Car Immobiliser Repair
In the latter part of the 20th century automakers began using car immobilisers because hot-wiring was becoming more popular with thieves. The immobiliser stops your car from starting if the key fob chip is damaged or doesn't match.
This is why it's important to get your car key immobiliser repair done quickly if it's damaged or broken. Here are a few common causes for the immobiliser on your car not working:
Dead Batteries
A dead battery is one of the most frequently cited reasons for key fob issues. Problems with batteries can be caused by long-term use, harsh environmental conditions or getting older. If a battery is damaged in its function, it will not transmit the signal required by the immobiliser to operate the key fob. This can prevent the car from starting, resulting in the requirement for a professional to perform an immobiliser system repair.
Most times replacing the battery is all that is required to revive a dead battery and make it functional again. You can buy a high quality coin-styled battery at your local hardware store, or even from general retailers for around $5-10. After you have purchased the new battery, carefully remove the old one and open the casing. There's an opening or notch on the seam that separates the bottom and top halves. Then, insert the end of a coin or flathead screwdriver into the slot and work around the edges until you can open the fob. Next, insert the new battery and then snap the two halves of the fob together. When you're done you can reuse your old battery at a collection center near you.
If the new battery doesn't solve the issue, it could be a problem with the RFID system inside the key fob. The majority of vehicles with a push-button ignition design require the fob to be held up close to the barrel of ignition to confirm its presence and send the correct signal to allow the vehicle to start. If the RFID inside your key fob isn't in a position to connect with the car, you will need to have the key made for the vehicle or bring it to the dealer for an immobiliser repair.
If changing the batteries does not solve the issue it's possible to take the key fob apart to find any buttons that are out of place or damaged. It's normal for buttons to become out of alignment over time, because your key fob is likely to be tossed around frequently.
Key to the Transponder is not working.
A faulty transponder key is an unfortunate incident that could result in serious consequences. Unlike traditional metal keys, that simply mechanically activate the ignition, a transponder key is equipped with an electronic microchip that sends an unique code to the immobilizer system to verify its identity before being able to start the engine. This provides an additional layer of security, reducing the risk of thefts and other vehicular crimes. But, like other electronic device transponder keys are subject to a variety of problems which include those that concern the chip's function.
Transponder chips can be fragile and even a minor physical injury can affect their capability to function. This is the reason it's essential to regularly inspect your transponder key for indications of wear and tear, as any such damage can be the direct cause of an immobiliser malfunctioning in your car.
The microchip inside a transponder is also sensitive to humidity and other environmental conditions. This can interfere with the ability of the key to communicate with an immobilizer system. As a result, it is important to keep your key fob and key chain free from any water or other contaminants as much as is possible.
It's also important to note that a transponder is specifically programmed for a specific vehicle, and changing any part that is sensitive can cause compatibility issues that can affect its functionality. It's best to avoid making any modifications to a key unless you're equipped with the appropriate knowledge and equipment.
A professional locksmith can help you when your key needs to be repaired or replaced. They'll be able to duplicate your key or create a new one from scratch, and will be able to program it to work with your specific vehicle's immobilizer, making sure that it functions properly. This isn't as simple as simply copying a car key made of metal. It requires tools that are specialized to ensure the software is programmed with the proper information.
Faulty Receiver or Antenna
The transponder chip in the car key sends an electronic signal that is interpreted by the ECU to ensure that it's the right key that can start the vehicle. If it isn't then the immobiliser will stop the engine from beginning. This is done to prevent thieves from accessing your car's engine using stolen or cloned key.
If the signal fails to get to the ECU due to a problem with the receiver or antenna the car won't start. A professional auto locksmith can help you resolve these issues.
It could be due to a variety of causes which include an antenna that isn't compatible or an electrical interference issue. Radio frequency interference is caused by heavy electrical equipment lighting systems computers, computers, digital devices as well as cable television systems and transmitters. It's also possible that a coaxial antenna cable has been damaged or broken. This can happen if your pets play around the home, or if the cable is bent during installation.
The receiver might be too far away from the antenna. Connect car keys repairs to a different antenna and test. If the error message continues then you might require an additional antenna or reroute your coaxial cable.
Antennas are not bad, but they can be bent, pinched or loose from their connectors, which can cause the RF strength of the signal to decrease. You should also check whether there is any equipment installed between the antenna and the receiver, like a surge protector or splitter, because this could affect the signal strength.
If the EEPROM programming method is employed to program a new car key, it involves extracting specific modules from your vehicle (security components) and reading the "password" and stored data from them. This requires a great deal of expertise, since there is a risk that the data may be corrupted. A professional auto locksmith will minimize the chance of this happening by reading data directly from the module a specific tool.
Faulty Electronics
Many modern cars are fitted with security systems that block the engine from starting if the car's fob or key aren't present. These systems use transponder chips, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology, or immobiliser control units to authenticate the keys or fob when it's put into the ignition. This can be a great way to stop theft from vehicles, but like any piece of electronics it can occasionally fail.
If the security light is on in your dashboard, it means that the immobiliser in your car isn't receiving the signal from the fob or key. This could be due to a number of things, including a battery that is depleted on the keyfob, or physical damage to the key. If you are experiencing this issue, follow the manufacturer's directions to reset the system or seek help from a professional.
When you insert your transponder into your key, the chip sends an alert to the immobiliser system of your car. The code is compared against the codes stored on the computer. If the codes match the engine will begin and the immobiliser shut off. If the immobiliser is unable to detect the signal that it is looking for, the engine will not start and you could be left stuck.
Many problems could cause the immobiliser in your car to stop working properly. However, most of them are easy and cheap to fix. The most common cause is a dead or dying key fob battery which can be identified by a quick diagnostic test. If this does not solve the issue, it may be that there are other issues with the electrical system in your vehicle that could be impacting the functioning of the immobiliser. If this is the situation, a professional should look over the wiring of your car and look for signs of a damaged or loose connection that could be affecting the performance of the immobiliser.
A car key immobiliser is a way to protect your vehicle against unauthorized access. These systems are generally reliable, but they can occasionally fail and require repair or replacement. You can prepare for the odd hiccup by understanding the most frequent symptoms and causes.