Hi 

I have a Ford Focus 2006 Plate and it seems there is a problem with the immobiliser. 

When I turn the ignition, it does not crank.  The red light on the instrument cluster for the immobiliser flashes red quickly for a couple of minutes then pauses and then flashes once then pause then six times.  The milage indicator does not show any numbers, just dashes.  From a YouTube video this appears to be the code for: 

No data between modules – check wiring and connectors between ECU and PATS module. 

Also, after further investigation we have found that pressing on the instrument cluster screen turns off the instrument warning lights, suggesting a loose connection or dry joint. 

Today I took the circuit board only to an auto electrician and after inspection under the microscope saw that the joints were cracked.  He fixed that and I tried it again and still no cranking.  The warning lights now go off and the mileage shows the numbers rather than dashes as before (I don’t know if that means anything). 

We’ve checked the key, the fuses in the auxiliary fuse box, visual check on the central fuse box, ariel loop, and ignition wiring and there does not seem to be a problem there. 

 
The auto electrician can’t do anything for a few weeks but said he will have to have the car in for a full diagnostic check of the ECU & PATS module. 

In the meantime, any suggestions? 

7 hours ago, RoadTrippier35 said:

Also, after further investigation we have found that pressing on the instrument cluster screen turns off the instrument warning lights, suggesting a loose connection or dry joint. 

It's the broken/dry solder joints on the instrument cluster which is a very common fault. You just need to get it professionally refurbished and all should be well again.

@rd457 will be able to help with the repair of the instrument cluster.

He needed to remove the old solder and replace with new.

Sounds like he's just reflowed, which doesn't always work

Also, ensure none of the solders have flowed into each other causing a short

@DaveT2001 Yeah I doubt he took the old solder off did as it didn't take him very long. 

I'll need to have a look to see none of the solders have flowed into each other but I'm still getting something on the dashboard - mileage and the warning lights that stayed on before now come off soon after ignition.

First time going to a qualified auto technician and I can't believe his hourly rate - £96/hr - At least ***** Turpin wore a mask!

 

12 minutes ago, RoadTrippier35 said:

and I can't believe his hourly rate - £96/hr -

That's extortionate !!

I only charge £95/hr 🤣

@unofix Hilarious!  Maybe you should give up on this career and go into comedy 😂🤣😂

The fact that pushing on the cluster made a difference alone proved that the connector joints were cracked and causing a problem. It's possible that he's done a poor job of it or that the simple reflow he'll have done may be inadequate, but it's also possible it's somehow something else, some poor connection somewhere, a fault having developed in the ECU, or with the transceiver, or key data has become corrupted and needs reprogramming, or the fault caused CPU damage in the cluster perhaps. I'm afraid that I don't have a simple explanation for such a situation and it may be difficult/expensive to solve.

@rd457 Thanks.  I've taken the circuit board to someone else to look at and do some work on.  He did notice that the guy before hadn't taken off the old solder and replaced with new, just patched up in various places.  This is because he could see the shiny new solder on some joints and not others.  I will pick it up tomorrow and try again.

If that doesn't work then as you say the problem is more than likely and will need further investigation.  I'm not sure its worth it.