Electronic Immobilisers have been responsible for the biggest drop in car theft figures since their introduction as standard fitment on new cars in recent years, and are one of the most highly recommended pieces of kit to invest in to protect your pride and joy if it does not have a factory fit unit as standard. Several countries have required these to be fitted in all new cars, Australia from 2001, the UK from 1998 and since 2007 in Canada.

Immobilisers all work in a broadly similar manner – an electronic system prevents the car from being started by not allowing the ignition system to trigger the starter motor. Most systems now also block delivery from the fuel system too. They are usually linked to a key fob transponder with a code in that must be recognized by the car to allow activation – if the correct code is not present at the time that the ignition system is activated the car will not start.

Aftermarket systems are now pretty advanced and come as an all in one unit that connects up to the car’s separate central locking and deadlock system, and most usually also include a good quality alarm. These must be fitted by an approved installer as they are usually quite complex and include all sorts of safety systems to stop them from being overridden or easily disconnected.

Finally a big thank you to the guys at Orangewheels.co.uk who supply new Volvo Cars who gave up their time for free to help us put together this information site.