An immobilizer system adds a second electronic layer of security to the vehicle. If the key matches mechanically, but the electronic check does not match, the PCM suspends fuel delivery and shuts down the engine. Refer to the keyless access system description for assistance, because the immobilizer function is merged into the remote when a vehicle has the keyless access system.

The system provides mutual authentication between the immobilizer-keyless control unit, the PCM, and the body control module when turning the vehicle to the ON mode. The engine stays running after the engine start-up if the correct key is inserted. The body control module authenticates the VSA modulator-control unit and the immobilizer signal only one time by request of the immobilizer-keyless control unit, when the vehicle is turned to the ON mode after resetting of the battery, removal and installation of the back-up fuse, or removal and installation of the VSA modulator-control unit.
For some model*, the brake pedal must be depressed to perform the immobilizer authentication.
*: Canada models