Hello 

Thank you for reading. It is about my 86 year old dads 2012 Ford Fiesta - think it's a MK7 - certainly when I google the instrument cluster that's what it looks like. 

This has just started - when he stops the car - a red light starts flashing slowly above the fuel gauge - I have searched and read this is an immobiliser not recognising the chip in the key problem - and the speed it flashes indicates the problem, but very hard to find information or solutions for this. When the key is removed and car is locked the light keeps flashing - about every 2 secs. 

When you put the key back in, and turn it until ignition lights come on, the light then goes out, and when you start the engine the light remains out. Stop engine and it starts flashing again every 2 seconds. 

He has 2 keys, it does the same with both keys - I took the spare key home tonight and checked the battery and it was showing healthy voltage. 

Would be extremely grateful for any advice - I've told him to keep driving it. 

I did try scanning for error codes with this Clarke EOBD/OBDII diagnostic tool but it would not connect which surprised me - ran through the scans looking for correct protocol and all returned X - none were ticked. 

I found the below to reset the PATS system with google - is this worth a try? - I was waiting to see the code from the flashing light - but it just seems to flash every 2 seconds. 

1. Insert the key into the driver's side door lock.
2. Turn the key once, but not all the way to unlock the door. Leave the key in this position for 40-60 seconds. ...
3. Do this again, but turn the key in the opposite direction.
4. Remove the key from the door, get into your Ford, and start the engine. The system should be reset.

42 minutes ago, thelearner said:

This has just started - when he stops the car - a red light starts flashing slowly above the fuel gauge - I have searched and read this is an immobiliser not recognising the chip in the key problem - and the speed it flashes indicates the problem, but very hard to find information or solutions for this. When the key is removed and car is locked the light keeps flashing - about every 2 secs. 

When you put the key back in, and turn it until ignition lights come on, the light then goes out, and when you start the engine the light remains out. Stop engine and it starts flashing again every 2 seconds. 

What you describe is the totally normal and correct operation of the immobiliser system. The red immobiliser light has always flashed at about a 2 second speed when the ignition is off. That is what it is supposed to do.

Are you saying that the engine won't start ? If I understand your post the engine does start and the immobiliser light goes out when the engine is running. If the key was not recognised then the engine would not start.

You are looking for a problem you don't have.

Ditto - sounds perfectly normal

Thanks for the replies- my dad says this has just happened/started, that's why I posted - I am now reassured - but bemused as to why he has not noticed this before. 

My other query was do you need a specific Ford OBD Reader with Elm for use with Ford cars? I have a Focus - going to try the Clarke reader on the Focus today - reading the Clarke site I'd have thought it would work (I have borrowed this one from a mate - I have an A6 as main car and have specific VAG group reader for that car). 

Thanks again

Ford cars have two can-buses, medium and high speed. I think most generic code readers are not capable of reading both.

Forscan ( program downloadable from the internet) and an elm interface lead capable of reading both can-busses (switched or automatic) is the way most people go.

For Ford vehicles the best code reader (almost as good as what Ford garages use) is the software programme FORScan which can be downloaded free for use on laptops. There are also versions for android and iphone which cost around £6. It is very important to know that the mobile versions can not do programming but do have the ability to read all Ford specific DTC's and carry out maintenance tasks such as resetting oil service indicator.

The normal ELM327(modified) cable that has been mostly used on Fords has been superseded by a faster and automatic cable called 'vLinker FS' this will automatically switch between the MS and HS canbus systems, and has full programming ability.

FORScan: https://forscan.org/download.html

vLinker FS cable: https://www.obdiitool.co.uk/wholesale/vgate-vlinker-fs-elm327-for-ford-mazda.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAoL6eBhA3EiwAXDom5gZDGHBgSK1XsGbvdwjuvzzAwd-M5jqIca477Mb5LMt6AzQH-BVAxRoCA38QAvD_BwE

OR if you still want to use an ELM327(modified) cable for Ford then use only this one:

https://tunnelrat-electronics.fwscart.com/USB_Modified_with_switch_ELM327/p4541936_17045457.aspx

Thanks again, the Clarke read my Ford Focus (64 plate) with no issue. Will try it again on my Dad's Fiesta - saw some Bluetooth readers for Ford on Ebay - would just like to be able to see any fault codes. 

2 hours ago, thelearner said:

saw some Bluetooth readers for Ford on Ebay

and they will most probably read 60 or even 70% of the fault codes, but extremely unlikely to read 100%