P38 Bonnet Removal causes immobiliser problems, or any other problems?

Hi all,
The lacquer and much of the paint underneath has gone on my bonnet, and I'm looking into respraying it. The rest of the paintwork is very good so its a shame to look out over this sad looking landscape when driving.
I have a question regarding removing the bonnet and whether this creates any electrical issues regarding mainly the immobiliser. I've read that as a security measure the P38 can disable the engine entirely if the wrong kind of access is attempted when entering the engine bay. The car came with no codes (EKA or BCEM) so Im treading carefully around this body module stuff.

• will removal upset the BCEM system/any other systems?
• should the battery get disconnected first
• any other gremlins I should be aware of before removing it

Thanks in advance folks.

Removing the bonnet should not cause any problems but my advice to you is to obtain the EKA code from a main dealers,you need your registration document and photo ID.if the battery is to be disconnected then do it as per manual i.e.slacken the earth clamp on the battery turn on the ignition, turn off then remove the earth lead within 17 seconds. When you reconnect you will have to reset the windows sunroof if fitted and recode the radio.

tomcat59alan said:

is to obtain the EKA code from a main dealers,you need your registration document and photo ID

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Recommend you get EKA code asap cos you will need it one day or very wet cold night
The only time I have needed mine, so far, was on the Island of Lewis when it was blowing a hooley. Never did find out why

Bonnet switches are where the latches go through so you can always put something in the holes to fool it.

Always worth filling empty holes. Satsfying

Agree totally get the EKA code from the stealers. Doesn't cost anything bar maybe 2hrs of your time and as said boy is it worth it

Hi All,
Wanted to say thanks for the info regarding the bonnet and potential electrical gremlins. Car has been parked whilst life got in the way for a few weeks so sorry for the slow response.
Regarding the job I'll be attempting this weekend. In the meantime I also purchased RSW Solutions Unlock V4 which has really allowed access to areas such as the BcEM and it even gives you the EKA code - both things I was concerned about and you've all recommended I get on top of ASAP! Particularly with the colder snaps we've been having lately.
Will update once the bonnets off and see if there's any adverse affects and useful feedback.
Cheers all