Possible damage to the immobilizer

If there are signs of a malfunction of the immobilizer, it is recommended to diagnose not only the device itself, the key, but also the generator and car battery. If the mains voltage is too low, you need to fix this problem first.

Types of malfunctions

Malfunctions in the operation of the car immobilizer unit can be divided into two classes: software and hardware. In the first case, the problems may lie in the destruction of the software prescribed in the engine system control module. The standard immobilizer may fail as a result of desynchronization between the unit and the key.

Errors and failures of a hardware nature, as a rule, include the failure of a microcircuit or a system control key. If the circuit is intact, then the cause may be a break in the communication buses responsible for the exchange of information between the elements of the jammer. Regardless of the class of breakdown, detailed diagnostics and repair of the device or key will be required.

Immobilizer Troubleshooting

Before repairing blocker damage, you must perform the following steps:

1. Battery charge. If the battery is low, the immobilizer may not work properly. If the battery is low, it must be removed and charged with a charger.
2. Use the original key. Primary control should be recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Remove the ignition key from the switch and try to find the problem.
4. Remove all devices and electronic devices from the control box. The blocker is an electronic device, so the presence of the same devices nearby may interfere. If, after removing the devices, the immo operation has stabilized, then the device can be repaired.

What are the signs of damage?

"Symptoms" by which you can determine that the immobilizer is broken:

• lack of rotation of the starter when trying to start the engine;
• the starter turns the crankshaft, but the power unit does not start;
• on the dashboard in the car, the immo malfunction indicator lights up, the Check Engine light may appear on the control panel;
• when you try to lock or open the car door locks using the key fob, the system does not respond to the actions of the car owner.

The channel "100 Video Inc" spoke about one of the malfunctions of the internal combustion engine jammer.

The main causes of the malfunction

Causes of immo malfunction:

1. The battery was disconnected from the machine's electrical outlet with the ignition on. If the control module has a fixed connection with the control key, then, as a rule, malfunctions do not appear for this reason.
2. The battery was discharged when trying to turn on the power unit. If there is a problem with the engine, then when the starter is cranked, the battery quickly runs out. This problem usually appears during the winter season.
3. The problem is sometimes associated with the replacement of a car engine or immo microprocessor control unit. When purchasing a new engine for a vehicle, a powertrain control kit must be purchased. Refers to the head unit, immobilizer and key fob. Otherwise, you will have to bind the control to the microprocessor module.
4. Malfunctions associated with the operation of appliances and electrical appliances. For example, the fuse protecting the immobilizer circuit could fail.
5. Software failure. Immobilizer coding information is stored in the EEPROM circuit. This board element belongs to the ROM class. With prolonged use or software problems, the firmware will fail and the circuit will need to be reprogrammed.
6. Key tag failed. Inside the device there is a chip that is designed to identify the owner of the car using the immobilizer control unit. If the label is torn, it will not be possible to carry out diagnostics on your own, which requires special equipment.
7. Bad contact of the receiving device with the antenna. The appearance of such a malfunction is usually associated with excitation. It is possible that the antenna module and the contact pads of the receiver were of poor quality, which caused the contact elements to oxidize. Sometimes the problem is that the connector is dirty. It is possible that the contact does not disappear immediately, but after a certain time.
8. The battery in the key is dead. The key can be equipped with an autonomous power supply system, in which case its performance does not depend on the battery charge.
9. Damaged or broken pump circuit. The electrical connection to this element may be broken.
10. Malfunction of the power supply circuits of the engine blocking control module.
11. Interruption of communication between the immo module and the central unit of the power unit.

Disabling or bypassing the immobilizer

The process of disabling the blocker depends on the make and model of the car, but the following methods are mainly used:

1. Disable immo password. If there is a special code, the values ​​are entered into the car dashboard, as a result of which the device performs recognition and turns off.
2. Turn off the power with the spare key. The immo antenna is connected to the replacement key chip. Before that, the microcircuit itself must be carefully removed from the key and wrapped with electrical tape around the antenna.
3. Deactivation of the device using a computer and special software.

You can make and install a device that prevents the operation of the blocker so that the latter does not interfere with the operation of the car.

Elements that will be needed to manufacture the bypass module:

• the chip is installed in a replaceable key;
• a piece of wire;
• adhesive tape and electrical tape;
• relay.

The order of manufacture of the tracker is as follows:

1. A piece of 15 cm is cut off from a skein of electrical tape.
2. Then the tape is wound into a tape.
3. At the next stage, a piece of wire or wire should be wound on the resulting coil. It should come out about ten turns.
4. Then the electrical tape is slightly cut with a knife and wound on top.
5. The electrical tape is removed and its excess is cut off.
6. The wire is soldered to a piece of wire. The place of soldering must be isolated.

Do-it-yourself immobilizer repair

You can repair the device yourself. If the car owner does not have experience with security systems or electronics, it is recommended to entrust this procedure to professionals.

With frequent immobilizer failures, it makes no sense to repair a faulty blocker; it would be more convenient to replace it.

Poor connection between antenna and receiver

To fix the problem, follow these steps:

1. Locate the immobilizer control unit in the car. If it is hidden behind the interior trim, it will need to be removed.
2. Disconnect the main connector with contacts from the module.
3. Use an iron brush or a special tool with a cotton swab to clean the contact elements on the block. If the contacts are bent, they must be carefully aligned with pliers.
4. Connect the connector to the microprocessor module and check the correct operation.

Poor contact of the antenna adapter with the immo receiver is usually associated with rapid wear of the contact elements in the connector. The problem may lie in its oxidation and manifest itself gradually: at first this is a single case of blocking the internal combustion engine, and then it occurs sequentially.

User Mikhail2115 talked about moving the jammer motor antenna adapter for better contact with the receiver.

Bad contact of one of the electrical circuit plugs

With this malfunction, it is necessary to disconnect all conductors suitable for the immobilizer unit. After that, their integrity diagnostics are carried out. It is necessary to ring all the wires of the control unit and power lines with a multimeter. If one of the wires came off, it must be soldered to the block.

Malfunction in the operation of the controller with low voltage in the on-board network

If the battery is not heavily discharged, you can try disconnecting it from the power source for 20-30 minutes, during which time the battery may recharge a little. If it doesn't, it will need to be recharged.

User Evgeny Shevnin spoke about the self-diagnosis of the generator set using a tester.

The immobilizer cannot detect the key as a result of magnetic radiation

Initially, you need to unlock the immobilizer, for this you need to turn off the power.

To complete the task you will need:

• laptop or computer;
• Charger PAK;
• a roll of electrical tape;
• key on 10.

Repair actions are carried out as follows:

1. The microprocessor module is removed, for this it is necessary to unscrew or disconnect the fasteners from the case.
2. The wired connector is disconnected from the device.
3. The control unit is analyzed. Usually this requires unscrewing the bolts that fix the immo parts.
4. The immobilizer block is connected to a computer with a PAK loader, after which all information must be deleted from the module's memory.
5. The diagnostic line is restored. Jumpers are then installed to establish communication between the microprocessor module and the test output. On some jammer models, the flash memory must be overwritten to perform the action.
6. In order to preserve all the functions of the immobilizer, the incoming cables are cut and connected to each other. The connection point is wrapped with insulating tape or welded, heat shrink tubing is allowed.
7. The body of the control module is assembled, connected to the on-board network and its operation is checked.

Electromagnetic waves appear around:

• transformer substations;
• welders;
• microwave;
• industrial enterprises, etc.

Such a problem can lead to chip failure, but usually it manifests itself in the form of malfunctions that block the operation of the car engine.

Key issues

In the event of a mechanical failure of the control element and the failure of the tag itself, the help of service center specialists will be required. You can try to repair the chip if the damage is minor. In case of complete destruction, you must contact the official dealer to request a duplicate key.

Often the problem of a non-working immobilizer key is related to the discharge of the power supply installed inside.

In this case, the symptoms of the problem will be identical, as in the case of poor contact with the antenna module. The transmission of impulses will be erroneous. To solve the problem, you will need to replace the battery.

 

Recommendations for the correct operation of the immobilizer

In order not to find fault with the immobilizer, you must consider the recommendations for use:

1. The car owner must always have a duplicate key. If the control element malfunctions, it is easier to test the system with a spare key. Otherwise, it is recommended to do so.
2. The greatest range of the key is provided due to its location along the plane of the transceiver.
3. The car owner must know the exact model of the jammer installed in the car. It is also recommended to understand the principle of its operation in order to troubleshoot at the first sign of failure.
4. If a non-digital immobilizer is installed in the car, then the main signal when the microprocessor unit is detected will be the glow of the diode. If the jammer breaks, this will allow you to quickly locate the module and repair it.

Video "Do-it-yourself immobilizer repair"

User Aleksey Z, using the example of an Audi car, spoke about the restoration of a failed auto jammer.