Engine Immobiliser

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) equipped immobilisers have been used in cars for a long time now. Cars equipped with these immobilisers have a chip embedded in the car key. This chip once inserted into the ignition key slot in a car sends out encrypted radio frequency signals which is recognised by the RFID loop around the lock barrel and is checked with the vehicle Engine Control Unit (ECU). A small electromagnetic field is activated by a microchip inside the key which indices flow of a current inside the key. This current sends a unique binary code to the ECU of the vehicle. Once the ECU detects a match of the binary code from the key to that of the ECU it activates the fuel injection sequence and the fuel pump is activated. 

If a different key is inserted and the code does not match that of in the ECU the fuel supply to the engine will be cut off and the ignition will not fire the spark plugs. Some cars have a timed no-start condition which is activated when a key that does not have the same binary code as the ECU is used to start a car. Vehicles equipped with GPS systems use mobile phone messages or computerised messages sent via GPS systems to alert the owner as well as the security firm associated with the car’s security system when a key with a different code was used to start the vehicle. Advanced cryptography is used to prevent the code from the ECU or from the key to be copied.

However, a microreader can be connected to a laptop to capture radio signals sent out by RFID equipped keys when they are positioned a few feet from the key. This can be done without the car owner noticing. While immobilisers are a useful safety feature from car thieves it is not fool proof and additional measures need to be taken to protect a car from car thieves.