Key Fob Replacement and Reprogramming - Why Your Car Won't Start

Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer to stop car theft. If your vehicle isn't starting after inserting the key fob there could be an issue with the transponder chip not sending an encryption code to the immobilizer 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 discover what you can do.

Battery

If you're working in the field of auto repair, it is important to focus on your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. One method to achieve this is to provide key fob replacement and reprogramming services to your customers. This will not only help your customers, but it will also boost the profits of your shop without subletting to the dealership.

The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. However, it does not power the immobiliser. The immobiliser is powered by a transponder that is located in the key, fob or instrument cluster. The chip transmits a code from the fob or key to the immobilizer unit in the car, which 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 checks the code to make sure it is correct. If it is not it is, the system will shut down parts that are essential to start the vehicle, such as the ignition or starter motor. This will make the vehicle almost impossible to start if you don't have the right key.

Since its introduction the immobiliser has proved to be an extremely effective tool in decreasing car theft. Despite this the fact that thieves are always looking for new ways to get around these security measures. One of these techniques is an upcoming trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that showcased how easy it is to connect a vehicle with hot wires.

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. Even vehicles that are factory fitted with an immobiliser might have problems. Fortunately, these problems are usually straightforward and affordable to repair. Most times an immobiliser that is not working properly is caused by the dying or dead key fob battery. This can be determined by an instant diagnostic test. If the issue continues to persist and continues to recur, there could be other causes for the vehicle's behavior, such as electrical issues or a wiring problem. If this is the case, it's recommended to consult a professional for a diagnosis and fix the problem.

Transponder Chip

In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a tiny electronic chip called transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to stop the engine from starting when someone else has the same key. It works by transmitting radio signals from the key to your immobiliser. If the code on the car's computer is in line with the signal sent from the key, it will disable the immobiliser and allow the engine to start.

The key with the transponder is also referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key, because it is more difficult to duplicate than mechanical keys. Utilizing specific methods, it is possible to duplicate a standard car key, but not transponder keys. Unlike the remote key repair central locking element of a standard key which uses battery power, a transponder chip is powered by an infrared (IR) signal that is transmitted by the antenna ring on the ignition cylinder.

To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder needs to be switched to ON. The ring emits a flash of IR energy which is absorbed by the microchip in the key. The chip responds by transmitting a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer compares the code stored in its memory with the one on the transponder and If the two codes are identical, it will start the engine.

If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorised transponder, key or other device is being used it will shut down the engine and block any of its vital components from functioning. The car won't move if the engine is not functioning. It is easy for a criminal to hot-wire it to drive away. This is a powerful deterrent to crime and it is one of the main reasons why it's important to have your car key immobiliser repaired immediately you discover any issue with it. If you don't fix it, the security light in your vehicle will continue to flash and it will be difficult to start your engine.

Security Light

The immobiliser is powered by a tiny battery that sends an electric signal to the transponder chip within your key. This is an anti theft device that prevents anyone from starting your vehicle without the right key. If the system is unable to detect a digital serial from the chip in your key, it will disable the engine immobiliser to stop the car from starting.

The car immobiliser is a fantastic method of deterring thieves, but it could sometimes get out of in sync. This could be due to interference or an immobiliser that is too sensitive. If this is the situation, it might need to be reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. Then leave it off for around 15 minutes, then insert it and begin the vehicle. This will reset the key system, so that it is ready to accept keys once more.

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 your car and the light stays on, it indicates that the chip inside your key isn't compatible with the code stored in the ECU. This can happen if you have recently replaced your car's key with one that isn't programmed to the vehicle or when you've had a damaged swapped ECU.

If this is the case then you need to go to a professional and have the key or the transponder chip properly programmed to your vehicle. It is possible that the system isn't able to accept the key because of a software update or bug. To test this put your key in the ignition and switch it to the ON position but don't attempt to start the engine. The key should remain in this position for 10 minutes. This will cause the security light to light up and then to turn off. If it does not, you will need to repeat the process and wait for another 10 minutes. This should solve the issue if you repeat it three times.

Programming

A car immobiliser prevents the car's engine from operating without a correctly programmed key or fob. It uses a special RFID chip that can't be duplicated and has a unique digital serial number. The immobiliser will stop working when it is unable to recognize the code. That's why it's so difficult to defeat.

Modern cars have this system as standard. This makes it difficult to wire a car or use a different key as a starter. The system works by checking the chip in a key fob or key and sending a passcode back to the ECU (electronic control unit). The ECU knows it's the correct key and that there hasn't be compromised code. The system won't allow the car Key immobiliser Repair to begin when it doesn't receive the correct code. Some models even notify the owner if they attempt to use a wrong fob or key.

However, the system is not foolproof. Some thieves have managed to bypass the immobiliser by using techniques like 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wire in a vehicle in order to trick the ECU. This is a risky method and requires extensive expertise to avoid electrocuting yourself. In addition, many modern car thieves have shifted to more sophisticated methods like using specialized apps or Bluetooth to steal the car's information and remotely control it from their mobile.

Car owners often be greeted by warning lights that indicate an immobiliser that has gone out of control. It can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most frequent is a faulty or dead battery in the key fob. The issue can be solved by a simple replacement.

If this doesn't work it could be because the transponder chip may be defective or the ECU is mismatched. This is harder to diagnose and fix as it could require a professional locksmith or dealership. However, a car's immobiliser can also be damaged by water ingress or even physically being pulled away from the fob or key. If you encounter any of these issues, it is a good idea that you visit a local car dealer or garage for assistance.