Help: Immobilizer Light?

[bennyfresh]

Greetings all! I tried to post this earlier and seemed to fail but in short. Firstly thanks everyone for making this such a helpful forum. I have been a long time lurker and it spurred me to buy an SX in Black Copper. Car has been a gem besides this morning.

The matter at hand that I would appreciate any insight/troubleshooting with: This morning I tried to start my car (only one smart key on my key ring). I unlocked it, got in, tried to turn it on and the engine immobilizer light came on. I looked it up, got the other key and had the same issue. Ultimately I couldn't troubleshoot it prior to going to work, and the manual said to call a dealer if the issue persisted. Id been trying for 10 minutes or so intermittently so I ultimately arranged for my car to be towed to a dealer. However when the tow truck arrived the car started without problem.

So I guess I just am on the fence a bit. I am happy its working fine again, but the dealer said to just monitor the problem and bring it in if it persists. My only apprehension is if the car decides to not recognize my key at a more inopportune time, say on vacation rather than just in my own driveway?

Does anyone have any troubleshooting tips, or advice/suggestions? I couldn't seem to find a way to use the key itself to turn the ignition? Is there any fail safe option I am unaware of where in an absolute bind having the key with me I can always get the car to start (supposing battery etc is all good)?

Thanks Kindly!

 

[Tellthemride]

If it is a weak remote fob battery, it would be easiest to rule out by changing the battery. The fail safe to start the car with a weak battery in the remote is to press the engine start button using the remote itself.

 

[bennyfresh]

Hey! Thanks so much for the reply!

I tried to start the car with both keys normally, and with the fail safe for a dead battery by pressing the button with the key. The keys do also still lock and unlock the car etc.

However this morning i am having the same problem so I will wait until she starts up and then drive her to the dealer. I've taken some videos in case that helps them out! Since once the problem stops it seems to be resolved for the day?

 

[Tellthemride]

The immobilizer light is supposed to come on when the car detects the key. If you are having issues starting the car, maybe it’s a car battery or starter related issue.

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[bennyfresh]

The car works, for the most part. I'm at kia service right now, yesterday and today it took about 2 hours from first attempt turning on the car for it to finally work. Then yesterday after it first turned on it worked perfectly for the rest of the day. Its bizarre! Will just see what kia has to say!

 

[bennyfresh]

I tried replying to this with an update but got a message it couldn't post, due to spam? Dunno...will try a quicker update!

But it now seems likely battery related, the car was totally dead on Sunday, so I had it towed to the dealer yesterday. Will see what happens!

Seems like my prior issue was the car just barely had juice in the battery from charging the previous day while driving, thus I got the immobilizer light to illuminate, and eventually the car would happen to start?

Thanks @Tellthemride for your help!

 

[bennyfresh]

Update:

After several weeks in the shop the dealer was able to recreate my problem, and then noticed that the car had a problem with its Module 3 Fuse? I looked this up, and the manual states the Module 3 controls the Integrated Body Control Unit. I googled that, and the claim is that Body Control Modules typically controls power wondows, mirrors, air con etc but in addition to this the Immobilizer System. So to me this seems plausible? Unsure if anyone that actually knows anything about engines (and thus knows more than I) might be able to proffer their knowledge and let me know if this could actually be a thing?

Thanks!

 

[JP#]

Update:

After several weeks in the shop the dealer was able to recreate my problem, and then noticed that the car had a problem with its Module 3 Fuse? I looked this up, and the manual states the Module 3 controls the Integrated Body Control Unit. I googled that, and the claim is that Body Control Modules typically controls power wondows, mirrors, air con etc but in addition to this the Immobilizer System. So to me this seems plausible? Unsure if anyone that actually knows anything about engines (and thus knows more than I) might be able to proffer their knowledge and let me know if this could actually be a thing?

Thanks!

So they are saying the problem is a fuse? Unless it was not sited properly not sure how a fuse could be the issue.

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[bennyfresh]

So they are saying the problem is a fuse? Unless it was not sited properly not sure how a fuse could be the issue.

Admittedly, I could be misspeaking. Also I have only yet spoken with the representative from Kia Customer Care..... who, with respect, leaves something to be desired. But basically what it sounds like is there is somehow a problem with Module 3 which I believe is a fuse. I have read subsequently that a blown fuse to the Body Control Unit can potentially cause issues with the car starting...again per my interpretation. The wording I received was not that the fuse was blown, but rather somehow it wasnt getting electricity I guess? So there could be a disconnect somewhere in between the fuse and battery? Idk how this all works :/

 

[bennyfresh]

Update (hopefully final): I got the car back. The dealer made zero mention of whatever the man from Kia Customer Care was referencing. They said there were loose wires etc in the ignition system/battery, which caused inconsistent firing of the car. The car has started and been perfectly fine for the past week. I did have the car shipped the entire east coast, and my car was the top shelf furthest back car so Im sure it experienced its fair share of bouncing, so this seems plausible.

 

[swillsh]

My car died on the highway yesterday. It was towed to a Kia dealership. Today, they say they are replacing the Body Control Module. My car is 3 weeks old and has 500 miles on it. I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same issue and whether or not anything has happened since they replaced it. After having the car die on a highway...in the middle of the road, I am pretty frightened to drive it again. :/

 

[Pgm4785]

my car has been doing this since new. Maybe 4 times now and no one at Kia seems to have an answer. So frustrated.

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[Terp0326]

I took delivery of my Telluride yesterday and on my first drive around town, the car died in the middle of the road a handful of times with the immobilizer light on. The light stayed on for 2 seconds (not flashing) indicating an issue with the key/immobilizer system I believe. It took 5-15 minutes each time for the car to recover and be able to drive again. I switched out to a different key on the drive home and didn’t run into any issues but I’ll be reaching out to my Kia dealership today.

@bennyfresh @swillsh have y’all run into any issues since or did replacing the wiring and body control module fix the issue?

@Pgm4785 Was there any resolution to your issue?

 

[G-135917]

Im having a similar issue with my 2017 kia sorento sxl 3.3 liter. Immobilizer light on wont start. Any idea? Im sorry I know its an old thread...