Auto-Theft > Immobilizers
Looking after your immobilizer
Keep your spare transponder or your code tag in a safe place.
The transponder is the little fob you put on your key chain. It signals to your immobilizer that it’s OK for your vehicle to start. Without it, your vehicle won’t start. Your immobilizer comes with either a master fob or a code tag to reprogram any further fobs required. If you lose the fob from your key chain you will need your master fob or code, so keep it in a safe place.
Check your immobilizer regularly
It makes sense to check your immobilizer from time to time to make sure it’s doing its job. Take the transponder fob off your key chain and try starting your vehicle. With no transponder, your vehicle shouldn’t start. If your vehicle starts, take it back to your installer right away. If your transponder is imbedded in your key you can do the same test. Simply cover the head of your key with foil and try to start the vehicle. Again, if your vehicle starts take it back to your installer right away.
Got a remote starter too? Make sure both are working right
With proper installation most people do not even notice they have a remote starter in their vehicle. A remote starter and an immobilizer should work well together. The key is proper installation. Without it, a remote starter may make an immobilizer less effective against thieves and you may not be aware of this. Ask your immobilizer installer to check that both are working right—it’s a simple test. If you put in a remote starter after your immobilizer, this is especially important.
