The latest cars are equipped with several interesting and extra safety features; intended to prevent them from being stolen. A car immobiliser is also one of the anti-theft devices installed to prevent a car from moving or being hotwired. In short, a bad engine immobiliser can disable the system and your vehicle will not start at all.
Read on to find out how it works and what are the common symptoms of a bad engine immobiliser.
What is an Engine Immobiliser?
The engine immobiliser is one of the most important car safety features against theft. This security device does not let the engine be turned on without a smart key.
The car immobiliser consists of three parts: An engine Control Unit, a codified car key and an antenna. The key fob has a built-in microchip. When you insert a key to the ignition the antenna reads the code and sends it to the ECU. This receiver works like a transponder and then sends a unique authorization code back to the immobiliser system. The engine will start if the code matches.
Symptoms of A Bad Engine Immobiliser
Just like other car parts, the engine immobiliser can also go bad and create problems for you. Here are some common symptoms that can alert you before it completely goes bad.
The problem in Unlocking the Car Door
When the unlock button of your key fob does not work and unlock the car that means there is a problem with the engine immobiliser. The key fob will not properly send codes to the immobiliser system. In such a scenario, there might be an issue with the key’s battery or the immobiliser itself is malfunctioning.
The issue in Locking the Car
Similar to the previous issue, if you cannot unlock a car door with the help of a key fob, then you might not be able to lock it either. Hence, you might need to leave the door open or leave the car’s window down in case the door locks automatically. Your car can be hacked and become vulnerable to being stolen until the immobiliser is fixed.
Bad Wiring Corrodes
If there is an issue with the car immobiliser but the key fob is working fine, then you might need to check the wiring of an engine immobiliser.
You may find damaged, corroded and worn out wires which indicate an issue with an immobiliser control unit. However, the problem can be fixed if you replace the wiring and get it checked by professionals.
Engine Does Not Start
The bad engine immobiliser won’t let the vehicle start until it does not receive a proper security token. In some cases, you might be able to lock or unlock the vehicle but the engine will not start with a faulty engine immobiliser.
However, it is important to note here that there could be several reasons that your car engine is not starting. Hence, it is better to consult a technician.
If you cannot figure out the issue when the engine doesn’t start, you should check the wiring of the engine immobiliser.
Key in Ignition Does Not Turn
If your car key doesn’t turn after inserting into the ignition, there might be an issue with a transponder chip placed inside the key fob. The key won’t turn because the key fob may be unable to send the security code to the car engine immobiliser. Before you call a professional auto technician, make sure you are using the right key fob of the car.
Issues With Car Alarm
The security alarm of your vehicle is also connected to the immobiliser. Therefore, if your car has a bad immobiliser, then your factory car alarm system will not work. This could be one of the reasons that cause your car alarm to go off continuously.
Now you know the symptoms and what causes a bad engine immobiliser. The immobiliser is an electronic security device that prevents the engine from being started without the correct digital key.
In other words, the vehicle can be started with just your key. Hence, when you plan to buy a used car in the UAE make sure you check its wiring, key ignition and safety features.
For more useful guides on various car components, stay tuned to the UAE’s popular car blog.
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