Immobiliser problems

[thecremeegg]

Bit of annoying problem i seem to have....my mk2 ph1 has taken to not starting on cold days....it turns over when u turn the key, but doesnt start. I have narrowed it down to the immobiliser as if i lock and unlock the car enough times it starts as normal. Can immobilisers be affected by the cold? Its a fairly new key as well (2 months) so i hope its not that thats playing up.
Any ideas would be appreciated

Cheers

Tom

 

[iPap]

Check to see whether the light on the dash for the immobililer in the middle is flashing or on constantly.

It should change from flashing to constant when you put the key in and turn it before starting.

If it stays flashing the key is the problem.

PM me if you need any help.

 

[Racingblue182]

Mines doing the flashing thing an dnot firing up, if I try 2 or 3 times it usually goes.The problem is the key then is it?

 

[BrianR]

Could be a low voltage problem, the ECU which contains the immobiliser device is very voltage sensitive. I would get your battery checked. The cold days and dark evenings put a lot of strain on a battery.
Check the date code and if it’s more than 3 years old it will probably need changing.
Lucas or L.UK as they are now called, will put a test on it for you. Takes about 30 seconds and could save you hours standing in the cold waiting for the RAC

 

[edde]

Mines doing the flashing thing an dnot firing up, if I try 2 or 3 times it usually goes.The problem is the key then is it?

Its the sensor around the key ring common problem check the connections are any goodand replace the sensor.

If the sensor doesn't get a signal from the key then the imobiliser light stays on/flashes.

 

[Racingblue182]

Well now the thing is turning over but wont fire up, what the f**k is going on. Im starting to hate this car, every week a new problem os some sort. Sickening.

 

[Racingblue182]

Lads

I stuck the jump leads on and hooked em up to my mates car, the clio started first time with the leads on and seems to be firing ok now. Odd considering the battery wasnt flat in the first place but its done the trick at the minute.

Will keep you posted.

 

[lemonnobby]

Possible key if you have a spare and its a non start with your 'normal' key try the spare see what happens. or decoder ring problem.

 

[afishinacage]

I had this problem and it was the crankshaft sensor. Because it is next to the clutch housing it get's dirty and builds up with static. A quick resolution would be to disconnect the battery for 30 seconds to clear the static. Another, long term solution would be to remove the sensor and clean up with swich cleaner or WD40.

 

[philis]

I had this problem and it was the crankshaft sensor. Because it is next to the clutch housing it get's dirty and builds up with static. A quick resolution would be to disconnect the battery for 30 seconds to clear the static. Another, long term solution would be to remove the sensor and clean up with swich cleaner or WD40.

Had the same problem with mine, one day it just wouldnt start, just wound over. crankshaft sensor is easy to get to so just poke it with a screwdriver next time it happens, i did and it was big problem easily fixed.

 

[172boost]

This might sound a bit weird but I had this same problem on my 172. I checked the forum and one member told me to touch the key on the ground/road before inseting it in the ignition. Unbelievably it worked and the cause was down to a build up of static. Try it out if it happens again.