Modern cars are fitted with a wide range of security features, but one of the most effective is the immobiliser. You’ve probably heard the term before, but what exactly is it, and how does it protect your car?
The basics: what does an immobiliser do?
A car immobiliser is an anti-theft system built into your vehicle. Its job is simple: stop the engine from running unless the correct key or fob is present.
Without that electronic handshake between the key and the car, the engine won’t start — even if a thief manages to force the ignition or hot-wire the vehicle.
Immobilisers use electronic coding to link your car’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) with your key. Here’s the process in action:
This whole process happens in a fraction of a second, every time you start your car.
Not all immobilisers are the same. Some common types include:
Immobilisers are one of the biggest reasons car theft rates dropped after the late 1990s. Benefits include:
Like any electronic system, immobilisers can occasionally cause issues. Typical faults include:
Symptoms can be confusing — often the car simply won’t start, even though everything else seems fine. Advanced diagnostics are usually needed to pinpoint the issue.
While there are illegal methods used by thieves, bypassing an immobiliser is complex. That’s exactly why they’re effective. For legitimate reasons (like replacing a faulty immobiliser or ECU), specialist workshops can reset or reprogram systems — but always with proof of ownership to protect against theft.
At Technical Vehicle Solutions, we:
In simple terms, it’s a built-in electronic anti-theft device that prevents your engine from starting without the right key. Reliable, invisible, and essential for modern car security.
If your car won’t start and you suspect an immobiliser issue, or if you need replacement keys coded to your vehicle, Technical Vehicle Solutions can help.
📞 Call us today on 01763 230411 to book a diagnostic check or key replacement service.
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