Hi,

For a few weeks now, my 2008 Ford Fiesta studio wouldn't start first time and the immobilizer light was flashing rapidly. To work around it, I would get out and lock the car, unlock and try again - and most of the time it would start. Or take a couple of relocks then start.

Last week, it got worse and would take several attempts to start, so I booked in with an auto-electrician.

The report and prognosis I got was:

System report w/codes

Engine & Immobilizer PATS

• B1601 PATS received incorrect key code from ignition key
• P0325 Knock sensor 1 circuit malfunction
• P0324 Knock control error
• B1681 PATS transceiver module signal is not received

 

My technician has advised either a replacement ECU kit as it includes the ignition barrel which is the main part to be replaced. Apparently, Ford no longer make a replacement (and if they did, he guessed £4k to replace) so I would have to source a second hand part for the auto-technician to install. OR installing an emulator to bypass the immobilizer. (and not telling my insurance)

 

Does this sound like my only 2 options? Ive tried to do some research and it could be a dodgy fuse instead? I'm thinking of getting a second opinion aswell

 

If it helps, the problem occurs with both keys i have for the car

 

Any advice would be greatfully received  - and nothing too technical as Im not any kind of expert with cars

Faulty instrument cluster is a more likely problem and can be repaired for less than £90

@rd457 can probably help

I'm not sure if it's a mk6 or mk7 given it's a 2008. Please check the pictures attached to my repair service here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314393033915. (Note that the last pic compares variants of type 2). If your cluster is a type 2a-d (and thus your fiesta is a mk6) then it very likely has the common cracked solder joint problem and I concur with unofix that there's a very good chance that this is the cause.

Thank-you all for the helpful replies - ive now taken my car to a different auto electrician and its fixed!! the issue got worse since the first post and I realised it wasnt the immobiliser. Final diagnosis - it was the ignition switch