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Immobilizer Problem

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Hi I wonder if someone can help my son has a 2004 Fiesta 1,4 he has been away for 14 months and the car has sat here with us starting the car up now and then the battery went flat about

2 months ago and we have now got round to charging it up but the car will not start the immobilizer red light on the dash is flashing away any help would be really appreciated we have owned the car since new but can only find one key  



Is it dead when you turn the key apart from ignition lights on and the immobiliser flashing or is the engine actually turning over but not firing?

Have you tried bump starting it?

  • Author

Thanks for your prompt reply its dead when you turn the key apart from ignition lights on and the immobiliser flashing no have not tried bumping it have tried jumping it 

Im thinking bump start incase the starter is seized to rule it out. The immobiliser light flashes in a pattern if its a fault so you can get a reference code from it. I will see if i can find how to read the flashes and how it relates to a problem.

There are a few really clued up guys on here so hopefully they will be along soon to help you out. Im just going off things ive read about rather than experience.

  • Author

Thank you so much will give it bump start in the morning and read the flashing we have had this car for 12 years and I am really loathed just to send it to the car grave yard 

Stoney871     6,675

  • Stoney871
  • Super Mod
  • 21,672 posts

When the LED flashes you may see a pattern.

Watch it next time and you may be able to work out what code it's flashing

The code is usually repeated about 10 times and will signify a two number code i.e.-

Flash flash pause flash would be code 2,1.

These codes assist in diagnosing immobiliser faults.

If the light flashes rapidly with a long amount of flashes it usually means the key is not recognised at all.

From Fordwiki-

PATS Immobiliser Fault Codes

Introduction

If a fault develops on a vehicle fitted with Ford PATS there are a series of simple checks which can be carried out before proceeding, if necessary, to the FDS2000 diagnostic programme. There are also a number of self-diagnostic two-digit codes which may be displayed by the indicator LED which indicate a specific fault and could avoid the need to proceed with the FDS2000 diagnostic programme.


Note: The indicator LED must be carefully observed and the sequence of flashes noted.


When the two-digit codes are flashed, for example 1:3, a single flash followed by a break, followed by three flashes and a break, will be repeated ten times before the LED finally goes out.


Fault Finding Procedure-

Fault - Engine does not start or crank: LED does not illuminate


PATS system fuses in foot well fuse box. Fit or renew as necessary.

If alarm is fitted check whether LED functions for alarm: If OK go to FDS2000. If not OK check cigar lighter fuse (this also supplies power to
LED).

Fault - Engine does not start or crank: LED flashes rapidly. (Engine is immobilised but key will not cancel immobilisation)


Check: Leave ignition switched on for at least one minute or until LED starts to flash two-digit code. Note the code being flashed and compare with the following list:-


Code Problem Check

1 : 3 Key code not received is the key obscured, try again with different key, key may be damaged/faulty

1 : 4 Partial code only received is the key obscured, try again with different key, key may be damaged or faulty

1: 5 Key not programmed to PATS Programme key

1 : 6 Faulty link between PATS and EEC v module check with FDS2000

Programme key.


Fault: Engine does not start or crank: LED illuminates for 4 seconds and goes out: (PATS is working correctly, possible fault elsewhere in system)


Check:

Starter solenoid relay, renew if necessary. If still no start, Go to FDS2000.


Fault: Engine cranks but does not start. LED illuminates for 4 seconds and goes out (PATS is working correctly, fault elsewhere in system)


Check:

Power to PCM or fuel pump (diesel), if still no start, Go to FDS2000 Check PCM fault, Go to FDS2000 (Petrol and Gas engines)

Fault: Engine starts but LED stays on


Check:

Leave ignition on (engine running) for at least one minute or until LED starts to flash two-digit code 2 : 1 Less than three keys programmed into module: vehicle can be driven but one or two more keys should be programmed into memory.

 

 

 

  • Author

Hi we have tried bumping and nothing the flashing LED is continuous so I am sure its the immobilizer any idea how I get this sorted please  

Does the Immobiliser not flash as indicated in the post above? If there is a problem with it it should be flashing in one of the several patterns listed. Once the pattern is noted an Immobiliser fault can then be diagnosed.

Leave the ignition on for at least 1 minute to see if it starts to flash one of the sequences above.

  • Author

It flashes 7 times after 1 minute 

Its a pattern you need to look for i.e,

1 flash - pause (break) - 6 flashes

Then refer to the wiki page listed above

1 flash - pause (break) -  6 flashes would be - 

1 : 6 Faulty link between PATS and EEC v module check with FDS2000

If its not giving a sequence like i listed then the Immobiliser might be fine and the problem be elsewhere. There are also various symptoms on the same listing above.

  • 3 years later...

Hi I have started to have a issue with my fiesta. 2010 plate

Boot unlocks now today says immobilizer malfunction

Car starts sort of but I'm worried this is a big fault

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