immobilzer or dead battery syndrome

[Larry Baker]

Got a question here as I dont know and so its the same as I ask most mechanics.What and where is the immobilizer on a vehicle .Do you unplug,reset,bypass or replace it??Should this throw a code??
 

[mkirsch]

First off, why? Are you planning on stealing a vehicle?

I don't know if EVERY vehicle has an "immobilizer," or if ANY vehicle has one.

Your typical car alarm system "immobilizes" the vehicle so it can't be driven unless reset or bypassed. Usually pushing buttons on your remote unlock key fob, or putting the key in the driver's door and turning it, will reset it.

For a while there, GM had a little "chip" on their keys that if you tried to start the car without, the car would be immobilized. The only way to fix those was to tow the car to a GM dealer for reset, and if the key went bad it was big $$$ to fix.

As to a generic "immobilizer" on cars, I don't know if there is such a thing.
 

[Ralph Bauer]

As far as Onstar is concerned, they are able to stop a vehicle remotely, via satellite (been done in CA), just as they are able to locate your vehicle. Don't know if those features are available (and under what "official" circumstances) when you don't subscribe to it. I would think that if you are concerned about it for personal reasons, you can cut the cables to the actual antenna. Maybe even the sending unit, but I suspect those are built in with some other gadgets that your car needs, board computer, for example. I don't suspect that it is part of your radio... too easy to remove and would stop thieves from stealing them...lol
Just thinking out loud about your question, not an expert and I'm not suffering from some phobia either, if you know what I mean....lol!
 

[Larry Baker]

no ,my vehichle goes down the road and does just that nothing,had to the shop several times and you guessed it no problem no code,lights burn bright and so on but nothing ignition wise works ,then presto your hot again
 

[mkirsch]

Nothing, as in engine quits? Won't crank at all? Cranks but won't start?

Do you have an aftermarket remote starter or car alarm?

What vehicle is it, brand, year and model?

Someone might know of some specific issue if you specify the vehicle.

Have you had it to an actual dealer, not just a local mechanic? I know you probably don't trust dealers, but they have the brand-specific knowledge, training, and diagnostic equipment. Your local mechanic works on all brands and really doesn't know a whole lot about any one make or model.
 

[Larry Baker]

Dodge nitro-07

Have had several folks that Ive talked to with the same thing.It wont do nothing at times even unlock the door.The ignition switch does nothing and 15 minutes it going again.Dealer gives the deer in the head lite look.There was a car at the interstate fri with the same thing.On one of the auto forums they talk of it also in other makes and nothing really clear as a resolve as of yet
 

[J.Wondergem]

[glennster]

try this
poke here

 

[Larry Baker]

amazing,just amazing

Dealer says nothing and have gotten nothing from them in the mail for a recall
 

[BrianJasper co. Ia]

It depends on the individual vehicle. My 98 Silverado has a separate anti theft module, but on many newer vehicles the anti theft functions may be in a body control module, the instrument cluster or the engine/power train control module.
 

[Larry Baker]

Thanks glenster your imfo was right on the money,hope to call the dealer in the nest few days about the recall deal