Your Immobilizer Expert

Your Immobilizer Expert

By LenKor Tech / 25/11/2022 / Vehicle Parts & Accessories / 9 minutes of reading

In the past, starting a car engine was simple. You got into your car, turned on the ignition, the engine roared into life, and off you went. Sadly, this ease in starting a car led to increased car theft.

So, to avoid this, manufacturers developed secure technology, including a range of sophisticated security immobilizer defenses to be used against thieves to protect your vehicle.

What is an immobilizer?

An immobilizer is an electronic security device fitted to a motor vehicle. Its main function is to prevent the car engine from being started unless the correct key (transponder or smart key) is present. 

An immobilizer ensures that the person behind the wheel is the rightful owner. In case of doubt, the immobilizer immobilizes the vehicle by stopping the engine from starting.

How does a car immobilizer work?

The following infographic gives a clear explanation of how a car immobilizer works:

However, this technology does have its downsides.

Although increased security against theft is a good thing, obtaining a replacement car immobilizer in case of loss or theft can be very costly and time consuming.

This is where key programming comes in.

What is a key programmer?

A key programmer can reprogram a preset blank chip into a new car key that suits the current settings of your vehicle. With it, a car owner can replace their car key within minutes — as opposed to having to wait for the new key to arrive.

How to choose a key programmer?

Choosing the right key programmer can be frustrating, as there are so many options on the market.

This could leave you wondering which to buy and what features and specifications to look out for when comparing key programmers. To make this post there are 5 criteria to consider:

1. Capability

Efficiency and capability are two of the most important features in a key programmer.

The ideal key programmer must have all the functions needed by a professional vehicle locksmith for a variety of vehicles. Additionally, it should be multipurpose, with a full list of diagnostic capabilities and features. This is very useful for diagnosing mechanical issues when it’s time to make repairs. After all, everybody wants the best possible value for money.

2. Compatibility

It’s important to ensure that the chosen key programmer is compatible with different car manufacturers. It can be very disappointing to find that the purchased key programmer only works with certain vehicles.

It’s not possible to do everything needed in a busy workshop with one device, but having one key programmer that works with as many vehicles and car manufacturing companies as possible can help.

3. Ease of use

The ideal key programmer gives you the best of both worlds by providing multiple functionalities while still being easy to use. This means there is no need to be tech savvy.

A user-centered key programmer will lead to a direct fix and eliminate guesswork. In addition, it provides quick access to tests through a highly intuitive user interface that’s simple to learn and operate.

4. Specification

Choose a key programmer that has a modern design while delivering great performance. Ensure this is the case by choosing a key programmer with the following features: 

• An advanced operating system that can manage repair jobs smartly and conveniently. 
• A larger display to allow for easier and faster interpretation of the results. 
• A powerful battery that guarantees an extended period of use.

In a nutshell, the ideal key programmer needs to be backed up by superior features that ensure the work goes smoothly.

5. Updatability

A key programmer should be updated regularly in order to keep it up-to-date and maintain compatibility with newer vehicles.

Manufacturers in the automotive industry continue to make technological advances to create vehicles that provide a more reliable driving experience. Therefore, your key programmer must be updated to maintain compatibility with new developments and so handle every type of key programming task — whether for the latest European, Asian, or American vehicles on the road.

There is a rich array of key programmers on the market, available in a wide price range and with different functions. Today’s top choice is the Autel IM608 Pro, a phenomenal key programmer with everything needed for modern key programming and automotive maintenance.

Let’s explore its features.