Immobiliser problems.

Hello
My one a month list of problems continues.

Today its the immobiliser.

First of all I must say I have a new battery in my two button key fob and the hippo has a brand new battery
As well. I have prised my key apart and it has a small microchip thingy inside. Its a y reg 2001 petrol model.

I know immobilisers have been covered before but I am getting my self confused.

The two button fob opens and locks the car without any problems. When I insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it, all it get is the usual start up warning lights on but the engine won't start.

I have checked and cleaned the contacts on the immobiliser ring around the ignition switch but this makes no difference. I have ordered a replacement immobiliser ring and will try this.

My question is...could it be the little microchip in the key that has broken. Does this tiny thing include it own power source and it has run flat. If the new immobiliser ring doesn't work what do I try next. I only have one chipped key. I have wiggled the lead on the starter but again no luck.

Thanks as usual

If the starter doesn't turn over then it could be the key chip. It is passive (no battery) or it could be the coil around the ign switch which detects the key.
Find the starter relay in engine bay plastic box and this could be false fed with the key in and 'on' and if it starts then it is key / immob.

Not used to freelander petrol models.

So take this with a pinch of salt. But on the TD5 D2, It is worth looking at these points.
If it is not an immobiliser issue then this can often be the starter solenoid contacts. On the Td5 you will hear a click as the solenoid moves but the contacts do not get made as they wear badly.
Also on the TD5 the starter solenoid if there is no click of the solenoid actuating then it is worth removing and refitting the lucar connector to the solenoid, as they get corroded / loose.

Good luck

Cheers

andyfreelandy said:

If the starter doesn't turn over then it could be the key chip. It is passive (no battery) or it could be the coil around the ign switch which detects the key.
Find the starter relay in engine bay plastic box and this could be false fed with the key in and 'on' and if it starts then it is key / immob.

Click to expand...

Forgive my ignorance, But,
Is the freeelander not the same as the D2? the passive immobiliser only cuts in after the door has been opened and a delay of 30 secs has happened? this is witnessed by the dash LED on the D2.

Cheers

Maybe - but needs key with chip in place to crank starter every time.

andyfreelandy said:

Maybe - but needs key with chip in place to crank starter every time.

Click to expand...

Interesting.

D2 does not, if you unlock with fob and you start it within 30 secs of the door being opened. then you can unlock with the fob and leave it 50 feet away and use a normal key without the chip to start it.

Cheers

There is a small LED on the dash that shows the security state. It blinks when you are away from the car and it is locked. When you unlock the car and enter it goes out. If you have an issue with your fob or pickup and try to start the car when it is immobilised the LED will be on continuously.

So if the LED is on continuously when you try to start the car - the car is immobilised.

If the LED is not lit - then the car is not immobilised and the problem must be something else in the starting system - ie wiring, starter relay, starter/solenoid.

Its sorted...well seems to be.

Cleaned up the small wire spade terminal on the starter motor and it started first time.

May just be luck but I have started the car 3 further times after leaving it different lengths of time
And no problems.

Let's see how long it lasts.

Can't wait to see what march will bring..

Thanks again to you all.

Good news.

That will be the lucar connector then, a common fault as mentioned above happens on D2's as well.

Cheers