What is an immobilizer in a car and why is it needed?

Good afternoon, dear reader.

Immobilizer is one of the terms that causes confusion among drivers who are new to the technical structure of the car. However, when buying a modern car, you will probably find an immobilizer in the list of its equipment.

This article will talk about what an immobilizer is and what it is intended for. Let's get started.

What is an immobilizer

This is an electronic system that prevents the engine from running, causing it to stall or not start. The immobilizer consists of several components:

• key fob;
• Control block;
• electrical circuit breaker.

Depending on the modification of the device, it may be equipped with one or more shutdown relays.

All models are divided into several types.

• Contact and non-contact. The deactivation code is read remotely or through physical contact (for example, a fingerprint scanner).
• Regular and additional. Some are installed at the factory, others at service stations.

Self-installation

The immobilizer is usually installed by manufacturers during vehicle assembly. But, if you don’t have an anti-theft device in your car, and the use itself seems interesting and very reliable to you, install it yourself - it won’t take much time.

To begin, purchase a suitable and liked model, and then, according to the following sequence, proceed to install the block. Here do:

1. At the initial stage, you should disassemble the upper part of the dashboard - the panel located above the steering wheel. All movements must be carried out carefully so as not to damage not only the plastic panel itself, but also all kinds of wires that are found here in abundance.

2. Please note that the unit itself is installed in the car’s electronics, especially if the anti-theft device is based on an open circuit between the engine and the ignition switch. In other cases, you should strictly follow the instructions provided by the manufacturers of the purchased device.

3. Now you need to drill a small hole in the plastic panel to accommodate the electronic lock. It is better to do this on the right side of the steering wheel, since installation in this case will be faster, while at the same time it will be more difficult for robbers to get to the treasured lock.

4. After placing the lock, they begin connecting - the most difficult process in the entire work. Connect one contact to the terminal using a fuse and a drive, you will get a positive current value.

Carry out a series of steps to switch electrical systems, where you should also use the instructions, because depending on the type of immobilizer, certain wires will be used here. At the same stage, the key is registered.

5. Connect the last contact - it is responsible for blocking the doors and subsequent opening.

6. At the final stage, all involved wires are checked. Here it is necessary to check the operation of all systems in order to prevent an emergency from occurring in the future.

After checking and correcting all the shortcomings, a plastic panel is again installed, which should not reveal the intervention performed.

Place the part in place as accurately as possible - the thieves should not have the idea that any actions were carried out.

What is an immobilizer?

What is an immobilizer for?

Based on the translation from English, the purpose of the device is to immobilize the power unit. It is used as an additional element of the anti-theft system. The main task is to disconnect the electrical circuit in the ignition system and other components of the power unit.

The devices are equipped with breakers for the starter, fuel pump or ignition coil. Depending on the modification, they may prevent the engine from starting or turn it off after a short period of time.

Why do you need an immobilizer bypass?

When installing an anti-theft alarm with auto start on a car, the use of an immobilizer bypass becomes a necessary condition for its functioning. The crawler usually uses a chip extracted from a spare ignition key, or the spare key itself. You can also make a copy of the chip or purchase an additional key from an authorized car dealer.

The immobilizer bypass is securely hidden under the dashboard, after which it is connected to the vehicle control system and the installed alarm system. Thus, starting the engine remotely becomes possible only in autostart mode with the permission of the car alarm.

The principle of operation of the immobilizer

IMMO works on the following principle: the car’s computer is configured to activate the power system of individual components when there is a command from the immobilizer.

The control unit of the protective device must receive an access code from the vehicle owner. Depending on the model, this may be:

• signal from the chip built into the ignition key;
• key card located at an acceptable distance from the code reader;
• combination of symbols on the control panel;
• owner's fingerprint.

These parameters are entered into the device software when setting it up. If the data received by the control unit and the initially set ones match, the machine’s ECU receives a signal to start the engine. In the case of a standard IMMO modification, the control unit itself deactivates the blocking of the electrical circuit to which it is connected.

What happens if the immobilizer control unit receives an incorrect code? Here are the possible options (depending on the modification):

• the power to the car system will turn on, but when you turn the key in the ignition switch, the engine will not start;
• the vehicle's electronic control unit will receive a signal to start, but as soon as the vehicle starts moving, the internal combustion engine will turn off;
• The car's ECU will start the engine, but after a while the device will signal to turn off the power.

What happens if you find where the immobilizer is installed and disconnect it from the system? The engine still won’t start, since the anti-theft system control unit is synchronized with the car’s ECU. The car's electronics simply will not receive the required command, even if you try to start the car by closing the contacts in the ignition system.

The following video shows how to install this device:

Do-It-Yourself Immobilizer Installation from Sergei Zaitsev

Principle of operation

The operating principle of this anti-theft mechanism has not changed since the times of the USSR, when it was invented. The main purpose is to open the power circuit when trying to start a car with an activated immobilizer. Only the car owner who has a special key can restore the previous performance.

Of course, recently electronic immobilizers have appeared on the Russian market, which work somewhat differently. Thus, the anti-theft protection can be activated not using a key, but by manually entering a code. Some immobilizer models even use an electronic key. But let us repeat: the principle of operation of the device remains unchanged and consists in completely opening the ignition circuit.

How to disable the immobilizer

Since the device does not simply block the car door, but is built into a complex vehicle system, it is not so easy to disable it. Some people think that it is enough to cut the necessary wires and that’s it. In fact, until the execution device receives the desired command, the machine will be blocked.

This is the main advantage of immobilizers. If a wire is simply cut, the device regards this as a hacking attempt and goes into locking mode or does not exit it. Most models lock the car automatically, so it is dangerous to leave the car without a key.

You can disable the immobilizer yourself, unlike connecting it. There may be several reasons for such a procedure. One of them is losing the key. Sometimes the device control unit fails, which can also be the reason for its shutdown.

Before considering ways to disable the immobilizer, it is worth remembering: each model has its own principle of operation, and at the same time a method of painless disabling. If the procedure is not performed correctly, the machine's electronics may be seriously damaged.

If the model provides for the introduction of an access code, then if the key is lost, in order to deactivate the device, it will be enough to enter the appropriate code. If a new key is purchased, the immobilizer will need to be re-flashed. If you have a spare key, then you need to carefully remove the chip from its body and secure it near the immobilizer antenna.

If there is no chip, you will have to purchase a special decoder. However, this is akin to hacking, which a car thief can take advantage of, so auto security manufacturers try to prevent such a bypass.

The safest way to deactivate the immobilizer is to contact the device manufacturer (if non-standard protection was installed) or the car dealer (in the case of a standard immobilizer). This, of course, will require spending time and money, but dismantling or reinstalling the device.

If you don’t want to spend so much time and effort, then some motorists use a so-called emulator. The device bypasses the immobilizer protection and creates a shutdown signal, which is recognized by the control unit. However, the use of such devices is permitted solely at your own risk.

Immobilizer: what is it in a car?

The immobilizer is a special circuit designed to make vehicle theft as difficult as possible. The operating principle is based on blocking engine operation in a situation where the car is opened and started with a key other than the original one.

The remote key that comes with each car has a special chip programmed together with the anti-theft device board. A single code, extremely difficult to select, allows you to clearly determine the ownership of the key to the owner of the vehicle from attempts to open the car with a third-party device. The immobilizer blocks the engine from starting if the code of the chip and the anti-theft device do not match.

Such a mechanism is much more reliable than a standard alarm system, and is the best choice for security. In addition, the silent operation of the anti-theft system adds to its popularity among car enthusiasts.

Types of immobilizers

Today, manufacturers have produced many types of immobilizers, which expands the possibilities of use on different cars. Here are some features of each.

Standard immobilizers

This type of device is installed in the car on the assembly line. The vehicle electronics operate with a corresponding signal from the protection control unit. It is extremely difficult to dismantle such immobilizers yourself without the appropriate skills and knowledge.

The device includes a power supply, an antenna and a key with a chip. The transponder itself, placed in the key body, does not require a battery, since the operating principle is magnetic interaction. Most often, such devices do not break the electrical circuit in the car system, although there are models that break the circuit, for example, the starter (found in some BMW models).

Additional immobilizers

Any immobilizer that is not installed at the manufacturing plant can be freely considered additional. This device is used as an additional anti-theft system.

The principle of blocking electrical circuits with immobilizers

Today, there are two types of additional immobilizers, which differ in the principle of blocking vehicle systems:

• Contact immobilizers. These devices have a relay that, when given the appropriate signal, either connects or breaks the circuit in which the control unit is installed. This type of protection has proven successful in the anti-theft market. They can be triggered by a code that must be entered on the control panel or by a key signal.
• Contactless immobilizers. In such systems there is no wired connection between the actuator and the protection control unit. The signal is transmitted via Bluetooth.

Before installing contact modifications, it is worth clarifying how the car’s electronics will react to signals coming from the control unit. Sometimes the ECU recognizes an open circuit as errors and requires them to be reset. In any case, the immobilizer must be selected for a specific car.

Code immobilizers

Devices of this type, in addition to the control unit and actuator, have a keyboard for entering a previously set code. Such immobilizers do not require a key, but do not protect against prying eyes.

Some models have only one button. The code will be the time interval between clicks. The hijacker will have to spend a lot of time trying to find the right code. For this reason, such immobilizers are considered reliable. Even if a thief steals the car keys, he still won't be able to steal it.

Contact immobilizers

This type of protection includes devices that require a contact to transmit a signal to unlock the machine. This could be a special key with a magnetic code or a fingerprint touchpad.

Immobilizers with contact key

Such immobilizers are the first protective devices of this type. A special key was brought to the control unit or to a special module in which open contacts are located. The action completes the circuit and the car can be started.

Since such protection was very easy to bypass (it is enough to close the contacts in the block), manufacturers quickly modernized it and added a code key that generated the signal necessary to close the circuit.

Immobilizers with Fingerprint Scanning

Instead of a module to which a special key is attached, the device is equipped with a contact surface that reads the car owner's fingerprint. Since a thief can force the car to be unlocked, manufacturers equip the device with a so-called alarm fingerprint recognition function. When the system is activated in “emergency” mode, the engine starts, but after a while it stalls.

Contactless immobilizers

Such devices include immobilizers, which can be activated/deactivated at a certain distance from the car, like an alarm system. There are models with large and small range.

Short range transponder immobilizers

Such systems have an antenna. It is installed under the dashboard panel as close to the body as possible. When a motorist brings a special key fob to a distance of several centimeters, codes are exchanged using magnetic transmission between the translator antenna and the chip itself.

Due to the fact that the key fob does not transmit any signals, it is impossible to hack the security. Modern security systems are modernized in such a way that with each individual pairing a new code is generated, synchronously generated by the key card and the control unit itself.

Long-range immobilizers (with radio channel)

As the name of the device suggests, the signal in them is transmitted via a radio channel and over a greater distance than the previous modification. Basically, the range of the transmitter is about one and a half meters, and the communication channel is encrypted.

Signals are exchanged in a “dynamic dialogue” mode, that is, a new code is constantly generated, which is recognized by the receiver as the owner’s key. As the frequency increases, the range also increases. Thus, some protective systems operate at a distance of up to 15 m.

If a similar system is installed in the car, then it is better to store the tag key not with the car keys. This will allow you to block the car when the thieves took possession of the vehicle along with the driver, but threw it away along the way. Recent developments make it possible to create devices that are so small that they can be easily hidden in the wiring of a car.

Long range immobilizers with motion sensor

This type of protection allows you to leave a running car for a while without deactivating the engine. The advantage of such protection:

• The thief stole the car, but after a while the engine simply stalls. In most cases, the thief quickly leaves the crime scene, leaving the car behind.
• If you need to leave a running car for a while (for example, while the interior is warming up in winter), without worrying that it will be stolen. Although there is still some stress in such a situation, since no one enjoys discovering that the car is not standing still.
• Immobilizers with a motion sensor allow you to remotely start the car engine (if the car has such a system).

The motion sensor determines the distance at which the tag key is removed from the receiver, as well as the speed of removal.

Types of immobilizers

Such devices can be of various types. Let's look at the main types of such car protectors.

Long-range contactless device

This is a convenient device that works at a distance of up to 10 meters. The receiver is installed in the dashboard, and the miniature transmitter is located separately from the driver's keys and is read remotely. This type of immobilizer is equipped with an anti-burglary function. If a forceful grip or other violent actions are applied to the driver, then at some point the device will stop the engine. Usually the criminal gets lost in this case, and the car is blocked.

Non-contact device of small action

The reading unit of the device is located under the dashboard. Getting into the car, the driver places the transmitter in a given place and starts the engine. This action must be performed every time the car is started. This device does not have an anti-burglary function. Its disadvantages include the need to periodically perform these actions to start the engine.

Contact immobilizer

This device operates by analogy with the operation of an intercom. In this case, the receiver is mounted in the space of the torpedo; to start the engine, you need to touch the reader with the tag. The negative feature is storing the tag together with the ignition keys. Anyone who picks up the keys can drive the car.

Immobilizers with hood control

Some brands of this contactless type device are equipped with a hood lock control function. If the tag is located at a distance from the receiver's visibility, then the lock is in the open state; if you leave the range, the lock will close using a signal from the control unit.

There are devices that can identify the owner of a car using a fingerprint. Car immobilizers have differences in their operation scheme. Some of them will prevent the car from moving at the very beginning, while others will allow you to start the engine and move away. In this case, the device will only operate after a certain time. Therefore, the criminal will be able to drive into a crowded place and the car will stall. After this, the hijacker most often runs away.

Experts say that the most acceptable immobilizer option for a passenger car is a contactless device. In this case, the car will react to the presence of the driver. You can keep the ignition key in your pocket, this will protect you if a criminal attacks and tries to pull the driver out of the car.

Which is better: immobilizer or alarm?

Although IMMO and signaling are elements of the anti-theft system, each of them is installed for different purposes.

• The alarm is designed to prevent an intruder from entering the vehicle interior. It protects against theft of valuable devices such as a radio, video recorder, or expensive items left in the car. In case of unauthorized access, it notifies others about a hacking attempt.
• The immobilizer prevents the thief from starting the engine and stealing the car. It does not warn the car owner about burglary attempts and does not protect against theft of items from the interior.

Considering these factors, it is impossible to say which is better, because the alarm and IMMO are not interchangeable. Do not think that the presence of an engine start lock is reliable protection against theft. A thief may try to steal the car in other ways, such as breaking into it and towing it to another location.

It is worth noting that some types of alarms are equipped with their own immobilizer. This anti-theft system is more reliable than installing one of these devices. In this case, the control unit can be installed anywhere in the car, which will complicate the task for the thief.

How does an immobilizer work?

Any modern anti-theft systems are quickly hacked by skilled car thieves. They are no longer afraid of loud alarm sounds; it is not difficult for them to open any lock blocking the doors. The immobilizer works on a slightly different principle, and its most important advantage is its invisibility. All the blockages it creates create the appearance of a malfunction that any car thief will decide not to deal with, because no one needs a car in this condition.

Equipment kit for installing immobilizer “Garant IP-IGN”

The design solution itself ensures the secrecy of such a device; it is almost impossible to guess its operation. It is also worth considering that it is almost impossible to calculate the operating principle and scan the operating control frequencies. This ensures maximum protection of the car against theft.

An additional advantage of the device is that the control circuit does not use relays or other mechanical devices. All blocking occurs at the level of electronic control of the operation of various systems. Therefore, it is almost impossible to determine the interference of the protective device in the functioning of various systems. Due to this, most hijackers prefer not to deal with such security systems.

How to replace an immobilizer

If the immobilizer elements fail (all or just one), then it may require replacement. The ideal option is to take the car to specialists. In the case of such protection, sometimes it helps to install a similar device instead of the one that has failed. However, you need to know exactly where each component of the device is located.

It is worth considering that many immobilizers have several modules that are located in the most inaccessible places, which only specialists or dealers know about. This is done specifically so that a stolen car cannot simply be unlocked. Each module recognizes only the signal for which the host device is programmed.

If the control unit is changed, the system will need to be reflashed so that the actuators recognize signals from the new device. In the case of standard modifications, you will need to reflash the car's ECU. And this work should always be trusted to professionals.

How does an immobilizer prevent the car from moving?

The operation scheme of each specific immobilizer is individual, but in general the operation of all these devices is very similar.

Let's look at a simple example. Immobilizer type "crowbar". If you open the hood of a car and insert a crowbar into the engine, the car will not be able to start (the crowbar will prevent engine parts from rotating).

The operating principle of modern immobilizers is similar. The difference is that they block the engine not mechanically (using a crowbar), but electronically (by breaking the vehicle's electrical power circuits).

Symptoms of malfunctions

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It also happens that the lamp does not light up, something blinks on the dashboard, it malfunctions and an error is displayed not only when a thief tries to steal a car. Problems with the MPI may arise from the car owner himself, since it is still electronic and cannot work forever.

The instructions for any immobilizer stipulate that in case of problems you should contact a company service center. Do not break this rule, since amateurs will not be able to cope with mistakes and correctly register the key again.

But first, look for signs of trouble. Namely:

• when you try to start the engine, the starter does not turn;
• when you try to start the engine, the starter seems to turn, but still does not start;
• the corresponding lamp on the dashboard begins to flash;
• when you lock the car with the key fob, no reaction occurs;
• similarly, the car cannot be locked using the key fob;
• you changed the batteries in the key fob, but nothing is in the way;
• The car stalls after a few meters.

I won’t tell you that all this can be easily fixed with your own hands. No. Even if you see some photos and video instructions for repairing immobilizers, do not try to repeat such manipulations.

You are allowed to replace batteries yourself. If this doesn’t help, go to a car service center, and when the car doesn’t start, invite a mechanic to come to you. Preferably from the service center where you installed the MPI on the car.

The fact that a machine does not have such a protection system does not mean that you cannot install it. Installation is allowed on almost any car, including:

• VAZ 2114;
• VAZ 2110;
• Renault Logan;
• Nissan Almera;
• Chevrolet Niva;
• Lada Priora;
• Lada Granta;
• Lada Kalina;
• Ford Mondeo, etc.

You just need to find good craftsmen who will be able to perform the installation competently and with the highest quality possible, so that car thieves do not have a single chance to take possession of your vehicle.

Types of breakdowns

All faults associated with the MPI are actually divided into 2 categories. It would be a good idea for you to learn more about this.

Each group has its own characteristics and difficulties to eliminate. But in almost 95% of cases it is possible to restore the immobilizer. If you have it done by a qualified professional.

• Group of software faults. They occur when the software malfunctions. For example, the device with the security chip code and the engine block to which the signal is received has become out of sync. Such errors are not uncommon. But it’s easy to eliminate them. For this purpose, a computer is used that is connected to the car via a connector. Errors are removed, code is rewritten;
• A group of hardware failures. Here we are talking about mechanical damage that provoked disruptions in the operation of the MPI. Various defects, wire breaks, faulty cables. Here you will have to use your hands and tools. Although such problems are quickly eliminated by experienced craftsmen.

An immobilizer is an excellent means of protection for your car, provided you learn how to use it correctly. Also, I would not recommend installing a frankly cheap system on a car.

Be sure to read the instructions and study the instruction manual. And in case of any malfunctions, do not get into the system with your own hands. Contact competent specialists, since the MPI is quite a complex thing, which is impossible to understand without the appropriate experience and knowledge.

Thank you all for your attention! Subscribe, leave comments and ask relevant questions!

Immobilizer characteristics

To begin with, we suggest you find out what an immobilizer in a car is, what such devices look like and what functions they perform. Immo on a car is a unit that is designed to protect the vehicle from theft. Literally, the word immobilizer is translated as immobilizer. When an unauthorized person attempts to break into and steal a car, the immo blockes the engine, disrupting the operation of one or more mechanisms necessary to start it. Depending on the model, the immobilizer can block the fuel system or ignition of the car.

Immo scheme and key

Principle of operation

So, we figured out what an immobilizer on a car is. As for the principle of operation, it consists in breaking the electrical circuit, for example, in the ignition circuit, and the immo can also send a signal to the mechanism used to block the ride. If a criminal gets into the car and tries to start the engine, the immobilizer in the car will either block the engine immediately or a few minutes after the start of movement. If a criminal tries to hack the immo system, then the anti-theft installation will most likely also block the main systems of the vehicle, using the installed functions.

Locations of component parts

Device

Now we suggest finding out what elements a standard immobilizer consists of.

Depending on the manufacturer, the anti-theft system may have differences in design features:

1. The control device, simply put, is a block; every standard or digital immobilizer is equipped with it. This element is the “brain” of the anti-theft installation; it is used to process signals, as well as transmit impulses and commands.
2. An equally important element is an electromagnetic relay, which can also be called a microimmo. When an attacker tries to hack the main or additional immobilizer, the relay breaks the circuit to prevent theft.
3. The control element is a key with a label on it. This element with a radio tag can be made in the form of a plastic card. The tag is used to disable the device when the driver tries to start the engine. If there is no mark on the key, then it simply will not be able to start the engine. Depending on the immo model, a code may be used instead of a tag (the author of the video is the Evgenpy channel).

Options and Features

If everything is clear with the design, then we move on to the question of the functions that the device performs:

1. Of course, the main function of the immo is to block the power unit when someone tries to break into it. That is, the system must prevent the vehicle from driving normally under its own power.
2. Almost all types of anti-theft installations have the function of turning on the security mode automatically after a set period of time has passed. Of course, we are talking about situations where the owner of the car did not take any action related to it. Depending on the device, the function may be called differently. Its purpose is to ensure the safety of the vehicle in short-term parking areas, for example, when the driver is refueling or has gone to the store for a few minutes.
3. Depending on the model, the immo may have a function called "0 seconds". This function is also considered autonomous and is used to additionally block the power unit. That is, when the car owner turns off the immo, in order to completely unlock the system, he will have to press the unlock button one more time. The system can be controlled using a key or card. If you do not have the key or have lost it, then in order to deactivate the security mode, you will need to enter a special PIN.
4. Another option that the system can be equipped with is a coded immo. This function allows you to arm the car and manage dialog channels using standard controls. For example, for this purpose you can use the gear lever or buttons on the dashboard; alternatively, pedals can also be used. Here everything depends on the imagination of the manufacturer of the anti-theft unit (the author of the video is the sojuzniki channel).

Varieties

All devices can be divided into several types:

1. Contact immo. Such devices are usually installed on vehicles belonging to the budget segment of the market. This installation consists of a control unit, as well as a key; the tag itself is usually mounted in the door or ignition switch. In this case, in order to activate the security mode, you need to remove the key from the ignition or close the door with it. And to deactivate the security function, the key must be inserted into the lock or brought to the tag.
2. Contactless mechanisms. In this case, tags are not used to arm the car. The contactless immobilizer works with radio beacons, so in order to remove the car from protection, you need to keep the card or control panel next to you. The immo will be automatically activated when the key is removed from the lock, and when the driver moves a certain distance from the car, a dialogue signal is activated. In order to prevent the system from being hacked, additional protection against signal interception is used.
3. Another immo option is a secret button. On the good side, if you use a secret button, you must understand that it can never become a replacement for a normal car alarm. This button is connected to the control device and, in fact, it can be installed anywhere. Typically, the car manufacturer chooses the installation location in such a way that an attacker cannot detect it. However, searching for a button is not always the solution in such a situation, since, if necessary, you can install additional code on it. On sale today you can find many different options for buttons, but the most popular among our compatriots are devices equipped with motion sensors. If the attacker manages to start the engine, the power unit will still stall after some time.
4. Submersible-type systems are used to block the fuel system by acting on the fuel pump. Submersible immos are usually placed in the gas tank or mounted on its outside, and the sensor itself must be connected to the control device. Additionally, the electrical circuit is equipped with a relay. When the driver wants to start the engine, he will need to enter the code on the key fob, and if it is incorrect, the fuel pump will turn off and starting the engine will be impossible.
5. Another option is transponder immo; such systems are characterized by a small operating radius. In design, such devices resemble contactless immobilizers, only they have a shorter range of action (the author of the video is the xilvlik channel).

Features of application

If the car alarm is controlled using a remote control, then in the case of immo, the principle of use is somewhat different. The immo is controlled using passwords, which may vary depending on the type of device.

How to use the device - universal instructions are given below, but you need to understand that some actions may differ:

• First, the key is installed in the ignition switch;
• the control device detects the mark on it;
• the chip generates the signal;
• after this, the pulse is transmitted in the form of a password;
• The antenna adapter transmits a signal to the control unit, which checks the codes and decides whether to start the engine or not.

How to install and connect

Even an inexperienced driver can connect the engine blocker. And to simplify the task, he needs to carefully study the immobilizer connection diagram and take into account the following rules:

• The device is intended only for those vehicles that operate with an on-board voltage of at least 12 V.
• Any breaks in the electrical circuit or errors in electronic components must be excluded.
• To install the harnesses, you need to carefully examine the diagram.
• The joints are soldered and insulated.
• When laying the wiring, you need to make sure that it does not come into contact with pedals, drives and other important operating components.
• When choosing an installation location, you should avoid points with close sources of moisture or heat. Uninterrupted operation of the system is possible only in cases where it is located at a distance of 30-40 mm from metal surfaces.

When connecting immobilizers from, you need to follow these instructions:

1. Select a location for installation and provide access to it. Sometimes this requires disassembling and removing body elements.
2. Connect the wire with a minus value to the standard nuts and crimp with a terminal.
3. The positive wire must be connected to the relay or fuse power circuit and the alarm system ECU harnesses.
4. Carefully hide the settings button and connect it to the wiring.
5. Determine the placement of the sound indicator.
6. Install the display module (if it is provided in the basic kit).
7. Connect the device to the CAN bus.

Depending on the features of the model, the connection principle may vary.

Purpose and functions of the immobilizer

What is an immobilizer and what is it intended for? Such a device is an electronic unit that is connected to the car's wiring. Its main task is to exclude the possibility of the car moving under its own power. To do this, the module disrupts the operation of vital electrical circuits of the machine.

Unlike car alarms, which turn on a siren and light indication when the sensor is triggered, this module works secretly. That is why it is quite difficult to detect such an electronic unit, much less neutralize it. In addition, many immobilizers are able to emulate erroneous signals that confuse the car's ECU, causing it to incorrectly process signals received from electronic sensors, thereby preventing the engine from starting and running successfully. As a result, the car is not able to drive under its own power.

Mechanical immobilizers

Steering wheel lock

This type of anti-theft means has existed for a long time. The most common mechanical option, often combined with an electronic one, is a steering wheel immobilizer. Working in conjunction with the ignition switch, it prevents the steering wheel from turning until the key is in the lock. Another version of this system is a long stick with clamps that fits on the steering wheel and prevents it from spinning. I think many have seen in foreign films how a similar lock is placed on the wheel of a seized car; such a device completely eliminates the possibility of movement.

Gearbox and pedal immobilizer

It blocks the gear shift lever, which makes driving such a car simply impossible. If the pedals are locked, the attacker will not be able to press the pedals, which means that he will also not be able to drive away in such a car on his own. Agree, who needs a car, let’s say, without brakes or clutch, there can be no talk of any driving.

There are also a number of varieties of mechanical immobilizers, but they are gradually giving way to more advanced electronic anti-theft systems.

What it is

An immobilizer (from the English root “to immobilize”) is a device that prevents an attacker from starting a car by blocking the operation of the main technical components of the vehicle. If you try to steal a car, this device opens the power supply circuits in the ignition system, starter, fuel pump, and on-board computer.

In the modern automotive world, an immobilizer is considered the most effective anti-theft device.

Very indicative in this regard is the fact that a large number of insurance companies refuse to enter into an agreement with the car owner to insure his car against the risk of theft if the car is not equipped with this useful device.

It is not possible to visually determine the presence or absence of an immobilizer on board the vehicle. It does not produce sound signals, like a classic anti-theft alarm.

An important feature of the device is that even if a criminal manages to turn it off, it will not restore the broken power supply in the supply chains. Sometimes this feature can create problems for the car owner himself, but we will talk about this later.