Immobilizers!
Immobilizers:
I get a lot of customers who come to us asking about the programming service we offer for most ECU's, what an immobilizer is and if the module they buy will work out of the box. I'm going to address a few of these questions and go over a few things to help clarify.
What is an immobilizer?
An Immobilizer is a device built into most modern day cars(post 1996) that help deter auto theft by syncing the key with either a gauge cluster, an Engine Control Unit or a separate module specifically built for theft deterrent. These devices are all synced together via coding. Coding is the 1's and 0's that every ECU is written with to accomplish a certain task. These systems generally carry information like the VIN number, key RFID data and other code that is buried deep within the binaries to achieve this. If a vehicle that carries an immobilizer does not see that function is working or synchronized correctly, then that will cause the ECU to shut the car off as a precaution(anti-theft).
An immobilizer is also known by different names based on the manufacturer. Mercedes was the first to implement such a system back in the early 90's. The immobilizer system is also known as SKIM(Sentry Key Immobilizer Module) for Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM/etc, VATS(Vehicle Anti-Theft System) for GM/Buick/GMC/Cadillac/Saturn/etc and PATS(Passive Anti-Theft System) for Ford/Lincoln/Mercury. The term Immobilizer is interchangeable with PATS, VATS & SKIM since they're all essentially the same type of system but every brand does this differently. Audi/VW syncs the data with the gauge cluster in some models. GM vehicles syncs the data with the BCM and some systems store the data in multiple places. They also use the veil of safety to charge exorbitant amounts of money to sync these systems together. Generally, the reason these systems become so expensive to deal with is because whenever a part needs to be replaced and subsequently programmed, the dealers/manufacturers require the parts to be new or they usually decline the work. Now, NASTF is actually adding a further level of complexity by requiring locksmiths and other technicians to register(read: pay money) to be able to access certain systems and repair them.
Where are they found?
The date at which a manufacturer decided to use an immobilizer system varies per brand and then even by model. Some Ford trucks STILL do not have immobilizers. Mercedes started as early as 1993. Most other brands caught on by 1999. Some by 1998. It’s safe to say any vehicle after 1999 has an immobilizer somewhere in the brand’s vehicle lineup. That is so vague because each manufacturer tried the system out on certain models first. I don’t believe any one brand added an immobilizer to every model in one year so unfortunately the information on which brand/model can be spotty.
What can I do about it?
Really, you have 3 options.
First, the most common, and usually most expensive option, is taking the car to your local dealership. If you own an Audi, naturally, you'll take it to the Audi dealership. As some of you may know, the dealership is god awfully expensive for just about everything but the upside to that is you can usually be confident that quality is high. What the dealership will then do is take your used/new module, the car and then sync them all together with their proprietary software and tool. The car MUST be present for this service. These tools, as I just mentioned are proprietary and somewhat difficult (read: expensive) to get a hold of outside of a dealership setting. They’re mostly cost prohibitive and illogical to purchase such an expensive tool for one job. Some tools even run off of old, outdated, laptops they were originally designed for and the program is built to only run off of a machine with that laptop's exact specifications (ram, processor, hard drive, motherboard, etc.). I've heard pricing for services like this ranging from 200-600 dollars and some dealerships won't install a used module like mentioned above. This is beneficial for the dealership in a few ways. First, the dealer can place a warranty on a genuine 100% new part and be confident that unit will work long after you leave. Second, when a tech diagnoses a bad ECU, using a genuine part eliminates the possibility that the replacement is defective which can complicate diagnostics. The only issue with this is the extreme prices they ask for these seemingly gold-plated computers. Some dealerships will do the service with used unit's and some wont. It's hit or miss unfortunately and solely at the dealership’s discretion. I've heard of quotes approaching a breathtaking $8000 and some people will pay that…*cough* BMW!
The second option is taking it to an independent mechanic or shop. Some mechanics out there offer the same services with factory or aftermarket scan tools. They have invested the huge up-front cost of these machines that allow them to sync and/or manipulate the ECU to work with your car. I prefer these shops over the dealership because the cost is a lot more reasonable but still fairly high. You can usually still get a warranty as well as great service this way. Typically, the price varies based on the brand, but programming usually starts at around $200. Then there's the cost of towing, diagnostics and the cost of parts. Now, while some shops DO have the capabilities, on-site, to handle this sort of service, I see a lot of shops coming to us for the programming service.
Third, we offer programming services in house. We have solutions for most brands to some capacity. Some we can sell plug and play, others need additional programming but from someone a lot cheaper than the dealer like a locksmith. Some people can even purchase tools that are a lot more affordable and do the additional service themselves. We can manipulate the code in such a way that the ECU won’t look for the immobilizer any longer. Other makes still need the immobilizer active but with changing a few parameters, it will communicate with the rest of the car correctly.
What is this programming service?
Part of selling engine control modules is getting these unit's to work with each person’s car, whether they tackle that themselves or otherwise. If the buyer isn't at least somewhat informed about the services needed to get it to work in their car, that leaves me at a moral crossroads. When a bad engine control module is found, its generally thought to be as easy as pulling one part and replacing it with another. However, the ECU isn't that easy, especially with the newer cars(after 1996/depending on the brand). Long ago, we started offering these pre-programming services to customers to allow them to just plug the ECU into their car straight from the packaging they received it in and go. No need for expensive trips to the dealership or an independent mechanic and if the car isn't at the mechanics shop already, getting it there can be a headache and an added expense. If you think your ECU needs replaced, feel free to shoot us an email. We can go over all the options we provide to get you back on the road!