Keyless ignition is an innovative feature that is becoming quite common in modern cars. It replaces conventional key ignition as a more convenient and efficient alternative. You no longer have to worry about forgetting the car keys. However, it is not completely fail-safe either. While it’s rare, you can still face a few issues with this kind of ignition.
In this guide, we will provide you with complete details about keyless ignition issues, their troubleshooting and replacements.
Problems Encountered in Keyless Ignition
The keyless ignition works on radio frequencies and the keyfob (remote) is a radio transmitter. Therefore, no push-button ignition will work without its keyfob. It is considered a major disadvantage of push-button start in cars. Let’s discuss these problems in more detail.
Ignition Left On
Leaving a car on idle is one of the major concerns associated with keyless ignition. Since there’s no key, drivers left the engine idling and took the keyfob with them. It directly impacts the fuel efficiency and overall lifespan of the vehicle. Moreover, it also creates carbon monoxide which is lethal to living beings.
Solution
Few modern cars are now equipped with an alarm that warns drivers if they walk away with the fob while the engine is running. Moreover, you should double-check the vehicle before leaving it.
Inoperational without Key Fob
The keyless ignition system is completely inoperational if the key fob is broken or misplaced. You can enter the car with a spare key, but there is no way to start the car. However, few modern key fobs are equipped with a transmitter at the back that will work even if it is broken or the battery is low.
Solution
The only solution to the inoperational key fob is to use a spare key. The key fobs are equipped with a hidden key that can work in replacement of the fob. Furthermore, you can aso request a spare key fob from the company’s authorised dealers.
Current Supply
Modern vehicles are dependent upon the electric supply from the battery for a number of operations. In case, if the electric supply is affected keyless ignition will not work. The only solution to this is to check your battery when a dashboard warning light is illuminated.
Solution
If the fob’s battery is dead, place it over the push button and start the vehicle. The lesser distance will enable radio signals to reach the ignition easily, thus making it operational.
Keyless Ignition Hacking
The keyless ignition system is a technologically advanced feature with higher security codes. But, there are still chances that your car can be hacked by ignition system. As mentioned above, the key fob transmits radio frequencies, these frequencies can be decrypted by computer. Thus providing direct access to the car computer. Moreover, hackers can also breach the rolling security codes and damage the car programming. Therefore, it is considered as one of the disadvantages of push-button start in cars.
Solution
You can save your car from hacking by using a signal-blocking pouch. Moreover, you can also turn the wireless signals off the fob when not in use.
Fob Combination
The keyless ignition system used a rolling code security feature in which ignitions are programmed to receive the fob’s signal. However, there are millions of these codes but still, two codes can match each other. In this case, you can end up starting someone’s car.
Replacing Keyless Ignition
It is almost impossible to fix a damaged key fob. If your fob is not working you will need professional assistance to fix it. Moreover, it can only be replaced by the official auto store of the car manufacturer. However for more convenience, you can also opt for car key reprogramming of your keyless ignition. The car fob replacement will cost you around AED 250 to AED 750.
This was all about the keyless ignition issues. Despite all these issues, keyless ignition is more convenient and user-friendly. The old key ignition systems can encounter more problems than this latest one. If you are still driving your old key car, it is time to browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and upgrade your old car.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car keys.
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