Freelander 1 EWS location?

I have a 2004 Freelander. I'm a bit stumped hoping someone can help. I'm trying to locate the EWS because I need to have a key programmed to crank the vehicle. Reading some threads I thought perhaps it was behind the radio. I removed the radio and instead found what I believe to be the immobilizer. (it was back behind the radio to the left.) Didn't see any signs of theEWS behind the radio. Thanks in advance!

The key code decoder and immobiliser are the same unit.
Looks like this...

Mine was to the drivers side of the radio and pretty much impossible to remove without taking dash out.
This module is matched to the engine management module and both have to agree to start the engine.
Might be better to look at buying a dealer spare key based on vin number.
I have tried hard, without success, to clone the key chip.
If you change the immob module get the matching engine management unit and key chip.

https://images.app.goo.gl/2E8VNZm7G6FTPXsi8

Thanks for the prompt reply. Yes this is the component from the back of my radio as well.

I lost the main key that cranks the vehicle. So I'm trying to get my second key programmed and the company I spoke with said they need the EWS. I have a key that will turn on the electrical only but I need it to crank as well.

It's been a bit headache but I'm certainly glad I found this group because there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of information about FL1s elsewhere on the web.

Have a read, explains it better then me!!

https://blackbox-solutions.com/help/SM044.html

rocky23 said:

I lost the main key that cranks the vehicle. So I'm trying to get my second key programmed and the company I spoke with said they need the EWS. I have a key that will turn on the electrical only but I need it to crank as well.

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All LRs are supplied with 2 original keys, and 2 remote key fobs.

If you've lost both original keys, and had another key blade cut which turns the lock, then you'll be able to power up the ignition lights, and windows and stuff.

However you won't be able to start (either crank over or fire the injectors) unless you can get a matching key transponder, EWS module and ECM.

You might be able to get the EWS to recognise the key transponder, but unless the EWS, key and ECM match, the vehicle won't start or run.

You can buy a key from a LR parts department that contains a chip which the EWS will already recognise.
There is no need to remove or reprogram it, and the dealer doesn't need to program anything.
They can order one based on the VIN number.
BMW have a database of all the key codes of every EWS that they ever made and can issue a new chip that will work, and LR have a way to order them.
If you still want to remove the EWS then basically the dash top panel has to be removed to get to it.

pscan.eu said:

There is no need to remove or reprogram it, and the dealer doesn't need to program anything.

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I thought the new key had to be enabled to one of the spare key chip allocations in the Ews and the old one disabled??

andyfreelandy said:

I thought the new key had to be enabled to one of the spare key chip allocations in the Ews and the old one disabled??

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There isn't a "spare" allocation. The EWS is made from the factory with a number of key codes already programmed. Two of those code are then also burned into chips which are put into keys which are given to the customer. The other "allocations" are not spare, but already have codes in them.

BMW are the only ones who know what the codes are.

The LR parts dept can contact BMW and request that a new key is supplied containing a chip with one of those already allocated codes.

These already allocated codes can be enabled or disabled using a diagnostic tool (such as pscan), so in theory it is possible that BMW will supply a key with a chip in it that corresponds to a code in the EWS but it won't actually work because it's disabled, however, when I looked at this I came to the conclusion that by default they were all already enabled. So it should just work, although I can't guarantee it.

The correct procedure would then be to use a diagnostic tool to disable the code corresponding to the lost key so that if a thief finds the key then they will not be able to drive off with the vehicle; whether you actually do this or not I would say is owner discretion.

pscan.eu said:

You can buy a key from a LR parts department that contains a chip which the EWS will already recognise.
There is no need to remove or reprogram it, and the dealer doesn't need to program anything.
They can order one based on the VIN number.
BMW have a database of all the key codes of every EWS that they ever made and can issue a new chip that will work, and LR have a way to order them.
If you still want to remove the EWS then basically the dash top panel has to be removed to get to it.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the information. All this time I could've just ordered a working key.

So, spoke with LR dealer.

A key is £153.28 and they have no way of making it match the vehicle.

Helpful indeed.

Might buy one just to see if all available key chip codes are enabled and working.

Also, worth marketing Pscan to dealers??
Would it need approval to show it can't harm the vehicle before being used commercially??

andyfreelandy said:

So, spoke with LR dealer.

A key is £153.28 and they have no way of making it match the vehicle.

Helpful indeed.

Click to expand...

Find another dealer. Preferably one that has been around for a long time.