How to quickly, easily, and most importantly correctly disable the immobilizer on a VAZ 2115?

Author: Ivan Baranov

All modern cars, including vehicles of the domestic automobile industry, are equipped with immobilizers. Immo is an anti-theft device that allows you to block the engine in the event of a car break-in. But like any other electronic device, over time this device may break down or begin to “glitch”; in such cases, car owners are faced with the need to turn it off. How to disable the immobilizer on a VAZ 2115 with your own hands - we will talk about this below.

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how to disable the APS-4 immobilizer using a red key on a VAZ 2115

If this is possible, if not, then how to turn it off completely. I don’t want to experiment something, I think the method of scientific poking will not help here

Look in the maintenance book. In the old ones everything was described, but in the new ones this is not the case. Ask anyone who has a car before 2003.

That’s just the point: the immobilizers don’t activate and my friends don’t have the books. But I bought it already with an active one and there is no book or anything. I found it on the Internet, but it’s too abstruse not to do it yourself, you need to reprogram something, but I still don’t understand what

I found it on the Internet, but according to normal standards, you need to reflash the system IMHO. At least for those who have APS-4, the immobilizer is turned off simply. Cut off the Blue-Red wire, only so that the tail of the wire remains from the immobilizer connector. Screw this piece of wire to the red one on the same connector. Immo will request activation. Consider the key. It will no longer bother you, regardless of the condition of the car. I've been using this scheme for two years now and no problems. But I keep the black Immo key in the glove compartment, just in case.

Publication date: March 11, 2016. Category: Automotive equipment.

Almost all new cars are equipped with immobilizers. These electronic devices make it possible to prevent the theft of a vehicle by disabling the “vital” systems of the car. As soon as the attacker gets into the car, he will try to start the engine and drive away. The immobilizer will either not allow this to be done at all, or the thief will be able to drive away several hundred meters, after which the fuel supply will stop and the engine will stall.

Such immobilizers can be contact or non-contact. The former have already ceased to be produced, while the latter are very popular among car owners. However, sometimes situations arise when a car enthusiast wonders how to disable the immobilizer on a VAZ 2112 or another brand. The fact is that in the brainchild of the domestic automobile industry, problems related to electronics and various devices often occur. Let's look at the main reasons for disabling the immobilizer.

Why do you have to disable the immobilizer?

VAZ began to equip immo only with injection-type cars. The first anti-theft devices of this series appeared on the VAZ 2110 and they were called APS-4. Today, more modern APS-6 models are more common. Now all cars of the 2110 to 2115 series are equipped with this particular device.

The most common problem with this device is the loss of the key or if the car owner, without knowing it, erased its code. Speaking specifically about VAZ standard immos, you can more often encounter a problem related to the fact that the lights in the cabin do not go out and, as a result, the alarm does not go off. In addition, malfunctions of the immobilizer software often occur, as a result of which its central unit does not read information about the key or considers it “not native”. As a result, when you stop to refuel, you risk being left in a stalled car.

To reprogram (marry, bypass, flash, upgrade, adapt) a device, you must first turn it off. In addition, immobilizers are usually disabled when installing a car alarm.

Fault groups

All immobilizer malfunctions can be divided into two categories, each of which has a different method of eliminating the problem, as well as the degree of its complexity. As a rule, in most cases the device can be restored:

• Software faults. Problems like this occur due to a software glitch. This may be a desynchronization of the device with the chip code and the motor unit where the signal goes. There may be another immobilizer error, but most of them can be resolved quite simply and quickly: you need to contact a specialist who will quickly reprogram the device and erase the errors.
• Hardware failures. This concerns mechanical damage to the device, which causes malfunctions in its operation. This may include defects on the device’s circuit board, damage to the wires and power system, and malfunctions of the switching cable. Mechanical problems are also quickly resolved in service centers.

Defect on the board

Bypassing the immobilizer when connecting an alarm system

Before you disable the immobilizer on the VAZ 2110, you should study all the methods for such a restart, and the first thing you should start with is this useful option from VAZ. Since it is in these cars that immobilizers most often fail, manufacturers have come up with a simple solution to this problem. Thanks to special software, you can perform an alternative start of the device and make one trip in emergency mode. However, to do this you will first need to enter a six-digit password. It is activated by pressing the gas pedal. This means that if the “reboot” code is “999999” then you need to press the gas the corresponding number of times, at the same interval. This procedure does not cause positive emotions, but in a hopeless situation or when installing an alarm system, this may be the only way to outwit the immobilizer.

Another method is the bypass module (immo crawler). A small electronic device is equipped with transmitting and receiving antennas located inside and outside. The device key or chip is also located inside the case. As soon as you start the car with the alarm, the internal antenna reads the code and transmits it to the ignition switch.

Important! If the car is started with the key, such a crawler will not work.

If one of the keys is lost, the remaining spare can be disassembled and the chip removed from it and secured to the ignition switch. After this, you can use any ignition key and the immo will be disabled.

This concerns generally accepted tricks that will help in solving such issues as disabling the immobilizer on a VAZ 2114. If you want to manually disable the immo, then you must adhere to the following recommendations.

General information

To begin with, it will be useful to find out where the immo is located, because if this device does not work, to disable it you need to gain physical access to the device. In VAZ 2115 cars, the immo is located behind the center console, to the right of the steering wheel.

Today there are two types of devices - contact and non-contact. Contact systems are controlled using keys, while contactless systems are controlled using special chips built into a key fob or card. In the case of VAZ cars, immos are installed only on injection versions of cars.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of this device is based on data exchange between the control unit and the immo. The anti-theft device transmits data to allow or prohibit the start of the power unit. If prohibited, the system automatically blocks the ignition circuit with the fuel pump, and accordingly, starting the engine will be impossible. That is, without initialization the power unit will not be able to start.

In what cases should it be disabled?

In what cases do you have to disable the anti-theft installation:

1. If you are dealing with a manufacturing defect, that is, a defect. In particular, we are talking about the first versions of cars on which such devices were installed. In later variations, VAZ engineers added the function of alternative engine start, bypassing the protection. But you need to take into account that in this case the option will work only once - if a failure occurs, you must enter the access code, then activate the function and press the gas pedal a certain number of times. Moreover, this operation will need to be repeated 6 times. For example, if your password is 123897, then first you press the pedal once, then twice (after a short period of time), then three more times, then eight times, etc. This function is described in more detail in the service manual.
2. If the battery is completely discharged, the control unit may record this as an error, which will not allow the engine to start in the future. As mentioned above, the control module and the immobilizer interact with each other through a diagnostic line. So if the circuit loses power, it is perceived as an error.
3. Also, blocking can be carried out due to the control unit. For example, if a driver uses diagnostic equipment to test vehicle systems, a code failure may occur. The ignition must be turned on. Moreover, the cause of the failure may also be due to interference emitted by the smartphone.
4. Also, the need to bypass immo may arise as a result of banal failures in its operation (the author of the video is the IZO channel)))LENTA).

Rules for disabling the immobilizer

Before disabling the immobilizer, you must disconnect the connector from the protection, that is, give the system a signal that the immobilizer is missing. After this, you can erase the data on the device and replace it with new ones. But in practice everything is not so simple.

If you turn off the device incorrectly, the system may perceive this as unauthorized access and the car will be completely blocked. In this situation, it will be difficult to do anything, all that remains is to call a tow truck. Therefore, be extremely careful. There are two schemes for disabling the immobilizer.

To do this, find the immobilizer control unit. Most often it is located behind the center console, next to the radio. After this, you need to find the connector on the block and remove it. In this connector you will find 20 contacts, first find the ninth and then the eighteenth. These two wires need to be cut, connected and insulated.

After this, all that remains is to remove the immobilizer and restore the line used for diagnostics (K-line). To do this, install a jumper that will restore communication between the ECU and the diagnostic block. We cut the wires and connect them, after which the connector is placed in its rightful place.

1. Reflash it yourself.

For this you will need:

• PC or tablet;
• soldering iron;
• PAK-loader programmer.

Next, you need to disassemble the ECU, find the controller connector and connect the PAK loader to it. We read the factory firmware with the BIN extension. It is also necessary to read information through the EEPROM connector. After this, you need to save the factory firmware on the computer and upload a clean EEPROM to the ECU. After this, you can disconnect the bootloader, assemble the controller and install it in place.

A soldering iron will be required if the auto ROM unit will be sealed. Or you can use the COMBISET program with the EEPROM cleaning function, then you won’t have to unsolder anything.

The device of the standard immobilizer APS-4

First, let's figure out what this immobilizer model is and what functions it performs. This kind of device is designed to prevent the engine of your car from starting in cases where access to it is recognized by the system as unauthorized, that is, in the event of a possible theft.

The standard APS-4 set includes a set of keys with an electronic code written on them (a pair of black ones are the main “working” ones, a red one is “programming”), an indicator sensor (a light bulb near the ignition switch) and a control unit that functions in conjunction with the electronic system car control. The code information recorded on the keys when “learning” the system is individual for each APS, and, as a rule, is installed when purchasing a car (you can learn more about “learning” working keys from the instructions included with the device).

Remember that the keys must be stored carefully - losing the red “training” key will deprive you of the opportunity to re-write working keys.

This can lead to a complete replacement of control and monitoring units in the event of malfunctions. When the ignition is turned off, the immobilizer is activated automatically (the buzzer will emit a short beep and the indicator will go into flashing mode every 2.5 seconds), entering the theft protection mode.

In order to activate the system, the information sensor must read information from the coded keys (you need to bring them to the ignition switch so that the system can recognize the “native” key). Only after this will the blocking of the electrical circuit be turned off and access to starting the engine will be provided. Otherwise, the car simply will not start.

What is engine blocking with a car alarm?

The vast majority of anti-theft alarms, among their numerous security functions, also contain the ability to block the engine. As a rule, a standard immobilizer is responsible for this, the task of which is to identify the real owner of the vehicle and, if successful, unlock the power unit. But the same function is also equipped with purchased alarms installed in a car in addition to standard equipment or in their absence.

According to statistics, over 50% of cases of engine failure are associated with one or another malfunction of the car alarm. It is worth noting that the complexity of unlocking the engine in such cases is an order of magnitude simpler than in the presence of complex integrated anti-theft systems. So if you have a regular alarm installed, the chances of unlocking the power unit on your own are quite high. Of course, if you have a good understanding of how a specific implementation of the system works and what should be done to fix the problem.

In any case, anti-theft systems, standard or installed after purchase, operate under firmware control and are part of the vehicle’s electrical equipment. The reasons for their malfunction are rarely due to mechanical failures: much more often, electronics fail, and such failures can be isolated or frequent, almost constant. It is advisable not to let things get to the last point, because the sooner a problem is discovered, the easier it will be to diagnose and fix it. You also need to understand that the severity of the malfunction will not correlate in any way with the specific make/model of the vehicle - everything will depend on how complex the implementation of the anti-theft system is.

Can accidental activation of the alarm functions prevent the engine from starting? Of course, therefore, first of all, you should check the condition of the key fob for the presence of atypical pictograms or inscriptions

If there is a warning light (LED indicator light), you should pay attention to its behavior. Thus, rapid blinking will indicate that the immobilizer anti-theft mode is activated

Let's look at methods for diagnosing StarLine car alarms. If, when you turn on the ignition, the starter does not start, the warning light begins to flash rapidly and at the same time the immo message appears on the key fob:

• you need to try to pull the key out of the central locking and then press the central locking key on the key fob;
• the second option is to get out of the car, sequentially turn on and off the security function and then try to start the engine.

Both actions are aimed at ensuring that the security system is operating as normal. Every third case of blocking occurs due to unintentional interference with software settings. If you suspect this, you should sequentially disable all additional modes.

StarLine is characterized by the presence of a two-component unlocking function, and the activation of this mode often occurs accidentally. In such cases, you can unlock the car alarm by holding down button 3 for several seconds until two sound signals are issued in the form of two short squeaks. Then you need to press three (short) and one (long) again. As you can see, the algorithm is quite complex, and on other anti-theft systems it can be implemented completely differently.

Possible performance problems

Unfortunately, sometimes immobilizers begin to malfunction, causing significant trouble not only to potential car thieves, but also to the legitimate owner of the car. The code reading system is quite vulnerable to external digital interference, and therefore even trivial interference, caused, for example, by cellular communications or car diagnostic devices connected externally, can cause it to malfunction.

At first, there were often cases of manufacturing defects when the system simply stopped working for no apparent reason. You also need to carefully monitor the maintenance of your battery in working condition (especially in case of long periods of downtime in the cold season) - a complete discharge of the battery is guaranteed to force you to seek help from the nearest workshop, followed by replacement of the electronic control unit of the anti-theft system, which will result in unnecessary additional expenses.

In conclusion

It is important to pay attention to the model of the immobilizer board, especially in cars close to 2004. Often a new APS-6 board was installed in the old APS-4 case. Also, do not forget to familiarize yourself with the pinout of the device and the meaning of its contacts

Remember that the patterns varied slightly depending on the year of production. Therefore, always read the manual for the software and your specific immobilizer board

Also, do not forget to familiarize yourself with the pinout of the device and the meaning of its contacts. Remember that the patterns varied slightly depending on the year of production. Therefore, always read the manual for the software and your specific immobilizer board.

Methods for disabling the VAZ-2115 immobilizer

If you don’t have the skills to reprogram a security system, but don’t want to make charitable investments in favor of car services, that’s okay. The solution to the potential problem is quite simple: you can disable the standard immobilizer yourself. It is worth considering that this is recommended only in cases where your VAZ-2115 already has an alternative anti-theft system installed, otherwise you will simply give the green light to attackers.

So, in order to deactivate APS-4 without self-flashing and provide unhindered access to the engine, you need to do two things: completely dismantle the immobilizer itself and erase the security coding data from the memory of the car’s electronic control unit. This procedure must be carried out carefully: there is a risk that the system will regard this intervention as an attempt to steal a car and block further access.

First you need to find your immobilizer unit itself, dismantle it and disconnect the wired signal connector (block). By default, the VAZ-2115 has it in the center console, so there should be no problems with detection. Remember that if your console device differs from the standard one, it is better to refer to the instructions, with the help of which you can find answers to all your questions.

Then you should find the ninth and eighteenth contacts on the removed connector (there are twenty of them in total; if there are no factory markings, the counting is from left to right, starting from the top row). Carefully cut off the wires at the indicated contacts, leaving “tails” from the connector approximately 4-5 cm long from the block itself. The cut wires must be thoroughly cleaned, twisted together and insulated with conventional winding. Thus, you will completely restore the communication line between the electronic control unit and the diagnostic block, bypassing the immobilizer. After this, install the connector, returning it to its original position.

This method is fast, simple and convenient, but, unfortunately, it cannot absolutely guarantee that you will disable the built-in factory protection system. If this procedure does not help, intervention in the electronic system will be required - flashing, which is still better to entrust to specialists, since careless actions can block not only the engine, but also the entire control system as a whole. Take care of the safety of your car in advance - and it will serve you as long as you want.

Polite lighting and door switches

Any alarm or security system is always equipped with an input connected to the door limit switches. In VAZ cars, the control wire can be connected to one point (A). Diodes are not used in this case:

Door control connection diagram

Be sure to carry out the setup: the delay in polling the limit switches should be 20-30 seconds. If this is not done, false alarms will occur when the security system is turned on. The reason is the operation of the APS unit, which does not turn off the light after the driver's door is closed. The option in question is called “polite backlighting.”

In theory, pins 7 and 13 of the BSK are the connection points that need to be decoupled by two diodes. But as practice shows, it is better to implement a circuit with three additional diodes (see figure). The alarm is connected to point B, and setting the polling delay in this case is not required. Good luck.