The immobilizer is broken - what to do?

An immobilizer is a security system in a car that prevents the engine from starting. This happens when you use the wrong key or replace one of the system components. A broken immobilizer blocks the system and prevents the engine from starting even with the original key. Of course, the same thing does not always break in it. W a damaged immobilizer, but the symptoms are usually problems starting the engine. How to solve the problem?

Immobilizer failure symptoms - how to recognize what is broken?

When this system fails, the following are most often damaged:

•  transponder;
• control device. 

How to find out what has been damaged? Practice shows that a damaged immobilizer in the key is responsible for immobilizing the car. It contains the previously mentioned transponder. This is a small plate that contains a code that allows you to start the drive unit.

Damaged immobilizer - symptoms of a malfunction

When you approach the immobilizer to the control unit or insert the key into the ignition, the number stored in the key is checked. If the number is encoded in the processor, you will be able to turn on the ignition and start the engine. What to do with a damaged immobilizer? Symptoms include difficult or impossible starting engine. The unit turns off after a second or two and the immobilizer light flashes. Sometimes the car won't start at all.

Immobilizer malfunction - symptoms of a damaged control unit

How can you be sure the key is bad? The easiest way to check this is with a spare key. If the car starts normally with it, then the transponder in the old key needs to be replaced. What to do if the immobilizer does not work no matter what key you use? Then you are likely to face more expensive repairs and more complications. Damage to the control unit usually requires its replacement. And that takes a lot of effort and money.

The immobilizer is broken - what to do in case of a malfunction?

The symptoms of a broken immobilizer are already known to you, but this does not change the fact that you are left with an immobilized car. What should you do then? First, look for a spare key. If you have it with you (usually somewhere in the house), put it in the ignition and try to start the car. With a broken immobilizer, the main symptom is usually a damaged transponder. If you manage to successfully use the spare key, then you are home. 

Damaged immobilizer in the spare key - what's next?

But what if the car does not respond to the second key? Sorry, but you have a big problem. In principle, one cannot do without visiting a professional workshop. Unfortunately, in the case of a more modern car, only an authorized service center can help. Why is everything so difficult? A faulty immobilizer is usually to blame for the control unit or another element of the anti-theft system. And if you can't start the car, how are you supposed to get it to the workshop? You have to find a tow truck that will deliver the car to the address you specified.

Damaged immobilizer and the need for repair

If the fault is not on the transponder side, you will not be able to start the car in any way. A damaged immobilizer with symptoms can annoy you, because it will not react in any way to turning the key. Repair required. After diagnosing a malfunction, the specialist will get rid of the faulty part and introduce the necessary new elements. In case of replacement of parts of the anti-theft system, it is necessary to encode the keys. The cost of the entire operation can exceed 100 euros. If you use ASO services, don't be surprised by a bill even for a few thousand zlotys.

Where to repair a broken immobilizer in a car?

Is it possible to undertake repairs and avoid such high costs? This is practically impossible, because you will also need to encode a new key. Only then can the processor grant access to the engine. The new transponder does not have a stored code, so you must assign it according to the code stored in the control unit. Then you need software to edit the contents of your computer. Without this, the new key will show symptoms of a faulty immobilizer.

Choose a reliable specialist

You need to visit a car service. Think carefully about who you choose to repair. With access to a computer, a mechanic can program any number of keys. And this results in the worst case, when third parties gain access to your car. So choose a proven specialist if you do not use ASO.

As you can see, the situation is serious when the immobilizer in the car is damaged. Symptoms should not be underestimated, because then you will not be able to drive a car. Make sure you have a spare key and try to start the engine. If this does not help, you will have to visit the workshop and reprogram the system.