Hi, went to unlock my car this morning wouldnt work. had to manually unlock it with the key and when i got in it wouldn't start, the battery was fine as it kept on ticking over.

the abs/traction and handbrake lights also popped along with the IMMOBOLISER light. Just about started it, thought it was the batteries in the key so got the spare key out and same problem...

I gave it yesterday to a garage to change the wheel bearing/hub they never had time to change it and im not even sure if they opened the car, and also it was fine when I picked it up and fine up until this morning...

Gave it back to them now, another problem to fix, more money...

Could it be the immoboliser if so how much am i looking at.

Hi, went to unlock my car this morning wouldnt work. had to manually unlock it with the key and when i got in it wouldn't start, the battery was fine as it kept on ticking over.

That sounds more like a flat battery to me. Once the engine is running, I would expect the alternator to be supplying enough power to keep the car ticking over (and to be recharging the battery) - normal concept of a jump start.

iirc, the immobiliser is passive (essentially RFID), and batteries in the key are only there to send the unlock/lock commands to the car.

hmm, well how come the lights were on? Also when the battery is flat no lights should come on at all right and it shouldnt even try to tick over.

Hi, went to unlock my car this morning wouldnt work. had to manually unlock it with the key and when i got in it wouldn't start, the battery was fine as it kept on ticking over.

Do you mean when you turned the key, there was enough power in the battery to keep turning the starter motor? But it wouldn't "catch" and start?

Do you mean when you turned the key, there was enough power in the battery to keep turning the starter motor? But it wouldn't "catch" and start?

thats it mate.

I think its something to do with the electronics/immoboliser for the following reasons:

1) Both keys do not unlock the car when I press the buttons

2) Battery and starter motor seem fine

3) Immoboliser light was flashing

Strange thing is, it did start fine two times and it drove fine except for the fact that the ABS and traction lights were on.

Driving home last night and from the garage, it was started and stopped about 5 times at least. It was perfect.

Now I might be picking at straws here, it rained last night maybe theres a leak somewhere and its done something to the electrics?

thats it mate.

Arh, I think we define tickover as something different. To me it is an engine running at idle, I guess you mean start motor to engage and turn, but the engine not to catch.

If you're got access to another car take your battery out and take it to Halfords for a free check. That will at least eliminate a flat battery as the problem.

My car did this to me the other week and it was indeed a dud battery even though the lights didn't look dim which would normally indicate a flat battery. It turned over ok at first and would start after a few tries but then a few days later it died on me and just wouldn't start at all.. I think the immobiliser light will come on if it fails to start regardless of whether the immobiliser is at fault. New battery sorted it.

Edited 29 September, 201015 yr by chicken_eyebrow

hmm, well how come the lights were on? Also when the battery is flat no lights should come on at all right and it shouldnt even try to tick over.

It's possible for the battery to have enough potential to operate the ancilliaries, but not enough to start the engine...

I phoned the mechanic and asked if it could be the dead battery, he reckons not cus it turns. hmm. wish it is just that though.

got it back from the mechanic, he's cleared the lights and it starts and locks fine now.

He said to me change the coilpack. i phoned gsf they have em in stock £27, they said ignition pencil or something. is that the right part?

ive got it now. which one will be numer 3. if i count from the left by the water coolant

Right, opened it up. removed the plug off 1 of the ignition packs. after 2mins the car makes a clicking noise and the immoboliser and tractionn lights come on again. the clicking noise is from the engine.

wierd or what? car was off.

now how do i remove the old pack and put a new 1 in.

right, managed to chage it. took it for a quick drive and parked back up. no lights for now.

Right, so far its started oright but the following 3 lights are still on: handbrake, traction, abs.

And I still heard the clicking noise when I turned the car off once. what on earth is wrong with it now?!

Still starting oright, and lights have now gone. Wierd...

The clicking you can hear could be a relay clicking,id try to locate the clicking & see what component is making the noise,id have a look on top of your battery at the fuses & wiring as this can cause problems,its ok your mechanic clearing the lights but did he get any codes before he cleared them? id also look at components for water ingress as you said this has happend after a downpour,maybe water has got into a component & is shorting it out.

Yeah, sounds about right. He told me number 3 coil pack, I changed it and so far its starting up fine. So I guess the starting problem is sorted.

But looks like theres another problem aswell. Shame, as I was about to keep this car after it done a 1300 mile trip around scotland without fault.

Will be up for sale soon. :(