Car Immobiliser Repair
Car immobilisers became a requirement for automakers in the latter part of the 20th century as hot-wiring vehicles was becoming more popular among thieves. The immobiliser prevents your car from starting if the key fob chip is damaged or does not match.
It is therefore important to repair your car's key immobiliser immediately if it is damaged or malfunctions. Here are a few most common reasons for your car's immobiliser not working:
Dead Batteries
A dead battery is one of the most frequent causes of key fob problems. Batteries can fail through prolonged use, exposure to harsh environmental conditions, or simply ageing. When a battery dies, it will no longer supply the power needed to control the key fob and transmit the signal required by the immobiliser system. This could stop your car from starting and require a professional to fix the immobiliser system.
In the majority of instances, a simple battery replacement will revive an old one. A good coin-style battery can be purchased at your local hardware store or even at a general retailer for between $5-10. Once you've purchased a new battery, remove the old one from the fob, and carefully open the case. You'll find an opening or notch on the seam that separates the bottom and top halves. Use a coin or flathead screwdriver into the slot and then work around the edges to pop open the fob. Then, insert the new batteries and then snap the two halves together. After that you can reuse the old battery at a collection site near you.
If the new battery doesn't fix the problem it could be a problem with the RFID system in the key fob itself. The majority of vehicles with an ignition system that uses a push button require the fob to be placed close to the barrel of ignition to verify its presence and send the right signal to allow the vehicle to start. If the RFID in the key fob cannot communicate with the vehicle, you'll need to have a new key made or take it to a dealer to repair the immobiliser.
If changing the battery does not solve the issue it's worth disassembling the key fob and examining any buttons that seem to be not in the right place or are damaged. It's common for buttons to become dislocated over time, since your key fob is bound to be tossed around frequently.
Key to the Transponder is not working.
A damaged transponder key is an unfortunate incident that could have serious consequences. Unlike traditional metal keys, which merely mechanically engage the ignition, a transponder key is equipped with an electronic microchip which transmits an unique code to the car's immobilizer system to verify its identity before allowing it to start the engine. This adds an extra layer of security, reducing the possibility of thefts as well as other vehicular crimes. However, just like any other electronic device transponder keys are subject to a range of issues which include those that concern the chip's function.
Transponder chips are extremely delicate and even a tiny amount of physical damage can affect their ability to function. This is the reason it's essential to check the transponder chip for signs of wear and tear, as any such damage can be a direct cause for an immobiliser malfunctioning in your car.
Additionally the internal microchip that is in the transponder key is sensitive to environmental and water conditions, which could interfere with the ability of it to communicate with a vehicle's immobilizer system. As a result, it is essential to keep your key fob and key chain free from water and other contaminants as much as possible.
It is important to keep in mind that transponder keys are designed specifically for a particular vehicle. Making any changes to the sensitive parts could lead to compatibility problems that could compromise its function. It is best to avoid making any modifications to a key unless you are equipped with the right expertise and equipment.
If you're in the unfortunate position of having an old key that is in need of repair or replacement, an expert locksmith will be able assist you. They can duplicate your existing key or design a new one from scratch, and they'll be able to program it to work with your specific vehicle's immobilizer system, assuring that it functions properly. This isn't as straightforward as copying a normal car key made of metal. it requires the use of specific tools to ensure that all of the proper information is entered into the software.
Receivers or Antennas that are not working properly
The transponder chip inside your car key transmits signals to the ECU that allows it to verify whether the key is the right one to start your vehicle. If it's not the correct key, the immobiliser system will stop the engine from being started. This is done to prevent thieves from gaining access to your car's engine using stolen or cloned keys.
If the signal is not received by the ECU due to a problem with the antenna or receiver the car won't start. A professional auto locksmith is able to help you resolve this problem.
It could be due to a variety of causes such as an antenna that is not compatible or an electrical interference issue. Radio frequency interference is caused by electrical equipment that is heavy lighting systems computers, digital devices, cable television systems and transmitters. It's also possible that a coaxial antenna cable is damaged or disconnected. This can happen when pets run around the house, or if the cable gets twisted or damaged during installation.
The receiver could be too far from the antenna. Connect the receiver to a different antenna and then check. If the error message continues then you might require an additional antenna or reroute your coaxial cable.
Antennas don't really go bad however they may get bent or pinched, or loose from the connector, which could cause the RF levels to drop. Also, you should check if there is any equipment installed between the antenna and the receiver, such as a surge protector or splitter as this may influence the signal strength.
If the EEPROM programming method is used to program a new car key, it will require the removal of specific modules from your vehicle (security components) and reading the "password" and other stored data from them. This requires great expertise as the data could be damaged. A professional auto locksmith can minimize the risk by reading information directly from the module with an instrument that is specifically designed for this purpose.
Faulty Electronics
Many modern vehicles are equipped with security systems that stop the engine from beginning if the car's ignition fob or key aren't present. These systems use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or immobiliser controls to authenticate a fob or key that is placed into the ignition. It's an effective way to curb the crime in vehicles, but it can also go wrong.
If the security light on your dashboard is solid, that means the car immobiliser isn't accepting the signal from the key or fob. This could be due to a number of factors, such as an insufficient battery on the keyfob, or physical damage to the key. If you're experiencing this issue, follow the manufacturer's instructions to perform a reset on the system, or call an expert mechanic to get help.
When car key fob repairs insert the transponder chip into your key, it sends a code to your immobiliser system in your car that is then compared to the codes stored in the computer. If the codes match, the engine will start and the immobiliser will shut off. If the immobiliser doesn't detect the signal, it will prevent the engine from turning over and can leave you stranded in a secluded location.
There are many issues that could cause the immobiliser in your vehicle to cease working properly. However, most of them are easy and inexpensive to repair. The most common cause is a dead or dying key fob battery which can be identified by a quick diagnostic test. If this doesn't resolve the issue, it may be that there are other issues in the electrical system of your car that are hindering the function of the immobiliser. If this is the situation, a professional should inspect the wiring in your car and look for indications of damage or loose connections that could be affecting the performance of the immobiliser.
A car key immobiliser is a way to protect your vehicle against unauthorized access. They are generally safe but they do occasionally fail and require replacement or repair. By knowing the most frequent reasons for these issues and knowing the signs to look for, you'll be prepared for the occasional hiccup.