If your key immobilizer suddenly stops operating, it might be due to a loss of programming data. Here is a step-by-step instruction for reprogramming key immobilizers without the need of any special tools.
Electronic car keys, sometimes known as key immobilizers, are handy for managing your car’s doors, trunk, and alarm, as well as remotely starting your vehicle.
These key immobilizers, like any other electrical device, might fail after a while, usually owing to a lack of signal. However, in this situation, you can quickly reprogram the remote so that you may continue to use it.
This article will walk you through the process of programming your car key immobilizer so you don’t have to take it to an auto dealer and waste your money.
How to Set Up a Key Immobilizer
Key immobilizers in various automobile types may be programmed in a variety of methods. The procedure outlined here is the most basic technique to reprogram any remote in general. This tutorial is compatible with the majority of automobile models on the market, but you may need to discover specific information for your vehicle. More particular information regarding your car’s remote may be found in the owner’s handbook. To program a key immobilizer at home, follow these steps:
1. Replace the batteries in the key immobilizers.
Replace the battery in the key immobilizer/s if you haven’t done it in a while before proceeding. When attempting to reprogram a key immobilizer battery that has failed, you may have severe headaches. Batteries are frequently inexpensive and simple to replace. If you don’t know how to change them, consult your owner’s handbook.
2. Enter the vehicle
Close all the doors and go in the driver’s seat with your car keys and remote. It is critical to close the doors since leaving one open may disrupt the procedure.
3. Start the engine.
Insert the key into to the ignition and switch to the ‘On’ position to power the electrical systems. Ensure that the ignition is not even in radio mode and do not start the engine.
4 Press the remote key’s lock button.
Turn the key back to the ‘Off’ position while pressing the immobilizer’s lock button. Rep this procedure at least three times, finishing with the key in the ‘On’ position. This indicates to your electronic control units that the signal is being sent by your key in the ignition, and it saves the data thereafter.
5. Keep an ear out for a lock sound.
After repeating the preceding steps, you will hear the lock signal. This means you’ve started the programming mode. After that, click the lock button again within 5 seconds, and the reprogramming will be completed.
6. Programming additional remotes
If you have extra remotes, hit the ‘Lock’ button within 10 seconds of entering programming mode to correctly program those remotes as well.
7. Turn off the engine.
After completing the preceding steps, return the ignition to the ‘Off’ position to end the programming operation.
8. Get out of your automobile and test the outcome
Take your key immobilizers with you when you exit the car, closing all doors behind you. To check the function, test both unlocks with all of your key immobilizers that have been configured.
Estimated Cost: 5 USD
Key immobilizer programming necessitates the use of specialized hardware.
Key immobilizer programming may be difficult in some vehicles, necessitating the use of specialized hardware. Normally, we would advise you to contact your authorized auto dealer, but this might be costly.
You may have your automobile remote key re-encoded and a separate master key manufactured for a lesser cost from any other auto locksmith business or mechanic workshop.
Creating a new master key may necessitate the use of a code card, which may be found in your car’s owner’s handbook.
Understanding Vehicle Security
Car security can be divided into two categories – Car entry and Starting the car.
In most modern cars, you do not have to insert keys to open the doors since they have remote locking/unlocking. The older car remote entry systems used RF systems not fully secure as their signal could be easily captured and played back to unlock and enter the vehicle.
The modern entry locks use a more sophisticated rolling code system that generates a new code every time. The receiver on the vehicle also produces the same code, so both the electronic devices are synchronized. Infrared systems were also used by some European manufacturers who required pointing the remote towards the car to unlock. Still, most have been replaced with RF technology now.
When it came to starting the automobile, conventional vehicles used a basic key lock mechanism that could be opened with any identical key. This was ideal for criminals since it allowed them to quickly drive away with any automobile. New automobiles, on the other hand, feature ECU technology and a transponder for enhanced protection.
Luxury automobiles may be programmed to meet the needs of the driver. Rolls-Royce, for example, has a memory feature, and as long as the driver enters the key, the seats, headrest, mirrors, and steering wheel are modified according to the driver’s preferences.
Manufacturers are now striving to eliminate the need for the key entirely and replace it with a fingerprint recognition technology.
What is a Transponder?
Transponder technology is now seen in many sectors that require security access and is becoming increasingly prevalent in modern autos. New car keys now have a transponder chip, which is activated by the radio frequency signal emitted from the ignition barrel when the key is put into the ignition.
The chip then sends a signal to the car’s ECU, which deactivate the immobilizer and starts the engine if the signal is accurate.
Do you have the ability to program a new key immobilizer yourself?
If you simply need the key immobilizer to unlock the automobile, you can usually configure it yourself. However, without the proper tools, programming a key for the start function is difficult.
What is the cost of reprogramming a key immobilizer?
In most automobile models, reprogramming a key immobilizer for the lock and unlock is free if done yourself. However, if you need to reprogram the immobilizer function, anticipate to pay between 200 usd and 500 usd for reprogramming at a workshop.
How do I program a key immobilizer with a push start?
Because of the immobilizer, you usually require the necessary diagnostic instruments to program key immobilizer push-starts, which only authorized dealers have access to. If you only want to reprogram the unlock and lock features, the technique is the same as with a conventional key; you simply need to learn how to correctly turn on the ignition.
How can I delete the key immobilizer memory?
To delete the key immobilizer memory, you’ll need an OBD2 diagnostic tool. Not many generic scanning tools can accomplish this, and you will almost always need a tool customized to your automobile model.