What are the signs and symptoms of immobilizer failure? What is an immobilizer? How does it work? How to fix an immobilizer malfunction ?….
The Immobilizer is an anti-theft device that has been used in many cars made in the past 20 years. It greatly reduces the chance of your vehicle being stolen if it works correctly.
You can experience serious headaches if the immobilizer starts to malfunction. Learn more about the engine immobilizer system and what symptoms can occur if it fails.
What is the Engine Immobilizer system?
The immobilizer is an electronic security system that deters theft and prevents vehicle theft. It prevents the vehicle from starting without a keys and prevents it from being stolen. It is essential that the key matches the ignition key. The motor will not turn on until it does. Studies show that car theft has dropped by 40% since the introduction of the immobilizer.
You’ve likely used this technology if you have a car that was manufactured within the last 20 years. Most car dealers give you smart keys. It has buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your doors, open the trunk and, in some cases, start the car remotely. New vehicles do not even require a key fob. To start your vehicle using the engine start button, you will need to be inside the vehicle wearing your key fob.
How does the immobilizer system work?
A transponder chip is included in the key fob. If you insert your key into the ignition, or you are inside the vehicle with it (vehicles that have a smart key system), the transceiver chips in the key send a security code through the vehicle’s immobilizer. The vehicle can start if the security code matches that in the immobilizer. The key must be reliable and the transponder chip must be present for the vehicle to start. This code is randomly generated every time you use the tool. It is your only source key to generate the right code for the tool.
The most reliable vehicle protection system is immobilizer technology. You can purchase a new key from an authorized service if your key is lost or damaged.
The Top 5 Signs That Your Engine Immobilizer System Is Malfunctioning
As with all electronic items, your immobilizer can fail over time. Below are 5 common immobilizer failures.
1- Locking Issues
Your key can be used to remotely lock your vehicle’s door but the doors won’t lock when you use it. Many luxury vehicles of today do not have keyholes outside the doors. In this case, the doors cannot be manually locked.
If your immobilizer keys has lost, you can only lock the doors by pressing on the lock buttons inside the doors and closing them.
2- Unlock Problems
If the smart remote cannot unlock the doors or your vehicle doesn’t have a manual lock hole, the doors will not open. If this happens, you will need to call an locksmith to unlock your door.
The 3-Engine Does Not Run
The most common sign of an immobilizer failure is that your vehicle won’t start. It is possible that the engine is not starting if there are no problems opening the doors. If you have problems opening the doors or your engine isn’t starting, it could be that your key chip is defective. In this case, the driver’s indicator lamps could turn on, but your vehicle will not start.
4-Key Does Not Turn Ignition
If the ignition doesn’t turn when you insert the key, it could be due to a problem in the transponder chip within the key fob. It is sending the security code to immobilizer but it isn’t turning on for some reason. This can happen for many reasons, including: The key is dropped from high places, crushed, exposed by a magnetic field and the chip coming into contact with liquid or water. countable.
Before you order a replacement key, ensure that the key is the right one for your vehicle. The keys could be mixed if your partner drives the same car model.
5-Vehicle Alarm Issues
The immobilizer provides the basic security for your vehicle. The immobilizer can fail and the alarm system will stop working.
How do you fix an immobilizer failure?
You can easily fix many immobilizer problems by replacing the key fob battery. To transmit the vehicle’s security code, most immobilizer keys use a CR2032 lithium cell. You must be careful not damage the transceiver chips when changing the battery.
If the engine does not start after you have changed the battery, it could be that the transponder chip has been damaged. If this happens, contact your authorized service to request a replacement key. You will need to pay a few hundred dollars for a new key. The cost of a spare key is dependent on how expensive and luxurious your vehicle.
The key may not be the problem. Transmission problems may be caused by damage to the immobilizer or cable breaks. It is possible that the engine control unit (ECU), or sensors, are defective. It is advisable to contact a specialist in immobilizer services if this happens.
Things to Do with Microchip Switch
Attention! These operations require special knowledge. You could endanger your vehicle or yourself if you don’t have enough knowledge about the engine and vehicle.
1- Use the spare key, if it is available.
2- Turn the ignition switch 5-6 times.
3- Keep the ignition on for at least 5 minutes, then turn it off and restart.
4- Disconnect the battery for 5 minutes.
5- For 5 minutes, disconnect the battery.
6- After a 5-minute delay, disconnect the battery and then reconnect it by pressing the ignition key in the ON position.
Smart Switch: What to Do?
1- Inspect the remote control’s batteries.
2- Once the battery is removed, press the buttons to activate the remote control.
3- Unplug the car battery and let it sit for five minutes.
4- Press and hold for a few seconds the off button.
5- Hold the on and off buttons simultaneously for a few seconds.
6- Check that there is no radio interference around you.
