What’s an Engine Immobilizer? Can it Prevent Theft?

Learn what are engine immobilizers and how they provide an extra layer of vehicle security when combined with advanced GPS tracking software.

Theft of commercial trucks with valuable cargo not only causes considerable damage to carriers but also impacts receivers (who are waiting for the consignment) and insurers.

Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the US. It causes financial hardship and disrupts lives in uncanny ways.

No matter how safely drivers park their commercial vehicles in well-lit areas, the risk of burglary of a commercial vehicle still exists. Do you know, according to NICB, backhoes, skid steers, and loaders are the most commonly stolen pieces of construction equipment?

Owners of such heavy equipment are at a loss — not only because the machine has disappeared but also because the project you have applied tender for has come to a standstill.

How to curb this situation? Well, anti-theft technologies like engine immobilisers and revolutionary security systems can help thwart theft.

New to what are engine immobilizers? This blog explains what they are, how they work, and signs when they need repair.

What are Engine Immobilizers?

Engine immobilisers are anti-theft security devices that are installed in vehicles to obstruct engines from starting unless the correct key or electronic signal is present. This technology deters vehicle theft as it makes it difficult for intruders to start the vehicle; even if they manage to unlock the gate via screwdrivers or crowbars.

Engine immobilizers are robust and the most indispensable part of vehicle security, that work best when backed by advanced GPS tracking software. 

How Do Engine Immobilizers Work? The Complete ABC

Engine immobilizers work by obstructing the fuel system or ignition of a vehicle, this prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key is provided.

Here is how engine immobilisers work:

1. Authentication of Key

When the intruder pushes the start button or inserts a random key into the ignition, the immobilizer system starts checking the key’s authenticity. The authentication is done through RFID chips embedded in the key or electronic codes transmitted wirelessly.

2. Authentication Signal Sent

If the key is found as authorized, a signal is sent to the vehicle’s immobilizer system. This signal has a unique code that is an exact match of the one programmed into the vehicle’s immobilizer system.

3. Successful Authorization Process for Engine Start

The vehicle’s immobilizer system starts verifying the received signal-carrying codes against its internal database of authorized codes. If the signal matches the database key, the immobilizer system shoots a signal to enable the ignition or fuel, allowing the engine to normally start.

4. Prevention of Vehicle Theft

In case, an unauthorized signal or key is detected, the immobilizer system will disrupt the ignition or fuel system, making it difficult for thieves to move the vehicle without the correct key or electronic signal.

In a nutshell, the advanced engine immobilizer systems add a robust layer of security that makes it challenging for malicious parties to steal and drive the vehicle.

Do you know?

A study by the Economic Journal in 2016 found that engine immobilisers lowered theft by 40% between 1995 and 2008. The vehicle operators saw benefits at least 3 times higher than the costs of installing such devices. It’s a great investment.

Few Methods How Immobiliser Units Conveys Signals

Transponder	It’s an electronic proximity device that converts electronically coded systems into radio signals. It usually doesn’t require action from the owner to set/unset it as it’s built into original keys.
Remote Key	A hand-held device that shoots radio or infrared frequency to control the immobilizer.
Electronic Key	A coded key that enables the engine to start.
Coded keypad	A code or PIN is required to disable the vehicle.
Key switch	A switching method to disable the immobiliser.

The Most Favoured!

Most manufacturers and operators go for a transponder system in the immobilising system as its most efficacious.

This was how engine immobilizer systems work, let’s understand how specifically businesses benefit from their use.

How Fleet Operating Business Can Benefit from Engine Immobilisers?

Engine immobilizers as a part of GPS tracking solutions are a must for fleet operating businesses that constantly transfer high-value cargo or consignment. Here are 3 broad benefits of engine immobilizers.

1. Minimises Vehicle & Cargo Theft

Engine immobilizer system obstructs the vehicle from starting, thus avoiding the risk of vehicle theft. It works wonders when your multiple vehicles are often parked in various locations or especially when your EV fleet is at a charging point. When added with GPS real-time tracking technology, it can help with real-time tracking of your assets.

2. Reduces Insurance Costs

Many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with anti-theft devices like engine immobilizers. This can result in substantial cost savings for fleet owners in terms of insurance premiums.

Fun Fact! A Transport Canada regulation in September 2007 mandated the installation of engine immobilisers in all new lightweight vehicles and trucks which are manufactured in Canada.

3. Active Data Collection for Better Decisions

Advanced engine immobilizer systems, when integrated with fleet management software, offer key data on vehicle usage patterns, maintenance needs, and driver behavior. This data helps operators minimize operations, introduce more efficient methods, and reduce costs.

All in all, engine immobilizers are a most non-negotiable part of fleet management systems – that fleet operators must invest in.

Knowing the benefits and working of engine immobilizers isn’t enough, you should also know to stay aware of the signs your immobilising unit has malfunctioned.

6 Signs Your Engine Immobiliser Has Turned Faulty

Just like a vehicle’s spare parts, your engine immobilisers can only turn up as faulty. Here are a few signs warning you that your engine immobiliser needs a fix.

Sign 1- You Face Difficulty in Opening the Door

When you try to unlock the button of your key fob and it does not work, that means there is a loss of signal between the vehicle and the immobiliser system. Maybe there is an issue with the key’s battery or the entire immobiliser itself has malfunctioned.

Sign 2 – Engine Won’t Start (At all)

If the engine immobiliser has turned faulty, you will find difficulty in starting the engine as it won’t be receiving the proper security token.

Sign 3 – You Can’t Lock the Vehicle

Your immobilser is faulty when you cannot unlock the vehicle despite pressing the key several times.

Sign 4 – Key Ignition Isn’t Starting Even After Several Attempts

Maybe there is some issue with the transponder chip, which is placed in the key fob.

Sign 5  – The Security Alarm has Turned Faulty

Immobilisers are connected to the security alarm of your vehicle. If there is a bad immobiliser, there will be an issue with your factory car alarm system too —- like it will go off continuously.

Step 6 – Psst…Can you Smell Burning Wires?

The key is working fine but If there is an issue with the car immobiliser then you need to check the wiring. There could be corroded, damaged, or worn-out wires that may have corrupted immobilisers control unit.

Add a “Super Extra Layer of Security” with TrackoBit’s Vehicle Tracking System

Maximise the safety of your commercial fleet with a top-grade engine immobilizer in combination with our telematics-data-driven vehicle real-time tracking system. Trace the live location of your esteemed vehicles, powered or non-powered machines, and lock/unlock vehicles remotely without any SMS verification.

As an add-on, get:

• Option to mark virtual boundaries defining where you want your vehicles to be operational. Get alerts when the asset enters or leaves the defined zone.
•  Locate routes travelled by your fleet over a digital map. Update new routes for the fleet anytime as a precaution.
• Get vehicular and operational data; know the start and stop times combined with the kilometers traveled to make your administration simple.

More Vehicle Safety Features TrackoBit’s GPS Tracking Software Paves Your Way

Parking Mode	In our software, easily turn the parking mode on. Pre-define the areas where the vehicle must be parked with the engine ceased. An alarm will ring during the vehicle movement, towing, or when the ignition turns on.
Battery Disconnection Alert	Battery theft is on the rise. Our system offers you an exclusive Battery Disconnection Alarm that goes off when the battery gets disconnected from the device.
SOS Button	Our driver apps are equipped with an SOS button which your drivers can effortlessly press. An alarm will ring in your centralised system signaling your driver needs a rescue.

💡More Similar Reads!

• What is Asset Tracking? Importance, Benefits & How It Works?
• Why is Fleet Asset Tracking System Important? 7 Reasons + Use Cases
• How Much Asset Tracking Really Cost in 2024?
• What is Consignment and Asset Tracking?

FAQs on Engine Immobilisers to Prevent Vehicle Theft

• How does an engine immobiliser work?

  Engine immobilizers restrict the unauthorized starting of a vehicle, obstructing the ignition and fuel system; either via a transponder key or electronic code authentication. This helps enhance asset/vehicle security.

• What are the benefits of an engine immobilizer system?

  Engine immobilisers are special hardware that enhances vehicle security by restricting unauthorized engine start. This further helps reduce the risks of theft, improves insurance rates, and provides great peace of mind.

• Can the engine immobiliser malfunction?

  Yes, engine immobilizers can malfunction when there is an electronic failure, an issue with the key transponders, wiring is shortcircuited, or when there is a hindrance in the starting of the vehicle.

• What is the role of the engine immobilizing system?

  The function of the engine immobilizing system is to obstruct the ignition or fuel system from working – so that no intruder can drive or steal the vehicle.

• How much is the cost of asset immobilisers?

  Engine immobilizers costs vary from vendor to vendor but they can typically range between $50 to $300, all depending on the brand, top features, and special installation requirements.