Immobliser playing up

[Rob Rymond]

I've got an Immobliser on my MK1 Clio, not sure if it's original or an aftermarket fit.

Either way, the last few weeks it's began to play up. I've put pictures below of the setup:

Basically some times when I come to drive, the key won't de-activate the immboliser. Sometimes it can be as simple as turning the ignition on, unlocking my wheel and trying again.

Other times and the more prolonged periods I've spent 10 minutes fiddling with it, and it can be embarrasing when stuck in a fuel garage not able to start up.

On the most though the light will turn off as a flick it in the slot, then sometimes you have to hold it down for ages or in a precise way.

Anyone else had problems like this and any idea what could be done to fix it?

Ta,

 

[Rob Rymond]

I take it no one has any ideas. Perhaps a garage job?

 

[BrianR]

Hi Rob,

I think that was sold under the brand name "Watchdog" by Waso about 10 years ago.

Its certainly not OEM.

The "plug" is an early form of Dallas key.

It wasn't a complex product, from memory it had a single point immobiliser, so you might find the fuel pump relay has been used to work it.

Its a fairly straight forward job to remove it and re-instate the wiring, you certainly wont get spares for it now.

Hope this helps.

 

[Rob Rymond]

Thanks for that information bud. So basically it needs removing? Ideally I'd like to keep it purely so it keeps the car secure as it doesn't have an alarm.

Would it be better to get a new one in that case?

 

[BrianR]

I think so, The technology 10 years ago was not anywhere near what Thatcham and the insurance industry ask for now.

You can get a 2 or 3 point immobiliser with a transponder that fits into your existing key or simply dangles on your key ring, that work in the same way as the modern Clio type.

If you have one professionally fitted by a VSIB installer, it will qualify for Thatcham cat2 and your insurer's should give you at least a 10% discount on your premiums.

 

[Rob Rymond]

Sounds like the best alternative, how much do you reckon that'd set me back on average?

 

[16v-clio]

mines standard n doin the same! but its always a 10 minute wait, sucks ass!

 

[Rob Rymond]

Jeez, must be bad with that constantly.

 

[Rob Rymond]

After my Dad sat for 15 minutes in the garage this morning, stuck, I think it's time we removed it.

Any guides on how to do this?

 

[BrianR]

The only way is to trace the wires and see where they go.

If you get to the point where you don't understand what your doing, copy down the colours of the wires and describe what they are connected to and PM me if I'm not on the board.

 

[Rob Rymond]

I was gonna check this out tonight, but had to make some fixes to my indicator stalk and speakers and as I'm due out later, can't really afford to f**k things up.

When I get a long day on my own, I'll investigate!

 

[Rob Rymond]

Well, Friday the 13th, I'm driving to Gainsborough today and the immboliser won'yt de-activate.

Been waiting half hour now and nothing. Funny it was fine when I drove earlier this morning.

Sooner I get this s**t off the better!