2006 factory immobilizer

[Johnnie]

Hi

I don't own one yet but am considering a 2006 Corolla. The brochure says factory immobilizer - standard.

My question is what is the technology used?

A friend has a 2004 Prius with the transponder key and that is way cool! I don't expect the Corolla to have that but would really like to know how it works. We live in one of the worst areas for having your car stolen. (My current ride has a hidden fuel pump switch, alarm/immobilizer, and club).

Thanks

Johnnie

[PhantomS]

Originally Posted by Johnnie

Hi

I don't own one yet but am considering a 2006 Corolla. The brochure says factory immobilizer - standard.

My question is what is the technology used?

A friend has a 2004 Prius with the transponder key and that is way cool! I don't expect the Corolla to have that but would really like to know how it works. We live in one of the worst areas for having your car stolen. (My current ride has a hidden fuel pump switch, alarm/immobilizer, and club).

Thanks

Johnnie

I have an '05 corolla S, and it has the transponder key/immobilizer as well - pretty common tech these days - car will not start if key used does not have the correctly coded embedded chip (key has a chip of some sort that is "read" by the ignition when trying to start the car - if the key has none, such as just gettting a key cut, it's a no go - you need the key code to get a spare key and it costs a lot more than a "standard" key........ I like it way better than GM's old Pass II, or whatever it was, system with the resisitor on the key that would wear out and act strange if it got wet.
Toyota's is completely encased in the plastic end of the key.

[Tideland Prius]

it's an electronically coded key like most factory immobilisers.

3 types of immobilisers - non-electronically coded (active), electronically coded (passive) and transponder (passive).

transponder like Magic 2 point or Magic 3 point offer the best protection as they require the transmitter to be near the hidden receiver in order to temporarily mobilise the engine for start up. These are aftermarket units. They can be disabled (e.g. for valet reasons) by (usually) placing the transmitter near the antenna and wait for the beeps

electronically coded are those that come with most factory systems and that it has a chip embedded in the key (or fob in the case of the Prius. We do not have transponders, don't mix that up with the Smart Key System hehe).

non-electronically coded are the cheapest solution but usually require you to remember to remove a key after you stop and re-insert before starting off. They don't qualify for insurance discounts cause they're not passive (i.e. they don't set by themselves and require human intervention). I don't think there are these kinds on the market anymore.