The Most Common Car Key Immobiliser Repair Debate Doesn't Have To Be As Black And White As You Might Think

· 6 min read
The Most Common Car Key Immobiliser Repair Debate Doesn't Have To Be As Black And White As You Might Think

Car Immobiliser Repair

In the latter half of the 20th century, automakers began to use immobilisers for cars because hot-wiring was becoming more popular with thieves. The immobiliser stops the engine of your car from starting when the chip in the key fob is damaged or does not match.

This means that it is crucial to get your car's key immobiliser repair completed promptly if it's malfunctioning or broken. Here are a few most common reasons for the immobiliser on your car not working:

Dead Batteries

Key fob issues are usually caused by the battery being dead. Battery problems can be caused by prolonged use, harsh environmental conditions or ageing. If a battery fails it will not provide the power required to operate the key fob and send the signal required by the immobiliser system. This could stop your vehicle from starting and may require a professional to repair the immobiliser system.

In most cases, a simple replacement will revive an old one. A good quality coin-style battery is available at a local hardware store or even some general retailers for between $5-10. Once you've purchased a new battery, take the old one from the fob, and carefully open the case. You'll find an opening or notch on the seam that separates the top and bottom halves. Then, insert the end of a coin or flathead screwdriver into the slot and work around the edges to open the fob. Next, insert the new battery and snap the two halves of the fob closed. Once you are done, you can recycle your old battery at a battery collection facility near you.

If the new battery does not solve the issue, it might be a problem with the RFID technology within the key fob. In most vehicles with push-button ignition, the fob must be held close to the barrel of ignition to confirm its existence. If the RFID inside the key fob does not communicate with the vehicle, you will have to get a new key or take it to a dealer to fix the immobiliser.

If changing the battery does not resolve the problem it's worth taking the key fob apart and examining any buttons that seem not in the right place or are damaged. It's common that buttons become out of alignment over time, because your key fob is likely be jostled around a lot.

Key for transponder not working

A transponder key that's not working can have serious consequences. Contrary to traditional keys made of metal which merely mechanically engage the ignition, a transponder key is equipped with an electronic microchip that transmits an individual code to the vehicle's immobilizer system, verifying its identity before being able to start the engine. This adds an additional layer of security that reduces the possibility of theft as well as other types of crime committed by vehicles. Transponder keys, just like any electronic device, are prone to various problems that are related to the function of the chip.

Transponder chips are delicate and even a small physical damage can impact their ability to work. This is the reason it's essential to regularly inspect your transponder key for indications of wear and tear since any damage could be the direct cause of a malfunctioning car immobiliser.

Additionally the internal microchip inside the transponder key is sensitive to environmental and water conditions, which can also interfere with the ability of it to communicate with the immobilizer system of a vehicle. Therefore, it is important to keep the key fob and the keychain as far from water as is possible.

It's also important to remember that a transponder key has been specifically programmed for a specific vehicle, and changing any sensitive parts can lead to issues with compatibility that could impact its function. It is best to avoid making any modifications to the key unless you are equipped with the right knowledge and equipment.

A professional locksmith can assist you if your key needs to be repaired or replaced. They can duplicate your key or design new keys, and program it to match the immobilizer mechanism of your vehicle, making sure it is working in a proper manner.  key repairs near me  isn't as simple as simply replicating a key from a car. It requires special tools in order to ensure that the software is programmed correctly with the proper information.

Antenna or Receiver that is not working properly

The transponder chip in your car key transmits a signal that is recognised by the ECU to confirm that it's the correct key to start the vehicle. The immobiliser will stop the engine from running if it's not the correct key. This is to prevent thieves from gaining access to your car's engine using stolen or cloned keys.

However, if the signal isn't able to reach the ECU due to an issue with the receiver or antenna the car won't begin. A professional auto locksmith will be in a position to assist you in resolving this problem.

This can be down to a variety of causes, including an incompatible antenna or an electrical interference problem. Radio frequency interference (RFI) can be caused by communication equipment and transmitters including computer systems, cable television systems and digital devices, as well as heavy electrical equipment or lighting systems. The coaxial antenna cable might have been damaged or disconnected. This could occur when pets wander around the house or when the cable gets twisted or pinched during installation.

Another reason the antenna may not be working is because the receiver might be too far from the antenna. Connect the receiver to another antenna and then check. If the error message persists then you may require a new antenna or change the coaxial cable.

Antennas don't really go bad however they could be pinched or twisted, or even loosen from the connector, which can cause the RF level to drop. Examine if there's anything between the receiver and antenna, like a surge protector, splitter, or splitter, which could affect the signal strength.

If you are using the EEPROM method to program a car key, you'll require the removal of specific modules (security components) from your vehicle and then read the "password" from them. This requires a lot of expertise since the information could be corrupted. A professional auto locksmith can minimize the risk by reading information directly from the module using a specific tool.

Faulty Electronics

Many modern cars are fitted with security systems that prevent the engine from beginning if the car's ignition 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 once it's put into the ignition. This can be a great method to prevent theft of vehicles, but like any piece of electronic equipment, it's possible to fail.

If the security light is not flashing across your dashboard, this means that the immobiliser inside your car isn't receiving the signal from the fob or key. This can be caused by a number of different things such as the battery inside the key fob being depleted to physical damage or wear on the key itself. If you're experiencing this problem Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to reset the system, or call a professional mechanic for assistance.


When you insert the transponder chip into your key, it transmits a code to the immobiliser system in your car that is then compared to the codes that are stored in the computer. If the codes are the identical the engine will be turned on and the immobiliser will shut off. If the immobiliser fails to recognize the signal, it will prevent the engine from turning over and could leave you stuck in a secluded place.

There are a variety of issues that can cause the immobiliser in your car to cease working correctly, but the majority of them are relatively easy and inexpensive to address. The most frequent cause is a dying or dead key fob battery, which can be quickly diagnosed with a simple diagnostic test. If this doesn't resolve the issue, it could be that there are other issues in the electrical system of your car that are hindering the function of the immobiliser. If this is the case, a professional can examine the electrical system in your car and look for signs it may be affected by loose connections or damaged.

A car key immobiliser can help to protect your vehicle against unauthorised access. They are generally safe, but they can occasionally malfunction and need to be replaced or repaired. If you are aware of the most common reasons for these issues and knowing what symptoms to be looking for, you can be prepared for the occasional hiccup.