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

Currently, most vehicles come equipped with an engine immobilizer to prevent car theft. If your vehicle will not start after inserting your key fob it could be an issue with a transponder which isn't sending a security message 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 parts of your vehicle's immobiliser and see what you can do.

Battery

If you're working in the field of auto repair 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 help 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 depends on the transponder chip in the key or fob. This chip transmits a code to the immobilizer unit of the car, which may be built into the PCM, BCM, the instrument cluster smart junction box, or standalone module. The system checks the code to make sure that it is correct. If it is not, the system will disable components crucial to starting the vehicle, like the ignition or starter motor. The car will be nearly impossible to start if you don't have the correct key.

The immobiliser system has proven highly effective in decreasing car theft since it was first introduced. Yet thieves are always looking for ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these strategies is a recent trend called the Kia Challenge on TikTok that demonstrated how easy it is to connect a vehicle with hot wires.

Insurance companies are now taking in the use an immobiliser in calculating premiums. This makes it more appealing to purchase a car that has this feature. However, even cars that were factory-fitted with an immobiliser could face problems with it. Fortunately, these problems are usually simple and inexpensive to solve. A dead or dying keyfob battery can be the reason for a malfunctioning ignition immobiliser. A quick diagnostic test will identify the issue. If the problem persists, then there might be other causes for the vehicle's irregular behavior, such as electrical issues or a wiring issue. If this is the case, it's recommended to have a professional diagnose and repair car keys near me (Highly recommended Reading) the problem.

Transponder Chip

In cars made after 1995, a tiny electronic chip referred to transponder is integrated into the head of your car remote key repair shop near me key. It is also known as a "chip key" or a "transmitter-responder" key. Its purpose is to prevent your engine from starting when someone else has the same key. It works by sending the radio frequency signal from the key to the immobiliser system of your car. If the code stored in the car's computer matches that signal from the key, it will disable the immobiliser and allow the engine to begin.

The key that is equipped with a transponder chip is often referred to as a 'fob' or a 'smart' key because it is much more difficult to copy than a traditional mechanical key. Using specific techniques, it is feasible to duplicate a standard car key however, not transponder keys. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal, not battery power.

To activate the transponder, the ignition cylinder must be in the ON position. The ring emits IR energy which is received by a microchip in the key. The chip responds with a unique code to the immobiliser in your car. The car's computer checks the code in its memory with that from the transponder chip and If they are compatible the engine will be able to start.

If the immobiliser is able to detect an unauthorized transponder or key is in use it will shut down the engine and stop the essential components from working. The car will not move in the event that the engine is not functioning. It would be easy for a criminal hot-wire it and then drive off. This is a powerful deterrent to crime, and is one of the main reasons why it's important to have your car's key immobiliser fixed as soon as you notice a fault with it. If you don't take this action and the security light on your car will continue blinking, and you won't be able to begin it.

Security Light

The immobiliser uses a small battery to transmit an electrical signal to the chip in your key. This is an anti theft device that blocks anyone from opening your car without the correct key. If the system cannot detect an electronic serial number from the chip in your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser to prevent the car from starting.

The car immobiliser is a great method to deter thieves, but it could sometimes be out of the sync. This could be due interference or a system that is too sensitive. If this is the case it could be necessary to reset. To do this, disconnect the battery. It should be left disconnected for around 15 minutes before reinstalling it and begin the car. This will reset the key system to ensure that it is ready to accept keys once more.

The security light is the vehicle immobiliser's way of telling you that there is an issue with the system. If the light is illuminated and you attempt to start your car, it is a sign that the code that is stored in the ECU does not match the chip inside the key. This could happen if you have recently replaced your car's key with another that has not been 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 for assistance and get the 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 bug. To test this put your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position but don't try to start the engine. The key should remain in this position for ten minutes. The security light should come on, and then go off. If it does not then you must repeat this procedure and wait another 10 minutes. Do this three times and the problem is likely to be solved.

Programming

The car immobiliser prevents the engine from running when the fob or key are not properly programmed. It makes use of a unique RFID microchip that isn't able to be duplicated and comes with its own digital serial number. The immobiliser will be disconnected in the event that it is unable to recognize the code. That's why it's difficult to beat.

Modern cars come with this security system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to hot-wire the car or use a different key as a starter. The system operates by sending a passcode from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU will then verify that it's the correct key and that the code hasn't been compromised. The system won't allow the car to start if the doesn't receive the correct code. Some models will even report back to the owner if a person tries to use an incorrect fob or key.

However, the system is not completely secure. Some thieves have managed to get around the immobiliser using techniques like 'hot-wiring'. This involves crossing the wrong wires in the wiring of a vehicle to trick the ECU to believe that the proper key or fob is being used. This is a risky method and requires extensive expertise to avoid electrocuting yourself. Modern car thieves are using more advanced methods, such as Bluetooth or specialised apps to steal a car's information and remotely control it.

Owners of cars will often notice warning lights that signal an immobiliser that has gone out of control. This could be due to many reasons, but the most common one is a faulty battery in the keyfob. A simple replacement should fix the issue.

If this isn't working, the transponder chip might be defective or not compatible with the ECU. It is more difficult to determine and fix because it requires a specialist locksmith for cars or a 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 problems it is a good idea that you visit a local car dealer or garage to seek help.