5 Symptoms of a faulty car immobilizer
As the name suggests, an immobilizer is a technological security device that prevents your car from being moved. In other words, it is an anti-theft device that stops thieves from wiring your car and driving off.
As you might imagine, a faulty immobilizer can render your car undriveable. Here we explain how immobilizers work and what to look out for if you suspect your immobilizer is faulty. Here’s how an immobilizer works
On many modern cars, only someone with the key fob can start the car. Below are five common symptoms that a defective immobilizer can cause:
1) Door Won’t Open
If you press the unlock button on your car key and your car door doesn’t open, this indicates that the key is not communicating with the immobilizer system.
Whatever the case may be, without a working key and immobilizer, you won’t be able to transfer the key properly.
2) Doors won’t lock
If you can’t open your doors with your key fob, you probably can’t lock them with the key. That means you’ll have to leave the doors unlocked or the windows closed if they lock automatically after a certain amount of time.
3) The alarm won’t work
The alarm system in your vehicle is linked to the same security feature as the immobilizer. If the immobilizer isn’t working, your alarm system might not work either. Depending on the type of alarm system installed, the alarm won’t go off if someone breaks a window or approaches your car.
4) The engine won’t start
If there is no other logical explanation for the engine problem or a mechanical issue, the wiring in your vehicle’s immobilizer may be the culprit.
5) Faulty Wiring
If you have a problem with your immobilizer but your keys work fine, you should check the wiring in your car’s immobilizer.
