What is an immobilizer

An immobilizer is a security feature which is present in the key of an automobile to prevent the theft. In the following paragraphs I will explain how it works .

Normally a lock system works based the shape patterns which are set inside the lock that can be unlocked using particular shaped keys and thus we turn the key to turn on the ignition. This system of ignition is very easy to crack because many of the thiefs are very experts in cracking the locks . So manufacturer decided to make the ignition lock ,on and off more secure using immobilizers.

How it works

Now coming to the point of how it works , in all modern car keys, it contains a Radio Frequency emiting chip inside the key, when driver inserts the key in to the key cylinder the immobilizer unit checks for the authenticity of key by checking the code coming from the key , if the code that coming from the key doesnot with the key which is programmed in the immobilizer unit of the car , then ECU will stop the car from starting by stopping the fuel flow in to the engine.

Cracking of Key

Some times some of the key duplicating centres(Only Hitech ones) use some decoding machines to decode the key and thus they makes the duplicate keys . But it is not possible every time , because some of the keys have floating codes programmed in it , that means the code once emitted will not be emitted again immediately and it will emit another code it come backs to the first code again after it emits many other codes. Thus it will be little difficult to crack these types of advanced system. In some of the premium cars it may blow its fuse it some body try to crack the ignition system .

What to do if key is lost

If the original key with immobilizer is lost, the original RC owner of the vehicle has to visit an authorized service of the his/her car along with the original RC , then they will send the details to the plant of vehicle and the car key will be despatched to service center , then customer can collect the key.

Note:-Still there are many high tech thiefs also there who can steal any thing even if it is having all these security features. So be cautious while parking cars in crowded market areas.