to start your engine.
Security Light
The immobiliser utilizes a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip inside your key. This anti-theft device stops anyone from starting the car if they don't have the correct keys. If the system is unable to detect a digital serial from the chip on your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser, which will stop the car from starting.
This car immobiliser system is an effective way to stop thieves, however it can be out of connection with the key or transponder chip. This could be due interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. If this is the case, it might need to be reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. After 15 minutes, reconnect the battery and restart the car. This will reset the key system so that it is ready to accept your keys once again.
The security light is the car immobiliser's way of telling you that there is an issue with the system. If you attempt to start the car but the light stays on, it means that the chip inside your key doesn't match the code that is stored in the ECU. This can happen in the event that your car's key has been replaced with an alternative key that is not programmed for the vehicle, or if an ECU has been swapped incorrectly.
If this is the case, then it's time to talk to a professional and have the 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, place your key in the ignition and turn it to ON but don't attempt to start the engine. The key should remain in this position for ten minutes. The security light should come on, then go 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 should be solved.
Programming
A car immobiliser stops the car's engine from operating without a key that is programmed correctly or fob. g28carkeys.co.uk uses a special RFID chip that can't be copied and has a digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working if it doesn't recognise the code. That's why it's so difficult to defeat.
Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it really hard to hot-wire the car or use a different key for starter. The system operates by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU knows it's the correct key and hasn't been a compromise in the code. The system won't allow the car to begin when it doesn't receive the correct code. Some models even inform the owner when they attempt to use a wrong fob or key.
However the system isn't foolproof. Some thieves have been able to get around the immobiliser using methods like hot-wiring. This involves using the wrong wiring in a vehicle in order to trick the ECU. This method is risky and requires a lot of experience to avoid electrocuting oneself. In addition, many modern car thieves have shifted to more sophisticated methods like using specialized apps or Bluetooth to hijack the car's data and then remotely control it from their mobile.
Owners of cars will often notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser gone haywire. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but the most frequent is due to a damaged or dead battery on the key fob. A simple replacement should fix this issue.
If this doesn't work, the transponder chip might be defective or not compatible with the ECU. This is harder to determine and fix since it may require a specialist locksmith or dealership. A car immobiliser may also be damaged if water is able to get into the system, or if it is physically removed from its fob or key. If you experience any of these issues, it is a good idea to visit a local car dealer or garage for assistance.