immobiliser ?

hi
i have an immoboliser fitted to the right hand side of my steering column. it looks like a genuine part because it is well fitted on my 1994 defender 300tdi.
i have read a few posts about the spider system on the dash board,but none on the steering column.
It doesn't have key fobs, just a little plug in thing that needs to be in place or there is nothing at all on turning the engine over
i believe it must stop the fuel/electrical sytem.
Now for my question, i have an intermittent issue starting it because one of the contactors in the plug has burn't up .
1 : is it a genuine immobiliser
2: if yes can i get a replacement plug in key thing
3: if not can it be removed and replaced for a more modern system
sorry for the long question
any advice would be welcome.
regards
rob:scratching_chin:

The plug in immobilised isn't a genuine part, it must be an aftermarket add on. My 96 110 CSW has the standard spider set up which is run form the remote. If the aftermarket one is faulty I would remove it. You will probably need to take the dashboard and clocks out and you should be able to remove it. As to a replacement I would consider a mechanical immobiliser like a disk lock and pedal box. The electrics on defenders are so basic that they can be completely over ridden pretty quickly

Remove it.

Bypassing a 300tdi immobiliser is childs play so shouldn't be an issue.

As siad a mechanical device such as a disklok is far better especially when you turn the steering on full lock before fitting.