What is the reason why the immobilizer light comes on? What is Immobilizer Active and how does it work? Is it safe for me to drive if the immobilizer warning lamp is on ?….?
The immobilizer warning lamp will light up if your anti-theft device does not recognize the key that you use, if you are using the wrong key or if the battery level of the key is low. (On some Volkswagen and Ford Group vehicles, it will give an “Immobilizer active” warning.
Vehicle ownership is an expensive investment. Protecting your vehicle from thieves and making sure that the key is locked in place will make it impossible to drive. Most vehicles today have an integrated immobilizer system which prevents the engine’s starting unless the right key is used.
An older system contained a simple code that could be read by the computer to allow the engine to start. Modern encryption techniques are more sophisticated. It’s very difficult to fool the system nowadays. The rule of thumb is the same. The on-board computer scans the code you have entered and compares it with the current codes. If it finds a match the computer will allow the engine to run.
If the key does not match, the engine might not start or stop for a few seconds. The instrument cluster will illuminate a warning light to let the driver know how the system is responding.
What does the Immobilizer Warning Light Signify?
All immobilizer warning lights work in the same way. You can find more information in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If the correct key is used, the light will flash for a few seconds when you start the engine. If the computer doesn’t recognize the code being sent by the chip, the light will blink several times. Without a matching key, the engine won’t start.
If your vehicle has keyless ignition (handsfree mode), make certain the key is near the receiver. You can still start your vehicle even if the battery is low. Many tools include a backup process. The vehicle owner’s guide contains information about this procedure.
Is it safe for me to drive while the Immobilizer Warning light is on?
If the key isn’t recognized, the warning lamp will turn on. The warning lamp will not flash while you drive, so it isn’t something to be concerned about. If this happens, take the key out and put it back in. Make sure the engine is on. If the immobilizer light is on but the vehicle still does not start, please follow these steps.
1- Turn on the ignition and wait for approximately 5 seconds.
2- Turn the ignition on and wait for approximately 10 seconds.
3- Repeat steps 1 and 2 after 10 seconds.
4- Keep the key safe from any other electromagnetic devices
5- Turn the engine on.
