What is a keychain immobilizer? How to tie a key ring to an immobilizer

Immobilizer is one of the most effective anti-theft tools that have ever been invented by automotive engineers. The principle of the device is quite simple. If an attacker attempts to drive a vehicle, the device blocks the operation of the main machine nodes. Such an effective means of protecting the car could not be ignored by insurance companies. Some of them agree to conclude a contract for compensation for theft only if the vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer.

How does the device work, why do I need an immobilizer keychain?

A third-party observer can not detect the presence of a protective device in the car. It does not emit any sounds or light signals. The operation of the device is completely hidden from prying eyes, until the protective mechanisms are launched. If the criminal can find and break the device, even in this case all important systems of the car will remain blocked. However, in this case, the problems also arise in the real owner of the machine, which has a keychain immobilizer. It allows you to deactivate the protective system.

It is necessary to dwell in more detail on which nodes block the device. If an attacker managed to enter the car's interior and access the dashboard, he could try to start the engine. In this case, the device automatically performs blocking of the operation of the main machine systems:

• Ignition,
• Starter,
• Fuel supply.

As a result, the car refuses to start. The protection mechanisms can be stopped with the help of the immobilizer keys programmed to work with this vehicle. After receiving the signal from the owner, the car returns to the working state.

Can an immobilizer serve as a replacement for an alarm?

The device perfectly complements the alarm, but can not completely replace it. The device does not have the function to notify the owner of the theft. If such an incident arose, then it is likely that by the time the car is found, it will be plundered. Thieves can encroach on the values inside the cabin, steal the battery and other details. At the same time, the key chain of the VAZ immobilizer or another brand car does not send messages to the owner. The device operates without feedback. Only specialized alarm systems can inform about hijacking facts.

Detecting an immobilizer is an extremely time-consuming task for an attacker. Some modifications include at least 10 miniature devices that are integrated into a single system and control the wiring of the car. Sometimes devices are implanted directly into safety blocks. If the owner of the car has a keychain immobilizer Starline, then he can be calm for his property. His car is equipped with such a complex system. Although professional hijackers can try to overcome the protective system, it is extremely rare to complete the conceived. Often, to deactivate all the sensors, they do not have enough time.

Which components are part of the immobilizer

The protective system includes 3 main components:

• A control unit,
• Electromagnetic relays;
• Key (key ring with a label).

The control unit is the main element of the system and is responsible for activating the device. Disables and enables the immobilizer keychain. The label that it contains is recognized by the device. After that, the owner gets access to the machine.

After the corresponding signal is received, the electromagnetic relay opens the electrical networks, as a result of which the machine comes to an immobilized state. Key-key chain is a control component. It is considered the property of the owner of the machine and serves to activate the functions of the protective system.

What is the function of the key

The key is a kind of password for the system. If it is recognized, the car can be started normally. In the opposite case, there is a blockage. If the key fob of an immobilizer is lost, "Kalina" (or another car - not the essence of it) simply can not be wound up. Inside the key is an encoded chip. It is on it that a signal or cipher is stored, which the control unit can recognize.

It is important to treat the key safely. If the owner of the car has lost the key fob of the immobilizer, he has great difficulties with reprogramming the system. This is an expensive procedure. In this case, it is often necessary to completely change all components of the system, including the control unit and electromagnetic relays.

Types of immobilizers

There are various modifications of the device in question. In some cases, the device allows an attacker to start a car and even drive a certain distance. But after 200-300 meters the engine stalls, and the car completely stops responding to pressing buttons and levers. The meaning of the modification is that the offender gets the opportunity to leave the isolated place where hijacking takes place. He goes out into the open countryside. Here it is much more dangerous for him to continue to make any manipulations with the car. More often the hijacker simply leaves the "suddenly" stopped car in place. With such a system works keychain immobilizer "Santa Fe" in 2003. And some other models of cars.

Modern modifications of immobilizers incorporate a transponder system. It has the following advantages:

• Has a high level of protection against hacking;
• Reduces the risk of hijacking to a minimum;
• Operates on the basis of a non-contact operating principle;
• To unlock the system is the keychain immobilizer, containing a coded code of high complexity;
• Automatic reading of the key code and unlocking the system when the car owner hits the device's field of action.

Problems encountered in the operation of immobilizers

Most often, difficulties arise not with the immobilizer itself, but with the key. It can be trite lost. In some cases, the encryption code is erased. To avoid problems with the device, you should choose models of known manufacturers. A good option is the SmartCode immobilizer, the body Which keychain is made of high-quality plastic.

In case of replacement of some components of the system, the mismatch of the encrypted signals in the key on one side and the control unit on the other can be observed. Especially often this problem occurs when using used parts.

Can I somehow solve the problem myself if the immobilizer "Starline" does not see the key chain? It is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. It all depends on the nature of the malfunction. But, as practice shows, in most cases the owner of the device has to apply for help to specialists. The situation is somewhat simpler if the device is under warranty.

What to do if the control unit fails

The main element of the system is the control unit. Many owners of cars equipped with an immobilizer, at least once, have to face the failure of this unit.

What are the solutions?

1. Purchase of a new control unit, immobilizer key fob and electromagnetic relay. In this case, the devices are programmed from scratch and integrated into the system. This option will solve the problem for the car owner in the amount of $ 400 and above.
2. Acquisition of only a new control unit without additional components. The main difficulty is to reprogram the device for normal operation with other elements of the system. The procedure is rather complicated, and even for its implementation it is still necessary to find a qualified specialist. For the work will have to give a little less than in the first case.
3. Buying a used set of parts (unit, relay, key chain). In this case, you do not need to program anything. It is only necessary to replace the above-mentioned components installed on the machine purchased. After that, you can start the car engine in normal mode. The cost of the solution is from $ 200.

What is the best way to solve the problem?

In about half the cases, car owners prefer to solve the problem in a second way. This is the cheapest option. Minus the solution - the use of second-hand components. It is certainly not known in what conditions they were exploited before. It is difficult to assess their condition. Therefore, it is completely unclear when buying how long a used control unit can function normally, without creating problems for the owner of the vehicle. In any case, do not despair, if one day a key ring immobilizer VAZ-2110 or another car will stop working as expected. The solution can always be found. You just need to contact a competent specialist.

What should I do if I lose the key fob?

If you lose the key fob, you need to purchase a new one. After this, it is necessary to perform the reprogramming procedure of the control unit. In the immobilizer's memory, new key identifiers are written, which the system can later recognize as valid.

If there was a software failure, and the charm of the immobilizer "Santa Fe" in 2003 in. Or the machine of another brand stops working, it is necessary to write the identifier back into memory in the device memory. After carrying out this procedure, the system will continue to function in normal mode, and the car owner can continue to use the old chip key.

How to tie a key chain multiplex to an immobilizer?

There are several ways to bind. The choice depends on the type of device. If the key fob of the immobilizer of the multiplex type (two buttons) has been replaced, you need to act according to the following algorithm:

1. Place the key in the lock.
2. Click on the button that closes the doors.
3. Turn the key to the ignition position.
4. Wait 10 seconds, then release the button.
5. Ignition OFF, remove the key.
6. Repeat the procedure (points 1-5) 1 to 3 times.

This method helps to solve the problem in most cases.

How to tie a one-button keychain?

The above method is not suitable for all cases. If the owner of the car has an immobilizer keychain with one button, in this case the procedure of binding the device looks like this.

It is necessary to check that the car doors are tightly closed. Locks should not be locked.

1. Next, you need to press and hold the large button until the diode stops blinking.
2. When the driver releases the button, the diode should burn evenly.
3. Then press the button. The diode should go out.
4. Next, the driver must open the doors and place the key in the ignition.
5. After that, the button is pressed on the key fob.
6. Then you need to activate the ignition and wait at least 10 seconds.
7. Now the ignition can be turned off.
8. After 5 seconds the key chain should come to working condition.

On domestic cars, a one-button immobilizer key ring is often used. "Priora" and other Russian cars are equipped with such a system due to its simplicity, reliability and low price. It's unlikely that hackers who encroach on an inexpensive car will waste time trying to overcome even the most primitive defense systems.

The most popular models of immobilizers

In the sphere of production of the presented category of devices, there are their universally recognized leaders. The following companies can be classified as such:

• SmartCode.
• StarLine.
• Pandect.
• ProKey.
• Spirit.

One of the best price-quality ratio for StarLine products. It offers simple and reliable systems that are highly appreciated by specialists. In the company's models the software and hardware components are at a high level. In this case, the keyring of the StarLine S770 immobilizer and other modifications has an ergonomic design. Its nice to hold in your hand. The paint does not penetrate, and the product retains a presentable appearance for a long time.

SmartCode products deserve attention. The company was one of the industry pioneers. Its technology makes it possible to produce high-class equipment. Very rarely there are complaints from drivers who install an immobilizer SmartCode in their car. The case of the keychain is made of high-quality materials. In all models, expensive electronic components are used. This reduces the likelihood of breakage to a minimum.