Regardless of whether you have a transponder key or non-transponder key, if the indicator light for your immobilizer system is blinking then it may be damaged. This is an indication that the chip on your key has been tampered with or not programmed correctly.
You can take your car to a locksmith or dealership to get it reprogrammed but that is expensive and time consuming. There is a cheaper method to do this at home.
Passive Transponder Keys
This key type contains an electronic microchip that is built into the head of the physical car key. These keys are also known as chip keys and are widely used in modern cars to help reduce auto theft.
When you insert the key into a mechanical ignition or push to start button, it transmits a signal from the RFID (radio-frequency identification) chip inside to the immobilizer coil. The car immobilizer system then reads the digital signature of the chip and if it matches its list of permitted keys, the immobilizer system will disengage so that you can start your vehicle.
Although there are tutorials online on how to bypass this technology and create your Transponder keys service, it is generally best to leave this task to a professional automotive locksmith or vehicle dealership. This is because this type of key adds a layer of security to your car that can be hard for unauthorized people to replicate.
Active Transponder Keys
Most newer vehicles come equipped with a transponder chip inside the key that helps protect against car theft. The chip has a serial number that is set during its initial programming. The chip transmits a coded signal to the car to let it know that it is the right key to use. A non-transponder key can still turn the car over but will not start it. This key type requires a professional to reprogramme it.
Some car dealerships and locksmiths can program the key to reject a non-transponder key but it will not disable the immobilizer. They can also reprogram the immobilizer to work with a new key that is either passive or active.
It all depends on the type of key and vehicle. The process is fairly simple and usually takes less than a hour to complete. The security light will remain on while the process is being done. The key will not be able to be used until the security light turns off.
Non-Transponder Keys
The engine immobilizer system prevents car theft by preventing the car from starting if the key is not inserted correctly. It is a great security feature and also offers a level of protection if your key is lost or stolen as it is nearly impossible to duplicate the transponder chip inside.
When the key is inserted into the ignition ring, a small chip in the key fob receives a radio frequency signal from the antenna ring. The chip then sends a code back to the antenna ring and the car’s computer system that disables the immobilizer and allows the engine to start.
While the most reliable way to program a new key is by taking it to a locksmith or a dealership, that can be expensive and time-consuming. A cheaper alternative is to use a tool that will allow you to “virginize” the immobilizer ECU and prepare it to accept new keys. This process is referred to as reflashing and has been successfully used on Toyota, Lexus, and Honda vehicles.
Transponder Chips
Almost all new cars now have transponder chips as part of their anti-theft systems. These are also known as “chip keys” or “flip keys”.
When a chip key is inserted into the ignition, it sends a digital serial number through an antenna ring to the car’s computer. The computer then checks to see if that code matches the one stored in its system. If it does, the immobilizer is disengaged and the engine can start.
While the use of a digital code on a chip is an effective way to prevent unauthorized access to a vehicle, it is not foolproof. Criminals have found ways to intercept and copy these signals, so it’s important to always keep your car keys safely locked away.
For the best security, it is recommended that you contact a professional locksmiths or vehicle dealership to have a new key programmed to work with your car’s immobilizer. This will ensure that your car is safe from theft and other types of fraud.
