Immobilizer in a car - design, operation, features

You get into the car, enter the PIN code on the keypad, and the engine starts. Who wants to start the drive like this every time? Manufacturers understand that convenience is of great importance, so this procedure is reduced to the necessary minimum. Now it is the immobilizer (pronounced immobilizer) that is responsible for transmitting information with a code to the unit controller. If it is in the computer's database, you are ready to go. Otherwise, you will spin the engine until the battery is dead.

Car immobilizer - what is it?

Many people who are not interested in cars may not know what an immobilizer is. What's this? This is nothing but an electronic device that can be called an immobilizer. Although the word is difficult to pronounce, the principle of the transmitter is very simple. It consists of two elements (transponder and control unit) that check the correctness of the code contained in the key. Even if you have the correct ignition key but a different transponder is built in, you will not be able to start the engine through the lock. You already know what an immobilizer is, but how exactly does it work and where are its components located?

Immobilizer design

A transponder, that is, a small chip placed next to or inside the key, is one of the elements of the immobilizer. In older models of cars, it may take the form of an oblong remote control, something like a small toy called a laser. The second necessary component is the central unit in the steering column, located in close proximity to the car's ignition switch. It sends a signal to the system control unit, which checks the data and decides whether to initiate the ignition.

Immobilizer - how does theft protection work?

To better show how the immobilizer works, let's use the example of an incorrect code contained in the transponder. When you insert the key in the ignition and turn it, you will most likely see the standard view of the controls on the dashboard. At this stage, everything is done quite standardly, the problem appears in the next step.

The work of the immobilizer - what kind of mechanism is this in practice?

By turning the ignition key, you can experience for yourself what an immobilizer is. The control unit, after receiving a code different from that specified in the database, will not allow voltage to be transferred to the starter. As a result, the engine will not "spin". In the second variant, it may also be that the limiter is the current in the fuel system. Although the starter will operate, ignition will not occur. As a result, the engine does not start.

Transponder malfunction, or how to recognize a faulty immobilizer?

A faulty transponder is usually the cause of the immobilizer not working properly. This is what crashes most often, so you need to know what the symptoms are. How to understand that something is wrong with him? The car then has problems starting and, for example, stalls after a few seconds. To exclude mechanical malfunctions of engine components and its units, try starting the ignition with a spare key. Then you will see how the immobilizer works in the key you use every day and whether it requires it. ремонт.

What to do when the immobilizer in the key does not start?

Much depends on the type of car, and hence the advancement of the anti-theft system. You can repair the factory immobilizer:

• after coding in the workshop;
• after coding the immobilizer in ASO.

It all depends on the type of car protection. In older vehicles, it is possible to code a new transponder in the control unit processor, as a result of which it is possible to restart the engine. 

How much does a new immobilizer cost?

A new immobilizer costs several hundred zlotys. For newer car owners, however, there is worse news. - The immobilizer in the key can only be coded in an authorized service. Such a visit to an authorized service involves spending even more than 100 euros.

Is an immobilizer effective protection against car theft?

When your car's immobilizer stops working properly, you can see that this is a great way to protect your car from theft. Then the car will be unperturbed and will not start (much to your displeasure). However, for a thief who has the right tools, even modern immobilizers are not a big problem. Such “professionals” can remotely send a signal from a transponder (located, for example, in a card or ignition key) and start the unit. It will be good if you take care of additional protection of the car from theft.

You have learned how useful an immobilizer can be. “What a wonderful mechanism this is,” you ironically exclaim when it blocks access to your car. However, such situations rarely happen, and effective anti-theft protection will allow you not to worry about your car.