"immobiliser see manual"

[Aveton Gifford]

Whilst washing the car today I got this message, I think it may have been because the doors were open for over 3 hours, and as I kept opening and closing them the interior lights were constantly on.

Anyway, just in case it isn't, from what I can see it may be:

1. Interference from an electrical source

2. The Ariel around the ignition switch

Or

3. The starter motor

So is there anything else I should be looking at?

[Georgeandkira]

Hello, That was some post. Does the starter crank? Is the battery in healthy condition?
I've read many posts where the immobilizer's antenna was diagnosed as the problem.
In those cases the engine would start and run briefly (2-3 seconds) then cut out.
I have no first hand experience.

As far as electrical interference goes...Did you drive your car up to a bunch of white neon signs or park it near a power transformer before washing it? Kira

[Aveton Gifford]

Originally Posted by Georgeandkira

As far as electrical interference goes...Did you drive your car up to a bunch of white neon signs or park it near a power transformer before washing it? Kira

Ha ha ha!, of course I did, doesn't everybody!

I answered my own question, it did it again today, it's the starter solenoid, a couple of taps with metal rod and we were away, so problem solved.

Thanks for the reply Kira.

[Georgeandkira]

Hello, Do you (can you?) replace the solenoid on that starter or, given it's a 2003 vehicle, do you replace the whole thing with a quality rebuild? Kira

[Aveton Gifford]

Well, to be honest, due to the endless rain we are having here in the U.K. I am just keeping the metal bar in the boot, my old 740 did this on and off for all it's time with me, which was over 5 years. But when the time does come I will replace the whole starter, they are only around £120

[Aveton Gifford]

An update on this, last Sunday we finally got a break in the weather so I had a look at the starter.

All the connections were nice and tight and clean, but upon the advice of a mechanic friend, I removed the small spade connector terminal, sprayed it with electrical contact cleaner and pushed and pulled it on and off it's connector several times.

And do you know what, it only bloomin worked! the car has been starting perfectly all week (touch wood)

Apparently the immobilizer message appeared because the repeated attempts to start the car caused the battery volts to become low.

So there you go folks, try this first before replacing the starter motor, you never know, it may work for you too

[Smeggers]

I had the same thing this week. 2 hours waiting for the AA (male driver in a supermarket car park so bottom of the queue) because my hands are too big to fit down behind the starter then 30 seconds for the mechanic to reach down and plug the ignition lead back onto the solenoid.
Still, at least it's not a new starter.