Car Immobiliser Repair
In the latter part of the 20th century automakers began using immobilisers for cars because hot-wiring was becoming more popular with thieves. The immobiliser blocks the engine of your car from starting if the chip inside your key fob has been damaged or does not match.
It is therefore essential to repair your car key immobiliser as soon as it starts to fail or is damaged. Here are the most common reasons for your car's immobiliser not working: function:
Dead Batteries
Key fob problems are typically caused by the battery being dead. The battery can degrade from prolonged usage, exposure to harsh environmental conditions, or simply ageing. If a battery fails in its function, it will not transmit the signal required by the immobiliser, and operate the key fob. This can prevent the car from starting, which results in the need for a professional to perform an repair to the immobiliser system.
Most of the time replacing the battery is all that is needed to revive a dead battery and make it functional again. A good coin-style battery can be purchased at a local hardware store or even some general retailers for between $5-10. When you purchase the new battery, carefully remove the old one and then open the case. Look for an opening or notch along the seam that separates the top and bottom halves of the fob. Use a coin or flathead screwdriver into the slot and then work around the edges until you can open the fob. Then, insert the new battery and then snap the two halves of the fob together. When you're done, you can recycle your old battery at a collection center close to you.
If the new battery does not 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 is required to be positioned close to the ignition barrel to confirm its existence. If the RFID on your key fob isn't in a position to connect with the vehicle, you'll have to have the key made specifically for your vehicle, or take it to the dealer to have an immobiliser repaired.
If changing the batteries doesn't resolve the issue it's possible to disassemble the key fob to check for any buttons that are not in place or broken. Since your key fob likely is frequently tossed around when you use it, it's not unusual for some of the buttons to get stuck or misaligned in time.
Key for the Transponder that isn't working
A damaged transponder key is an unfortunate event that could have serious consequences. Transponder keys differ from traditional metal keys that engage the ignition mechanically. They are equipped with an electronic microchip that sends a unique number to the immobilizer system in the car to confirm its identity. This adds a layer of security, reducing the possibility of thefts as well as other crimes committed by vehicles. However, as with any other electronic device transponder keys are prone to a range of issues, including those related to the functionality of the chip.
Transponder chips can be delicate and even a small physical injury can affect their capacity to function. This is the reason it's essential to regularly inspect your transponder key for signs of wear and tear as any such damage can be a direct cause of an immobiliser malfunctioning in your car.
The microchip in the internal circuit of a transponder is also sensitive to humidity and other environmental conditions. This can interfere with the ability of a key to communicate with an immobilizer system. As a result, it's important to keep your key fob and key chain free from water and other contaminants as much as possible.
It's important to remember that a transponder car key is designed specifically for a particular vehicle. Making any changes to the sensitive parts could result in compatibility issues which could impact its functionality. It is best to avoid making any modifications to the key unless you are equipped with the right expertise and equipment.
Fortunately, if you have keys that are in need of repair or replacement, an experienced locksmith can help you out. They can duplicate your existing key or design a new one from scratch, and will be able to program it to work with your specific vehicle's immobilizer, making sure that it works as intended. This isn't as easy as copying a regular metal car key, and it requires special tools to ensure that all of the proper details are entered into the software.
Receivers or Antennas that are not working properly
The transponder chip on the key of your car transmits an electrical signal to the ECU that allows it to verify whether or not the key is the right one to start the car. The immobiliser will stop the engine from running if it's not the correct key. This is to deter thieves from using stolen or duplicate keys to gain access to your vehicle's motor.
If the signal is not received by the ECU due to a fault with the antenna or receiver the car won't start. A professional auto locksmith will be capable of helping you solve this issue.
This can be down to a variety of causes such as an antenna that is not compatible or an electrical interference problem. Radio frequency interference could be caused by heavy electrical equipment lighting systems, computers, digital devices, cable television systems and transmitters. It is also possible that the coaxial antenna cable is damaged or disconnected. This can occur when pets wander around the house or the cable gets twisted or pinched during installation.
Another reason that the antenna may not be functioning is that the receiver is far away from the antenna. You can check this by connecting the receiver to a different antenna. If the error message persists then you might need to install an additional antenna or change the route of your coaxial cable.
Antennas do not really fail however they may get twisted or pinched or even loosen from the connector, which can cause the RF level to decrease. You should also check whether 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 requires extracting specific components from your car (security components) and then reading the "password" and stored data from them. This requires a lot of expertise since the information could be corrupted. A professional auto locksmith has a comprehensive knowledge of the circuit board and can reduce this risk by reading the data directly from the module using an instrument that is specifically designed for this purpose.
Faulty Electronics
Many modern cars come with security systems that block them from starting the engine if they don't have the car key or remote. These systems use transponder chips, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology, or immobiliser control units to authenticate the key or fob when it's inserted into the ignition. This can be a great way to stop theft from vehicles however, like all pieces of electronic equipment, it's possible to go wrong.
If the security light on your dashboard is lit solid, it indicates that the car immobiliser isn't accepting the signal from the key or fob. This could be due to a number of different things, from the battery in the fob's battery depleting to physical damage or wear on the key itself. If remote key repairs experiencing this issue, follow the manufacturer's directions to reset the system or contact a professional for assistance.
When you put the transponder chip inside your key, it transmits a code to your immobiliser system in your car that is then compared to codes that are stored in the computer. If the codes match, same the engine will start and the immobiliser will turn off. If the immobiliser fails to recognize the signal, it'll stop the engine from turning over and can leave you stranded in a secluded place.
There are a variety of issues that could cause your car's immobiliser to cease working correctly, but the majority of them are fairly simple and inexpensive to fix. The most frequent cause is a dead or dying key fob battery, which can be quickly diagnosed with a simple diagnostic test. If this doesn't resolve the issue, it could be other issues with your vehicle's electrical system that could be affecting the immobiliser's performance. If this is the situation, a professional should look over the wiring of your car and look for indications of a damaged or loose connection that could be affecting its performance.
A car key immobiliser is a way to protect your vehicle against access that is not authorized. While these systems are generally reliable, they do occasionally go wrong and need repairing or replacement. By understanding the most common causes of these problems and knowing what symptoms to look out for, you will be ready for the odd incident.