Causes of immobilizer malfunctions on a Chevrolet Niva and instructions for disabling it yourself

07/14/2021 1,935 Electrical

Author: Victor

The reasons for the immo malfunction can be related to both the operation of the key fob and malfunctions in the unit’s software. If troubleshooting does not help, then you can disable the immobilizer on a Chevrolet Niva yourself in two ways: using a jumper or using a code.

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Where is the immobilizer located on a Chevrolet Niva

If the locking device is installed on the vehicle as standard during production, it is located under the plastic tunnel of the center console. You need to look for the module in the area of ​​the driver's right leg.

In the latest Niva Chevrolet models, the immobilizer unit was installed not in a plastic tunnel, but on the steering column.


Location of the immo block under the panel


Engine lock module next to the steering column

Correct installation

The installation procedure is as follows:

  1. Turn off the ignition in the car, open the hood and turn off the power to the on-board network. To do this, use a key to loosen the clamp on the battery terminal and disconnect it. All work is carried out with the on-board network turned off in order to prevent possible short circuits and voltage drops.
  2. Then you need to provide access to the installation site of the blocker. Installing it in the tunnel next to the driver’s right foot is not the most reliable option. It is better to place the lock on the steering column. To do this, dismantle part of the cladding, unscrew all the screws that secure the plastic linings, and remove them. Make sure that there are no moving elements at the installation site; their impact could damage the blocker. Provide access for laying wires to the device installation site.
  3. At the next stage, the main control unit is installed. Lock it in place. During movement, the module should not be exposed to vibration, otherwise the device will fail. Securely secure it with self-tapping screws. It is important that the immobilizer is disguised, this will prevent it from being disabled in the event of a break-in or illegal entry into the car. You can hide the device in the standard wiring harness.
  4. All the wires that come with the kit are laid at the installation site. Depending on the immobilizer model, the number of cables differs. They can be used not only to block the power unit, but also to control other systems and components. If the device is not contactless, then you need to connect the wires to all mechanisms, from the ignition switch to the auxiliary systems. To do this, use the diagram that is included in the package.
  5. At the next stage, the installation of blocking relays or sensors is carried out; here everything depends on the type of blocker.
  6. A diode indicator is installed in the car interior. There are two installation options - hidden and open. Sometimes mounting a light bulb openly can deter potential thieves. But some car owners choose a hidden installation option, then the criminal will not know about the presence of IMMO and engine blocking may confuse him. The attacker will need time to find the blocker and disable it.
  7. At the last stage, the procedure for programming and training the blocking device is carried out. The process is carried out in accordance with the indicators specified in the service manual.

None Auto electrician Sergei Zaitsev spoke about installing the bollard himself.

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Finding and solving immobilizer problems

Symptoms of problems with the immo system on a Chevrolet Niva are usually the following:

  1. The Check Engine indicator or immobilizer icon lights up on the instrument panel.
  2. The key installed in the lock does not allow starting the power unit of the car. The engine does not start and the crankshaft does not turn. Sometimes such problems can be regarded as a malfunction of the starter or battery.

The indicator on the dashboard can light up for various reasons, including if the light bulb itself is faulty.

Causes of malfunctions

The main causes of the problem:

  1. Discharge of the power supply in the blocker control key fob.
  2. Damage to the tag in the key. Because of this, the microprocessor control module cannot identify the car owner.
  3. Mechanical malfunctions - damage to the key itself or the control unit of the system. Contacts may oxidize or defects may appear on them. If the control unit is exposed to moisture, it may become flooded.
  4. Malfunction of the electrical component. This refers to the wires used to connect the blocker - they can be damaged.
  5. Software malfunctions of the control unit.

User Alexander Zakharov showed one of the signs of a malfunction in the operation of the Niva engine blocking device.

How to fix?

The procedure for troubleshooting and repairing a device that allows you to block the internal combustion engine with your own hands is as follows:

  1. The operation of the power source in the key is checked. If the battery is discharged, it must be replaced with a new one.
  2. If replacing the power source does not help, you need to check the integrity of the tag in the key. If it is damaged, you cannot fix it yourself. You will have to make a duplicate key.
  3. The immobilizer control unit is being diagnosed. Its integrity and contact elements are checked. If the latter are damaged or oxidized, they must be replaced or cleaned. In the case where the cause of the malfunction is the effect of moisture on the module, the only option to eliminate the problem may be to dry it. To do this, the module must be disassembled and the board itself must be placed in a warm and dry place.
  4. Problems with wiring can be diagnosed visually or using a tester. The last option is preferable because it is accurate. If visual diagnostics do not produce results, you need to ring all conductors with a multimeter to determine the damaged one. Broken cables, as well as wires with worn insulation, must be replaced.
  5. Software problems of the control module can only be resolved by flashing the device. It is very problematic to perform this task at home on your own; we recommend turning to specialists.

Finding out the cause of breakdowns

If you want your Chevrolet Niva to start, you must determine the problem. You can do this yourself or take it to a mechanic. But the second option requires serious financial investments. The best option, without significant investment of time and hard earned money, is to try to determine for yourself the reason why your car refuses to start. If you are unable to figure out the damage to your car on your own, you will have to contact a specialist.

When you turn the key, you can diagnose battery problems. If the panel, as they say, is silent, then you need to charge the battery. Recharging does not take much time, a few hours is enough. Perhaps the battery has already failed, then it needs to be replaced with a new one.

The cause of the malfunction is the starter. It can only be stated if there are no problems with the battery panel. It happens that you turn the key, the starter clicks, but does not start. Experts say that in this case the battery does not conduct the required amount of current to start the engine. To make sure there are problems with the starter, you need to measure the current and voltage with a volt and ammeter.

Sometimes problems with a car arise due to problems with the battery contacts. They can be detected by lifting the hood and visually assessing the level of oxidation. Unfortunately, car owners cannot always do this, due to the presence of rubber pads on the terminals.

If you suspect the source of the problem is the spark plugs, remove them from the cylinder and carefully inspect them. If they have black deposits on them and are wet, this indicates they are damaged. Dark brown is a normal candle color.

It is also recommended to check the condition of the fuses. For visual inspection, you must first remove the cover. If you notice that the part is melted, it means it has burned out. Using a tester, you will be able to check each fuse.

If you turn the key and do not notice any reaction from the car, you may suspect a broken relay. It must be replaced by installing a new part.

Sometimes the Niva does not start due to lack of contact. Fortunately, this is easy to diagnose as a visual inspection is all that is needed. To fix the problem, you need to correct the contacts on the starter and tighten the power to the injector and fuel pump. But problems with the immobilizer can be solved by replacing the battery.

If your car has problems with the fuel pump or filter, it’s time to diagnose them by ear. A characteristic buzzing noise appears in the rear trunk, which means that fuel is not being supplied to the engine. This happens when the filter and fuel pump are clogged.

The clogged injector can be seen on the instrument panel. You will easily notice the red Check Engine light. If it lights up, it means there is damage to the injector or engine. The indicator lamp on the instrument panel will help you know the oil level in the car.

Disabling the immobilizer in a Chevrolet Niva

Nuances of disabling methods:

  1. To disable the immo in the first way, you need to prepare a jumper wire. After disconnecting the device, its presence will allow you to resume data exchange between the microprocessor module of the power unit and the diagnostic block.
  2. Code deactivation of immo on a Niva Chevrolet is possible provided that the car owner knows the password.

Jumper

You can disable the immobilizer on a Chevrolet Niva yourself like this:

  1. To turn off the blocker, you need to cut the wires and power them yourself. This method is quite complicated in terms of execution. If a diagnostic pad is needed in the future, it will be more difficult to renew it.
  2. To clear the memory of the blocking device, it must be disconnected from the power supply. Then the jumper is installed in contact elements 9 and 18.
  3. Then replace the factory chip with a special one. It must be flashed in advance and software installed to remove immo memory.
  4. Insert the key into the lock and start the ignition for a few seconds. The immobilizer control unit should automatically clear the memory and reflash.

The Hephaestus channel talked about disabling the immobilizer in Niva Chevrolet cars.

Code shutdown

The procedure for deactivating immo is performed as follows:

  1. A set of keys for the ignition switch is being prepared. It includes work and training elements. The first has a completely black head, while the second is equipped with a red insert.
  2. All vehicle doors are closed. The training key is installed in the lock. The ignition is activated and switched off. The system status LED should blink rapidly.
  3. When the diode blinks for six seconds, the training key is removed from the lock, the working element is installed in it and the ignition is activated. The beepper of the engine blocker control module should emit a triple beep.
  4. With the ignition activated, you must wait until the beepper emits a double signal. Then the system is turned off.
  5. The buzzer should then emit a triple beep. With the ignition activated, you must wait until another double signal sounds.
  6. The ignition is turned off. While the training key is installed in the lock, you must wait for a single signal. The blocker status LED will blink rapidly.
  7. The ignition is activated using the learning key. This must be done in time while the diode indicator is blinking. The Check Engine icon will light up on the car's dashboard. Then you need to wait one minute until this indicator goes off.
  8. The next step is to enter a coded password, which includes numbers from 1 to 9. For each value, press the gas pedal all the way and hold it for three seconds, but no more. The number of presses corresponds to the password number; if entered correctly, the Check Engine indicator will light up.
  9. If the light on the dashboard does not go off after five seconds, this indicates that the number was entered incorrectly. If the indicator blinks too quickly, this indicates an error when entering the code. It is necessary to turn off the ignition system and re-enter the password.
  10. To exit the password entry mode, turn off the ignition.

Results

As you can understand from this article, disabling the immobilizer on a Niva Chevrolet yourself is not an easy task, so if you are far from such manipulations, it is best to entrust it to professionals, since if any mistake is made during its activation, the device will be completely blocked .

An immobilizer is a device that blocks the engine when an attempt is made to steal a car. Used as a primary or additional anti-theft means, if present, the alarm can already be considered a security complex. In Chevrolet Niva cars, the immobilizer is installed as standard, but depending on the modification, it may be missing.

Where is it located and what does it look like

Why disable the immobilizer?

Shutdown procedure

What to do if you can’t disable the immobilizer and the car won’t start?

Download the installation and operating instructions for the APS-6 immobilizer in PDF format

Video “Immobilizer malfunction”

Comments and Reviews

Video “Disabling immo in a Niva Chevrolet”

The user Great Chiptuner spoke in detail about clearing the memory of the Bosch control unit and independently turning off the engine blocker.

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Discuss the article:

Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Post by VDV » 06 Sep 2013, 11:07

Re: Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Post by arty » 06 Sep 2013, 13:07

Re: Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Post by VDV » 06 Sep 2013, 19:43

Re: Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Post by lexandr62 » 06 Sep 2013, 21:34

Re: Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Post by arty » 06 Sep 2013, 22:34

Re: Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Post by VDV » 07 Sep 2013, 09:20

Re: Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Post by lexandr62 » 07 Sep 2013, 10:29

Post by VDV » 08 Sep 2013, 20:29

Re: Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Post by lexandr62 » 08 Sep 2013, 20:40

Re: Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Post by VDV » 13 Sep 2013, 09:18

Re: Problem with Shevik, won't start!

Post by APost » 13 Sep 2013, 09:56

VDV, you should also look at the strap and finally find out whether the gene feeds your battery. Otherwise it’s a good idea to change batteries frequently. Also, take a look at what kind of gluttonous thing you have plugged in: the radio tape recorder is starving or the recorder is of some kind... the signaling system can seriously discharge even a charged battery.

My shniva’s native Kursk battery turned out to be a rare guan. I tumbled around with him for three winters - I thought I was a fool. nothing. It was he who turned out to be a fool. This spring I installed a silver mullet (also with a peephole, aha) - so far everything is ok. tttchlp.

and by the way, it was immediately clear to me when the car did not start with a discharged battery. The sounds are too characteristic.

The car doesn't want to start.

Post by SHERIF » Jan 19, 2014, 11:17 am

Interaction of ignition keys with the standard immobilizer

The automaker equips the vehicle with two keys to start the engine. The ignition keys have different inserts: one is black; the other is red. The first key is considered working, the second is training.

Unauthorized starting of the Chevrolet Niva engine is blocked by the immobilizer when the anti-theft option is activated in the engine control system. The option becomes activated after setting up and training the blocking device. Both key fobs are suitable for starting the engine of a Chevrolet Niva car. But the automaker recommends using the worker for the following reasons:

  1. The training key stores system codes. If it is lost or the immobilizer breaks down, you will need to replace the control unit with a power unit. Therefore, it is recommended to keep this key separately from the working one.
  2. A training key can be cracked more easily than a working one. The worker has higher cryptographic security.
  3. Information from the training key takes longer to read than from the key for everyday use. When the Chevrolet Niva battery is discharged, difficulties arise in starting the car's engine.
  4. When you turn off the ignition with a key with a red insert, the immobilizer automatically goes into learning mode, thereby disorienting the car owner.

To increase the reliability of alarm management, it is possible to train and configure a spare working key. If you lose a working key, you need to clear the memory of the standard Chevrolet Niva immobilizer from data and train another one using a training key. Without a training key, memory clearing will not occur, and it is also impossible to train others.

The standard immobilizer control unit also has other control options:

  • Delay in extinguishing interior lighting;
  • The rear fog lights turn off;
  • Signals are sent to the power window relay.

Also, the owner of a Chevrolet Niva receives an alert about the key not being removed from the ignition switch. The driver of the car is notified that the headlights are not turned off.

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