Car Immobiliser Repair
In the late 20th century, automakers began to use car immobilisers because hot-wiring was becoming more popular with thieves. The immobiliser blocks your car's engine from starting when the chip in the key fob is damaged or doesn't match.
It is therefore important to fix your car's key immobiliser when it starts to fail or is damaged. Here are the most common reasons for the immobiliser in your car not being able to work:
Dead Batteries
A dead battery is among the most frequent reasons for key fob issues. Problems with batteries are often caused by prolonged use, harsh environmental conditions or getting older. If a battery is damaged, it can no longer transmit the signal required by the immobiliser, and operate the key fob. This can prevent the vehicle from starting, resulting in the requirement for a professional to perform an immobiliser system repair.
In the majority of cases, a simple battery replacement will revive the battery that was dead. You can purchase a good quality coin-styled battery from your local hardware store, or even from some general retailers, for around $5-10. Once you've purchased a brand new battery, take the old one from the fob and carefully open the case. Find an opening or notch along the line that divides the bottom and top halves of the fob. Then, insert the tip of an flathead screwdriver or coin into the slot, then move it around the edges. Then, you can insert the new battery and snap the two halves of the fob shut. After that recycling the old battery at a battery collection facility near you.
If the new battery doesn't fix the problem, there may be an issue with the RFID technology within the key fob. In most vehicles that feature push-button ignition, the key fob must be held close to the barrel of ignition to confirm its existence. If the RFID in the key fob is not able to communicate with the vehicle, you'll need to have a new key made or take it to a dealer to fix the immobiliser.
If changing the battery doesn't solve the issue it's worth taking the key fob apart and looking for any buttons that seem to be out of place or broken. Since your key fob is frequently tossed around as you use it, it's not uncommon for some of the buttons to become displaced or stuck in time.
Faulty transponder key
A damaged transponder key is an unfortunate occurrence that can result in serious consequences. Contrary to traditional keys made of metal that simply mechanically activate the ignition keys, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip that sends an unique code to the vehicle's immobilizer system, which confirms its identity prior to being able to start the engine. This adds a layer of security that reduces the risk of theft and other types of crime committed by vehicles. Transponder keys, as with any electronic device, are prone to a variety of issues that are related to the chip's function.
Transponder chips are extremely delicate and even a tiny amount of physical damage could significantly impact their ability to function. This is why it's crucial to regularly check your transponder key for signs of wear and tear as any such damage can be a direct cause for a malfunctioning car immobiliser.
Additionally the internal microchip inside a transponder key is also sensitive to environmental and water conditions, which can also interfere with its ability to communicate correctly with the immobilizer system of a vehicle. It is therefore essential to keep the key fob and keychain as far away from water as is possible.
It is important to keep in mind that a transponder car key is programmed specifically for a specific vehicle. Making any changes to the sensitive parts could result in compatibility issues which could impact its functionality. It's best to avoid making any changes to a key unless you are equipped with the right knowledge and equipment.
Fortunately, if you have a key that is in need of repair or replacement, a professional locksmith will be able to assist you. They'll be able to duplicate the key you have already got or create a new one from scratch, and they'll be able to program it to match your specific vehicle's immobilizer, making sure that it works as intended. This process isn't as simple as copying a standard car key made of metal. it requires the use of special tools to ensure that the proper details are entered into the software.
Faulty Receiver or Antenna
The transponder chip on your car key transmits a signal to the ECU that allows it to determine whether the key is the correct one to start your vehicle. The immobiliser will stop the engine from starting if it's not the correct key. This is done to prevent thieves from accessing your car's engine by using a stolen or copied key.
If the signal isn't recognized by the ECU due to a fault with the antenna or receiver the car won't start. A professional auto locksmith can assist you in resolving these issues.
It could be due to a variety of reasons such as an antenna that is not compatible or electrical interference issue. Radio frequency interference (RFI) can be caused by communication equipment and transmitters including cable television systems, computers and digital devices, large electrical equipment or lighting systems. It's also possible that the coaxial antenna cable is damaged or disconnected. This could happen if your pets play around the home, or if the cable is bent during installation.
The receiver could be too far from the antenna. Connect the receiver to another antenna and then check. If the error message persists, you may require an additional antenna or change the route of your coaxial cable.
Antennas do not really fail however they may get twisted or pinched or they might come loose from the connector, which can cause the RF level to decrease. It is also important to determine if there is any equipment between the antenna and the receiver, for instance a surge protector or splitter because this could impact the strength of the signal.
If the EEPROM programming method is used to program a new car key, it will require the removal of specific components from your car (security components) and then reading the "password" and stored data from them. This requires a lot of expertise, since there is a chance that the data could be corrupted. A professional auto locksmith can minimize the chance of this happening by reading data directly from the module with a specific tool.
Faulty Electronics
Many modern cars have security systems that block them from starting the engine in the event that they don't have a car key or remote. These systems make use of transponder chips, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology, or immobiliser control units to authenticate the keys or fob after it is inserted into the ignition. It's a great method to decrease the crime in vehicles however, it can also be a disaster.
If the security light on your dashboard is lit solid, it means that the car immobiliser isn't accepting the signal from the fob or key. This could be caused by many different factors, from the battery in the fob's key being depleted to physical wear or damage on the key itself. If you are experiencing this problem follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to reset the system, or seek help from a professional.
When you insert the transponder chip in your key, it sends an encoded code to the car's immobiliser system which is then compared with the codes stored in the computer. If the codes are the same, the engine will be turned on and the immobiliser shuts off. If the immobiliser is unable to detect the signal, the engine will not start and you could be left stranded.
A variety of issues can cause the immobiliser of your car to stop working properly. However, most of them are easy and affordable to fix. A dead or dying keyfob battery is the most common issue, and it is easily identified with an easy diagnostic test. If this doesn't resolve the problem, there could be other issues in your car's electrical system that could be affecting the immobiliser's operation. If key fob repairs is the situation it is recommended that a professional examine the electrical system of your car and look for signs it is affected by damaged connections or loose connections.
A car key immobiliser helps to safeguard your vehicle from access that is not authorized. Although these systems are generally reliable, they do occasionally fail and require repair or replacement. You can prepare for the odd hiccup by understanding the most frequent causes and signs.