Immobilizer repair - what is it and how much does it cost to replace an immobilizer key?

The cost of repairing an immobilizer is so high that it often forces drivers to keep track of the keys so they don't have to duplicate them. Coding, adaptation, and earlier the nerves associated with transporting a car to a proven workshop - you have to take into account when you lose a single key. But what if you have the keys and the engine still won't start? It is likely that the "immobilizer" has simply been damaged and the immobilizer will need to be repaired.

Immobilizer - repair. What is it about?

First of all, two types of malfunction should be distinguished, namely: 

• reject the transponder
• damage to the system center. 

How should you recognize what is broken in your car? Immobilizer key repair will be needed when you manage to start the engine without problems with a spare key (if you have one). This situation indicates a damaged transponder, i.e. a tiny chip placed in a key or card. It is in it that the number is stored, which is checked by the system switch.

WHEN will the immobilizer need to be repaired?

If after a while the engine stalls, and the immobilizer light flashes, and everything is fine when starting the car with the second key, then you are sure that key No. 1 needs to be repaired.

It may be different when both the first and second keys do not start the car. It depends on the type of system whether you can “spin the engine” or just nothing will happen in the “ignition” position. In this case, there is a high risk of replacing the central unit of the system. And this entails considerable costs.

Immobilizer replacement - price and repair method

If the first key cannot start the car, but the spare does, you need to repair the key itself. In short - the purchase and coding of a new transponder. Such a transaction will not empty your wallet, but you must take into account the costs, usually more than 10 euros. 

Immobilizer - repair. The cost of replacing a damaged switchboard

Immobilizer repair in case of failure of the control unit will cost much more. Why? The main reasons for higher costs are:

•  the need to deliver the vehicle to the workshop; 
• switchboard replacement;
• key conversion. 

Remember not to do it in the first garage or where it's just cheaper. Why? In extreme cases, replacing the immobilizer can cost you not only several hundred zlotys, but also the loss of the car. The mechanic has access to the immobilizer system. A dishonest person can encrypt any number of keys that he gives to a thief.

Immobilizer replacement - the cost of a new control unit in a car dealership and workshop

How much does it cost to repair an immobilizer in case of failure of the control unit? If your car can be started outside the showroom, the total cost should not exceed 800-100 euros. However, in the case of modern cars, the repair of which is possible only in authorized service centers, the costs increase significantly. Why? The repair is complicated, there are many degrees of protection and you have to select new parts. Such repairs will also take some time, so this is not a very optimistic scenario.

Immobilizer self-repair - price 

If you have an older car with simple security features, you can fix the immobilizer yourself. Rather, it only covers transponder failures. How to do it? You will need a computer program to access the control unit. The immobilizer repair also includes the purchase of a completely new transponder.

How to repair a transponder step by step?

First, you need to start the ignition with the spare key and read the PIN stored in the transponder. Once you have this code, you can encode a second key with an empty transponder. This way you will give him the correct PIN. If everything goes well, you will be able to use the new key adapted by yourself. However, if you don't have access to the interface or knowledge of your car's driver, you're better off not doing it yourself. You can mess up more this way than you think. The cost of repairing a transponder, as we already wrote, is not high, so sometimes it’s better not to risk it.

As you can see, immobilizer repairs can be very cheap or very expensive. It all depends on which element of the system was damaged. An interesting option for experienced people can also be transponder coding on their own.