Immobilizer
1 – Engine control unit; 2 – immobilizer control unit in the instrument panel; 3 – reading coil in the lock cylinder; 4 – ignition key; 5 – key fob with code number
All Skoda Octavia cars are equipped with a standard immobilizer. The immobilizer's function is to prevent the engine from starting unless the appropriate key is inserted into the switch box. The key contains an electronic chip (leadless integrated circuit) and on the switch box body there is a reading (antenna) coil. It serves for inductive code transfer to the control unit that controls the immobilizer. If the wire connection is broken or if you use a key with an incorrectly programmed chip (the chip is placed in the plastic shell of the key), or if the equipment is mechanically damaged and the engine cannot be started.
The immobilizer has its own diagnostics. If a malfunction occurs, the diagnostic trouble code will be stored in the memory of the immobilizer control unit. Skoda service can establish the type of malfunction from the memory of the control unit using the diagnostic device V.A.G.1552.
If the car breaks down due to a malfunction in the immobilizer, it can be brought out of this state using the V.A.G.1552 device (using a secret code) at the Skoda service.
The immobilizer is one of the possible and very effective safety systems of a car.
[Text copied from this resource www.SkodaBook.ru]