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 a problem with a transponder chip that is not transmitting an encryption code to the immobilizer system.
This is a quick fix for any auto locksmith in Gold Coast. Let's look at the various components of your car immobiliser and what you can do to get it fixed.
Battery
If you are working in the field of auto repair it is essential to concentrate on your shop's earnings and cost-saving opportunities. You can do this by offering key fob replacements and reprogramming to your customers. This will not only benefit your customers but will also boost your shop's profit without having to sublet to the dealership.
The key fob battery is used to power the remote locking and opening systems. However, it doesn't provide power to the immobiliser. The immobiliser is powered by the transponder in the key, fob or instrument cluster. The 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 then validates the code to ensure it is correct. If the code isn't correct the system will disable components that are essential to starting the car, like the starter motor or ignition. The car will be impossible to start if the driver doesn't have the right key.
Since its inception the immobiliser has proved to be a very effective tool in reducing the theft of cars. However the fact that thieves are always looking for new ways to circumvent these security measures. One of these is the Kia Challenge trend on TikTok, which shows how easy it can be to hot-wire an automobile.
Insurance companies are now taking in the use an immobiliser when calculating premiums. This makes it more attractive to purchase a vehicle with this feature. However, even cars that came factory-fitted with an immobiliser could face problems with it. These problems are often easy and cheap to fix. The majority of the time the issue is the result of a dead or dying key fob battery. This can be identified with an instant diagnostic test. If the problem persists then it could be due to electrical problems or wiring issues. It is recommended to have a professional identify the issue and then fix it.
Transponder Chip
In vehicles manufactured after 1995, a tiny electronic chip, referred to as transponder is embedded in the head of your car key. Also known as a 'chip key' or a 'transmitter and responder key, it's designed to stop the engine from starting if someone else has the same key. It works by transmitting radio signals from the key to your immobiliser. If the code stored in the car's computer is in line with the signal sent by the key the immobiliser will then be removed and the engine will be able to start.
The key with a transponder is also referred to as a "fob" or a "smart" key, because it is more difficult to copy than mechanical keys. Utilizing special methods, it is possible to duplicate a standard car key but not the transponder key. Transponder chips are powered by an infrared signal and not battery power.
To activate the transponder chip, the ignition cylinder must be turned on. The ring emits a burst of IR energy that is detected by the microchip inside the key. The chip responds by sending a unique code to the immobiliser of your car. The computer in the car analyzes the code stored in its memory with the one on the transponder and when the two codes match it will begin the engine.
If the immobiliser detects an unauthorized transponder or key is being used it will shut down the engine and stop the essential components from functioning. The car will not move when the engine isn't functioning. It would be easy for a criminal hot-wire it and then drive off. car key repair cost is a powerful deterrent to crime and it is one of the main reasons why it's important to have your car's key immobiliser fixed when you spot a fault with it. If you don't take this action, the security light on your car will continue flashing and you will not be able to start it.
Security Light
The immobiliser makes use of a tiny battery to send an electrical signal to the chip that is in your key. This is an anti theft device that prevents anyone from driving your vehicle without the proper key. If the system cannot detect an electronic serial number from the chip on your key, it will shut off the engine immobiliser to prevent the car from starting.
This car immobiliser system is an effective way to stop thieves but sometimes it can be out of in sync with the key or the transponder chip. This can be due to interference or the system becoming too sensitive. If this is the case it could be necessary to reset. To do this, just disconnect the battery. Leave it disconnected for about 15 minutes then reinsert it and start the vehicle. This will reset the system and allow it to accept your key again.
The security light is a way of warning you of a problem. If you attempt to start your car and the light is solid on it means that the chip inside your key isn't in sync with the code that is stored in the ECU. This can happen if your car key was replaced with a new one that is not compatible with the vehicle, or when an ECU was not swapped correctly.
If this is the case it is recommended to bring your transponder key or chip to a professional to have them properly programmed for your car. It's possible that your system won't accept the key due to a software upgrade or glitch. To test this, insert your key into the ignition and then turn it to the ON position. Do not attempt to start the car. Keep the key in this position for 10 minutes. This should cause the security lights to light up and then to turn off. If it doesn't, you'll have to repeat the 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 if the fob or key is not properly programmed. It is a unique RFID chip that is unable to be duplicated and has a unique digital serial number. The immobiliser will disconnect if it does not recognise the code. That's why it's difficult to beat.
Modern cars come with this system as standard. This makes it extremely difficult to hot-wire a vehicle or use a different key as a starter. The system works by sending a code from the key fob to the ECU. The ECU is aware that it's the right key and that there hasn't be compromised code. The system will not allow the car to start if it does not receive the correct code. Some models even notify the owner if they try to use an unapproved fob or key.
However, the system is not completely secure. Some thieves have bypassed the immobiliser by using techniques like 'hot-wiring.' This involves crossing the wrong wires through the wiring of a vehicle to trick the ECU into thinking that the proper key or fob is being used. This is a risky method and requires extensive experience to avoid electrocuting oneself. Modern car thieves are also using more advanced methods, for instance, Bluetooth or specialised apps to steal a car's information and remotely control it.
Car owners will frequently be greeted by warning lights that indicate an immobiliser that has gone out of control. This can happen for various reasons, but one of the most common is a dead or defective battery in the key fob. The issue can be solved by a simple replacement.
If this does not work it could be because the transponder chip is faulty or the ECU is not compatible. This is more difficult to determine and fix since it could require an expert locksmith or a dealership. However, a car's immobiliser can also be damaged by water intrusion, or even being pulled away from the fob or key. If any of these problems occur it's recommended to visit an auto garage or a local dealer for assistance.