The greatest fear of every car owner is losing their prized ride. However, security measures against theft are often disregarded until a security breach happens. One way to ensure your car is safe from theft is by ensuring that the immobilizer is working effectively.
To check if your immobilizer is working, you need to know if it is simply doing its job. If you have positive answers to the questions below, then your car immobilizer is working properly:
- Is the key fob locking and unlocking the car seamlessly?
- Does the key indicator on the dashboard remain on?
- Does the key turn in the ignition?
- Is the car alarm working properly?
- Can you start the car engine?
- Is the immobilizer wire in perfect condition?
If your car immobilizer is not working properly, it not only makes your car vulnerable to theft but can also make it undrivable causing you lots of stress. Hence, checking to ensure that the immobilizer is working is an important task and should be taken as such. In the rest of this article, we will cover the points mentioned in the paragraph above in more detail.
Is the key fob locking and unlocking the car seamlessly?
The car immobilizer mechanism is a robust system of security. It works by exchanging signals with various car components. If any of these components is not working satisfactorily, there is a chance that the immobilizer will malfunction as well.
One such component is the key fob which is used to open and close the car. Modern cars, in contrast to older models, use key fobs and smart keys that allow you to lock and unlock the car by pressing a button.
However, if your key fob cannot lock or unlock the car as expected, then the immobilizer might be malfunctioning. You can try replacing the batteries or changing the key fob itself which can be quite pricey. If that does not solve the issue then, the problem is undoubtedly from the car immobilizer.
Does the key indicator on the dashboard remain on?
The easiest way to know if your immobilizer is working is by checking the warning signals on your dashboard. When the ignition is turned on, the light remains on for two to three seconds, then it dims if the key and immobilizer are successfully connected. However, if the connection is unsuccessful, there is probably an issue with the transponder chip or the immobilizer, and the light will remain on.
Is the car alarm working properly?
Another important component that contributes to the security of your car is the alarm which is also connected to the immobilizer. Hence, a faulty immobilizer prevents the car alarm from working properly.
Annoyingly, you might find the car alarm blaring uncontrollably when you get into your car.
Is there a problem starting the engine?
Irrespective of whether your vehicle uses a push-start or a turn-key ignition system, a transponder chip is embedded within the key fob. And every time you ignite the car engine, a code is sent from the transponder chip and matched against the security code in the immobilizer system.
If the code matches, the engine starts. Otherwise, it does not. Although a lot of things can cause your car engine not to start, one possible culprit is a malfunctioning engine immobilizer.
Is the immobilizer wire in perfect condition?
If a malfunctioning key fob is not the cause of your car's engine not starting, you should check if the immobilizer wire is in good working condition. A worn-out or corroded immobilizer wire will prevent the proper functioning of the security system.
What to do if your car immobilizer is not working?
A car immobilizer is a security device that only permits the use of an authorized key to start the vehicle. Therefore, making it impossible for thieves to hot-wire your car and drive it away without having the key. However, if you discover that your car immobilizer is not working, do not fret.
Here are some things you can do to fix your faulty car immobilizer:
- Replace the key fob's battery
- Ensure you are using the correct key fob
- Use your spare key fob
- Disconnect the car battery for 5 minutes and put it back
- Replace weak car battery
- Press the button on the key fob while the battery is removed.
- Hold the key fob's button down for a few seconds.
- Replace worn-out engine immobilizer wires
- Move the car away from areas with strong radio interference
- Lock and unlock car doors repeatedly
- Refer to the car's manual
- Consult a professional
Specifically, for vehicles with a turn-key ignition system, you can do these also:
- Turn the ignition on and off up to 5 times.
- Turn the ignition on for 5 minutes and turn it off (do this repeatedly a couple of times).
- Check the wiring in your ignition cylinder.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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