Hi Everyone,

My fathers driving school uses an 02 plate Fabia 1.9 SDi.

The car is serviced regularly and performs perfectly fine, with the exception of the intermittent fault (suspected immobiliser).

Two weeks ago the car was parked up in between lessons, when he tried to set off again the immob. light came on the dash and the engine started and cut out within seconds. We raced over with the second (spare) key to try get him going but it made no difference which key he used. The AA were called and by the time they arrived the car would start, so they kindly followed him over to the dealers in Bradford. Two days later we get a call from the dealers; they have tested the car / immob. / and keys all appear to be working fine. They added as a note that one of the keys was putting out a low signal, whatever that's supposed to mean? From what I understand the signal transmitted by the key-FOB is only to unlock / lock the vehicle, the chip for the immob. is part of an induction-loop located behind the ignition barrel, so the chip in the key does not 'put out a signal'? Am I right?

They have quoted me £300+ to have a replacement ignition barrel fitted, despite not diagnosing the problem - and this worries me. I would be happier to pay an auto-electrician to come and remove the immobiliser completely before paying £300 to replace the ignition and find the problem remains.

If anyone can share similar experiences / solutions, or better still offer a better diagnosis I would be very greatful. Also, is there any information available for the removal of the immobiliser on these cars? We have previously had the immobiliser disabled on a horrible Renault Scenic (after an engine change, the immobiliser refused to reset). For the Renault it turned out that the immobiliser just switched the high-pressure pump off when engaged, so a bit of sticky tape over the light and an ignition live the the pump relay and everything was fine, except it was still a Renault.

Thanks!

Tom.

On another note, if anyone can reccomend a reliable auto-electrician / garage who can deal with this that would be great too. We have driving tests booked and cannot afford to risk this happening to a student on test. We're based in Leeds (nr. Leeds Bradford Airport)

Thanks again.

The problem could be with the reader coil, the wiring or the instrument cluster. I can remove the immobiliser for you if you require which will stop this from happening again.

I can travel to you or you can bring the car here, if you'd like to get in touch (telephone number below) then we can work something out.

Regards