Five Signs of Engine Immobilizer Problems

What is an immobilizer

If you buy a decent car, the manufacturer has already equipped it with protection in the form of an immobilizer.
This is the most common and effective means in the fight against car theft. Standard
In simple terms, the immobilizer prevents all kinds of attempts to start the car if a key containing a unique chip has not been inserted into the lock.
Even if you insert a “blank” key into the lock, the device will see that there is no chip and refuse to start the engine. How it works
When you turn on the ignition and the lights on the dashboard come on and then go off, at the same moment the immobilizer reads the code from the chip, and if it is correct, it allows you to start the engine. If the chip is incorrect, the immobilizer blocks all ways to move away, except with the help of a tow.

Many car enthusiasts, after purchasing a car, express a desire to increase the security of their car and install an alarm. However, if you have a car with an immobilizer, this can be a little problematic.

The immobilizer does not allow the use of an automatic alarm system. To solve this problem, you can use an immobilizer bypass module, improving the security of your car.

Immobilizer bypass module

Disabling, repairing, removing the standard immobilizer on site

Our service's field auto engineers will provide any technical assistance regarding standard immobilizers.

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Very often we receive emails asking for help in remotely disabling a car’s standard (native) immobilizer. In connection with this, it hurts...:-) Let's start from the very beginning:

What is an immobilizer in a car?

An immobilizer (now we are talking specifically about the standard one) is an electronic security system, the principle of which is to immobilize the car in the event of theft. The key of every modern car has a chip installed, the signal from which is read by the immobilizer unit. And if there is no or incorrect signal (wrong code), the system blocks the electrical circuits, as a result of which full engine starting becomes impossible. That is, if thieves managed to open your car, start it and drive away, they won’t be able to drive it even if they have the skills of an auto electrician.

What is the difference between a standard immobilizer and a non-standard one?

The standard immobilizer is otherwise called “native” precisely because it is installed at the manufacturer of your car. Non-standard immo – installed additionally in the seller’s showroom or in any specialized technical center. On the one hand, the principle of operation of regular and non-standard ones is similar, but there is one “but”. The standard immobilizer unit is connected by a wire to the engine control unit (ECU), colloquially the “brains” in which this particular immobilizer unit is “registered”. Without an enabling command from the immobilizer unit, the ECU will not allow engine operation. Additionally, the installed immobilizer has nothing to do with the “brains”. An ordinary auto electrician (or a car thief with the skills of an auto electrician) can handle it, but to disable the standard immobilizer, intervention in the ECU is required, and this is already a job for an auto engineer, so a native immobilizer is the best protection against theft than any additionally installed one. Add. installations will only delay the thief for a short time.

Is it possible to disable the standard immobilizer yourself?

Here, in fact, we have come to the answer to the main question - the request of our clients for remote assistance in disabling the standard immobilizer. Anyone who read carefully has already realized that THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. To disable your native immo, you need to have the knowledge of an auto engineer and the necessary equipment. Therefore, if you have problems with an immobilizer installed at the manufacturer, we suggest using the services of our specialists.

What kind of work and on what cars do we carry out with standard immobilizers?

Whatever problems you have with the standard immobilizer: the immobilizer unit does not read the key, whether there was an attempt to steal or any other troubles - call us, we will help you disable, reprogram (flash), remove or repair

It doesn’t matter to us what kind of car you have: truck or passenger car, domestic or foreign car, new or not so new - we work with all cars

We will come to you ourselves!

To order an auto engineer when you call, you need to inform the operator:

• Make, model, year of manufacture of the car.
• Your location.
• Why did you decide that the problem was with the original immobilizer?
• What happens when you try to start the car?
• Mobile phone for communication.

While waiting for a specialist, do not forget to prepare title documents for the car and documents proving your identity. Without them we will not be able to help you.

Symptoms of immobilizer problems

It is worth noting that the system perfectly protects the car from theft and is quite reliable. However, if you notice that it is not working as expected, it is better not to resort to the help of amateurs, but to immediately turn to professionals, because this issue requires that you pay due attention to it.

The main signs of problems with the immobilizer:

1. When trying to start the engine, the starter does not turn the engine.
2. When you try to start the engine, you hear the starter “turning” the engine, but it does not start.
3. You notice that the corresponding light is blinking on the dashboard.
4. When you try to open/close the car using the key fob, it does not respond (change the batteries first).

Indicator in a VAZ car
These are the most common signs found on many cars. If you see an existing problem in the list, it may be that your immobilizer needs flashing or software restoration.

If you simply try to ignore the problem at hand, it may result in a more significant problem in the future.

Five Common Signs of a Malfunctioning Engine Immobilizer System

Like any electronic device, the immobilizer system can malfunction and cause you some problems. Below are five of the most common signs that indicate there is a problem with your vehicle's immobilizer system.

#1: Blocking Issues

You use the key to remotely lock your car's doors, but they do not lock. Unfortunately, many modern cars do not have keyholes on the outside of the doors, so you cannot open them manually with a key.

The only way to lock doors without a working smart key or fob is to lock open doors from the inside and then close them.

No. 2. Problems with unlocking

You probably won't be able to open your car doors with your smart key if you weren't able to lock them as mentioned in the first point. This means that if you lock the doors from the inside and then close them, you will not be able to get back into the car because your key will not be able to open the doors and you will have to call a locksmith.

No. 3. The engine does not start

A common problem with an engine immobilizer is that your car won't start at all. Apart from problems with the locking mechanisms, this could be due to a number of different reasons, but if you are experiencing the above difficulties and cannot start the engine, then you clearly have a problem with either your immobilizer or the smart key itself.

No. 4. Ignition key does not turn

If your key fob has a physical key that you have to insert into the ignition and turn, but it won't budge, there may be a problem with the transponder chip inside the base of the key fob, i.e. for some reason it is not sending a security code to the car immobilizer . This often occurs due to water damage (water and electronic devices do not mix) or because the chip is broken as a result of falling or breaking the key fob.

Before ordering a replacement key, make sure you are using the correct key fob for your vehicle. Just because your spouse drives the same brand of car does not mean that her key fob will work in your car.

No. 5. Problems with car alarms

Since the immobilizer is the main security feature of your car, this means that if the immobilizer is faulty, the alarm will also not work.

Fault groups

All immobilizer malfunctions can be divided into two categories, each of which has a different method of eliminating the problem, as well as the degree of its complexity. As a rule, in most cases the device can be restored:

• Software faults. Problems like this occur due to a software glitch. This may be a desynchronization of the device with the chip code and the motor unit where the signal goes. There may be another immobilizer error, but most of them can be resolved quite simply and quickly: you need to contact a specialist who will quickly reprogram the device and erase the errors.
• Hardware failures. This concerns mechanical damage to the device, which causes malfunctions in its operation. This may include defects on the device’s circuit board, damage to the wires and power system, and malfunctions of the switching cable. Mechanical problems are also quickly resolved in service centers.

Defect on the board

Tips for use

When purchasing a car with this security system, you must receive a set of two keys.
If you were given an incomplete set, or you lost one of them, you urgently need to make a new one and reflash the device, otherwise there is a chance that your car may be stolen. There must be a duplicate of the keys.
Do not be lazy to read the instructions that come with the immobilizer. This will give you a better understanding of how the system works on your vehicle.

Remember that if you start to observe interruptions in the operation of your device or you want to install this device on your car, it is best to contact official service centers, protecting yourself from possible scammers.
It is better to have it repaired at a service center.
To summarize, it can be noted that the immobilizer is a complex system, but if used correctly, it will provide good security. Please read the instructions for using this device to ensure it works correctly. If for any reason you need to repair your device, it is better to contact competent specialists; this will guarantee uninterrupted operation in the future, and you will be protected from the risk of becoming a victim of theft.

Operating principle of the immobilizer

To protect against car theft during an unauthorized attempt to start the engine, the device breaks electrical circuits. This way the signals coming from the ignition system to the engine should be turned off. Additionally, the immobilizer can be equipped with special built-in devices that completely stop the operation of the power unit after it starts moving. The car engine will start, but after some time it will turn off.

The blockers can also be equipped with an automatic activation system, that is, they can independently block the wiring connection when the vehicle is parked for a long time.

Auto electrician Sergei Zaitsev spoke in detail about the principle of operation of the immobilizer in his video.

What disables immo in a car?

Structurally, this device includes electronic controllers that block the main vehicle systems - the driveshaft and engine. The immobilizer can also deactivate the ignition and fuel supply systems to the engine.

Should I disable the immobilizer myself?

It is better for inexperienced car enthusiasts not to do this; if the immobilizer detects an attempt to break into or open elements of the device, it will block the engine. As a result, you will have to turn to specialists.

Code deactivation of the immobilizer

Read more about how to turn off the immobilizer using a password using the example of a Lada Kalina vehicle:

1. The car's ignition is turned off. The lock indicator on the instrument panel should blink slowly.
2. The ignition system is activated. Some icons should appear and disappear on the control combination. The engine immobilizer indicator will flash rapidly.
3. The vehicle's central locking (CL) control key is pressed and held. The immobilizer icon should stop blinking on the instrument panel.
4. When the central locking button is pressed, the blinking intensity will decrease. The user needs to count the number of flickers and release the key at the moment when their number matches the first digit of the password.
5. The steps to enter the code are repeated.

An example of disabling the engine blocker on the Lada Kalina model is given in the video of the channel “Elm327 Equipment for car diagnostics”.

Installing the emulator

Instructions for using the immobilizer bypass module using the Starline device as an example:

1. A location for installing the block is selected. It is necessary to remove the decorative cladding if necessary. Immo crawlers from the manufacturer Starline are characterized by small dimensions, making their installation possible almost anywhere.
2. The device is being installed. Self-tapping screws or plastic clamps can be used to secure it. Fastening elements are included in the package.
3. The housing of the microprocessor module opens up and you need to install a spare key equipped with a radio tag. It is necessary to take into account that the control element must be in working condition, since it will always communicate with the blocker. The flat immobilizer transceiver must be inserted inside the module. The device must be fixed as firmly as possible to prevent it from moving when moving.
4. The next step is to connect the crawler. The red contact is the positive power output. It must be connected to the line on which voltage appears when the ignition is on. The best option would be to connect this conductor to a lock.
5. The black cable is a negative signal and should be used as a control output. When a negative pulse is applied, the RFID tag is read from the electronic key. The contact element must be connected to the input of the automatic engine start system. If it is absent, the black cable is connected directly to the negative terminal of the battery or ground. Any bolt connected to the vehicle body can be used as a ground.
6. The bypass module is equipped with several gray contacts. Their connection is carried out in accordance with the electrical diagram, which is included in the package. Connection points may vary depending on the design features of the car. One version of the card for connection is shown in the photo.

How does this device work?

The immobilizer is quite simple. In addition to the special chip (immobilizer chip transponders), which we have already mentioned, there is also a board built into the car that reads information from this chip. The signals, the “secret code,” are sent by the transponder chip in the form of electromagnetic pulses. The built-in control board, using a special electromagnetic coil, reads signals from the key and compares them with those recorded as a sample in the car’s computer memory.

If everything is in order, then the third component of the immobilizer - the electromagnetic relay - will remove the lock from the electronic on-board control systems and the car will start. If the control board does not find the necessary signals, then all vital systems of the car will be blocked.

The principle of operation of the immobilizer is to prevent an attacker from starting the car’s engines and driving away. It is impossible to visually determine whether a car is equipped with an immobilizer or not. There are no external signs, and there is no sound during its operation either. Today, cars can be equipped with different types of immobilizers: contact, contactless, and “protecting in motion.” In contact immobilizers, the chip is located in the car key, and the reading board is in the ignition switch. Of course, car keys can be stolen, so as an additional anti-theft measure, a small keyboard for entering a secret code is possible next to the ignition switch. Or an additional sensor for scanning the fingerprint of the legal owner of the car.

In contactless immobilizers, the chip that sends the signals can be built into a key fob, a card shaped like a bank card, or something else. (It turns out to be a kind of pocket immobilizer). And the board that receives the signals is more of an antenna that can be installed in the trim of the car interior. The range of such an antenna is small - no more than ten centimeters.

But in immobilizers, which are called “protecting while moving”, the range of action of the receiving board is large . But here the reaction principle is different - engine blocking is possible only when the car is moving. This system is very effective in a robbery attack. Suppose they threw out the driver, took his place, drove off, and then suddenly the engine stopped. It is only important that the transponder key fob that triggers the car locking mechanism remains with the legal driver.

Use of special programs and devices

To turn off the engine immobilizer in passenger cars without the appropriate key, you will need software that can enable the inactive status of the immobilizer. For example, you can use the Immobilizer Killer utility.

What will you need?

Before disabling the engine blocker, you must prepare:

• a Phillips-head screwdriver or screwdriver;
• set of socket wrenches;
• a computer with a PAC loader or other utility installed;
• soldering iron with rosin and tin;
• electrical tape.

Step-by-step instruction

Algorithm of actions on how to disconnect and disable the blocker:

1. The immobilizer is being searched. The user must gain access to the device. To do this, you will need to dismantle part of the interior trim.
2. The control module is removed using a blocker. Usually the device is attached using self-tapping screws. All connectors are disconnected from the immobilizer and the condition is checked. If there are traces of contact oxidation on the block, then they are cleaned. You need to act carefully so as not to damage the plug.
3. The immobilizer control unit is being disassembled. There is a working circuit inside the device case; it needs to be dismantled. If you need to unsolder the contacts for removal, prepare a soldering iron. You must act carefully, otherwise the board may be completely damaged. The soldering areas are heated to maximum temperature, after which the circuit is removed.
4. The board is connected to the computer. Using the utility, the microcircuit is reprogrammed. The user must delete from its memory any information regarding the operation of the power unit lock.
5. The immobilizer board is installed back into the module body, soldering is performed if necessary. The control unit is being assembled. Now the engine microprocessor device does not receive information about the operation of the car immobilizer.
6. In the disconnected device, the electrical circuits connected to outputs 9 and 18 are cut off. The wires connected to them are connected to each other and insulated with electrical tape. This is important to do in order to ensure uninterrupted operation of the on-board computer.
7. At the final stage, all equipment is installed back. The previously disconnected connectors are connected to the control module.

How to disable the immobilizer

Important note - it is better to disable IMMO if the driver thoroughly knows his vehicle and programming processes. Understanding the electrical part of the machine will also come in handy. In general, it is simple to describe the sequence of actions to disable the immobilizer, since on any car this operation consists of similar actions.

The work of both contact and contactless IMMO is based on the following principles:

• reading the code contained in the chip using an antenna;
• the electronic control unit compares the received code with a standard stored in memory. If the signals match, a command is generated that allows the motor to operate. Otherwise the engine will be blocked;
• then the command is received by the chip that controls the ECU;
• It is the program of this microcircuit that needs to be modified. More precisely, delete data about the immobilizer. After which the latter can simply be turned off. In some cases, instead of programming, the chip is replaced with a new one.

Important : before disabling the immobilizer, you need to think again whether there are other ways to solve the problem. And only when all troubleshooting options have failed, you can resort to disabling the anti-theft protection.

To successfully disable the immobilizer, stock up on the following devices and tools:

• screwdriver or Phillips screwdrivers;
• socket wrench 10;
• personal computer or laptop;
• a PAK-type programmer and a program for it, which must be downloaded from the Internet;
• soldering iron and accessories;
• insulating tape.

The success of disabling IMMO is based on strict adherence to the following sequence of actions:

• find the electronic control unit and disconnect all connectors from it;
• open the ECU case, find the required microcircuit on the board and dismantle it;
• Using a programmer, replace the firmware of the microcircuit. The new firmware should not contain information about IMMO;
• carefully solder the chip into place and reassemble the electronic control unit;
• now the ECU will not send any commands to the immobilizer, since it simply does not know about its presence;
• in the IMMO itself, you need to disconnect or cut the wires connected to pins 9 and 18;
• Connect the cut wires together and insulate the twisted area. This will allow the car diagnostic system to work correctly;
• Install all removed equipment in its original places, connect all previously disconnected connectors to the computer.

Important : there is an alternative solution to disabling the immobilizer, which is much less labor-intensive. To do this, you need to use a device called a “killer”. The principle of its operation is similar to a universal key. Emulators are also widely used. Using such a device allows you not only to disable IMMO, but also to install any alarm system from a third-party manufacturer on your car.

The domestic automobile industry is equipped with immobilizers with the same principle of operation as imported devices. VAZ cars (from Kalina to Niva-Chevrolet) have a bad reputation due to frequent failures of the electronic control unit. That is why disabling the immobilizer is very important for them. However, the protection devices themselves installed in VAZ cars (imported Bosch M1.5.4, APS-6 and outdated APS-4, “January 5.1.” and VS.1) are of average quality.

In the process of reducing the cost of VAZ cars, the quality and reliability of individual components and assemblies has deteriorated. This also affected the immobilizer with the ECU and their software. In some car models, you need to enter the IMMO code by pressing the accelerator pedal if the control unit is frozen.

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In general, the system, consisting of an ECU, an immobilizer and an ignition key containing a chip, functions in the same way as on cars of other models and brands.