Frequently Asked Questions

A: Modern cars have immobiliser systems that are state-of-the-art. Advances in immobiliser technology have made it impossible for thieves to hot-wire or get around a car's immobiliser system to start the engine. Since 1997, almost every car made in the world has had a cutting-edge immobiliser system that is always getting better and making the car safer.

Even though each vehicle immobiliser system is a little different from the others, they all have something in common: a transponder chip. A tiny RFID (Radio-frequency identification) chip called a "transponder" stores a code that only works with that particular chip. Transponder chips don't need batteries to work. Instead, a tiny copper coil inside the chip acts as an antenna and gets a voltage from the magnetic field created by an antenna near the car's ignition. When you turn on your car, the code from the transponder chip on the head of the key is read by the antenna.

If the code on the transponder chip is the same as the code in the engine or immobiliser ECU, the car will start. If the code doesn't match, the car won't start. The staff at need car keys assists people all over Australia.

A: A transponder chip is an RFID radio transmitter that is hidden in the key. It talks to the car's computer through a wireless system to make sure that the right key is in the ignition. The Cars Immobiliser system lets the car start once the chip has been checked. There are different types of transponder chips for different car makes and models, and each type needs to be used with the right car. The best way to do this is to have a Gold Coast Auto Locksmith cut and program the key or take the car to a Gold Coast dealership.

A: A smart key is a key intended to open a corresponding vehicle electronically. Some cars come with a smart key as a standard feature, while others let you add one as an option when you order the car from the factory. Newer models of smart keys are becoming more and more common.

Even if the key fob is in the driver's pocket, it can still unlock, lock, or start the car because of the antennas in the car's body and the radio pulse generator in the key.

A: Using a key that hasn't been programmed to start your car can lead to a lot of issues. When using a non-programmed key, every model of vehicle will behave differently. While some vehicles won't react at all, others will let the starter motor run while not starting the engine. If the engine is started with a non-programmed key, many cars will actually completely lock the car down and prevent any attempt at programming. If your car is in a lock out state then unlocking the vehicle from its lock out state can be time-consuming and expensive.

A: You can try a few different methods to locate your misplaced car keys. Check all the usual locations where you would typically keep them as your first step. This includes the floor of your car as well as your pockets, purse, and console. Check with any relatives or friends who were present when you last had them if you still can't find them.

Calling an automotive locksmith should be your next course of action if you're still having trouble.