The IMI held its first event in the Galway area for some time last month. The lecture on Alarm Immobiliser Systems proved to be very informative and enjoyable and the Galway IMI hope to run more events over the coming months.

Duncan Bellinger of UK based diagnostics experts Hickley’s gave the presentation at the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology. Duncan covered a wide range of practical problems that can arise when dealing with key coding and immobilisers. He also highlighted several electrical issues that can arise on modern vehicles in relation to immobilisers. For example, there are instances where the battery has enough current to crank the engine, but the battery voltage is too low to operate the ECU, meaning the car will not start.

Duncan also gave a number of examples of strange instances regarding key programming, such as a situation with a Range Rover where a garage could not solve a problem despite spending hours studying Autodata information. Eventually the problem was resolved by calling an experienced auto locksmith, who said that the driver's door needed to be opened and closed five times.

The highly useful presentation also covered: solutions to immobiliser problems, equipment to assist in diagnosing immobiliser problems, key coding, pin code solutions and practical hints and tips.

Duncan also touched on the wide range of tools, equipment and information that Hickley’s can offer, which allows motor trade businesses to develop expertise in this lucrative field and get jobs done quickly and effectively.