What is an immobiliser?

An immobiliser is an electronic device that’s fitted into a car to stop the engine from running. It will only run if the correct key or key fob is present. Since the engine can only be started with the correct key, it would be harder to steal.

There are three main components that make your car start: the ignition, the fuel system, and the starter motor. An immobiliser works by disabling at least two of these three components. When any of these parts are disabled, the car can’t start.

Putting your key in the ignition will send a unique code from the key to the electronic control unit (ECU). Using the wrong key/key fob will enable the immobiliser.