I've had my fabia about 6 months and I have really enjoyed driving it. It seems to however developed a fault, where it doesn't recognise either of my keys and refuses to start. This happened a couple of times but then the car started fine... But today it is refusing to start. Another thread said to replace the dashboard. Has anyone had a similar problem? Any help would be fantastic.

Edited 1 June, 201214 yr by jamscones

It might be worth changing the pickup coil around the ignition lock first, but before that, get a VCDS scan.

Thanks. will do. Can i get that done at any normal garage?

You need VCDS or a dealer computer really, so a VAG specialist, or look here and ask someone nicely, bribe them with beer perhaps?

Thanks! Ill get some beers in.

Mine is doing the same too.I found most of the time it starts after a few times of removing the key and trying again. But it's so annoying and often happens when you really dont need it! I have had to over ride the immobiliser entering the code from the key a couple of times now, but I am looking to get it dissabled - if thats possible?? Is there something I can disconnect? Regards Wendy

If its anything like the mk4 Ibiza, the problem could be dry solder joints on the connector on the back of the instrument cluster. I've fixed several with this fault. Alternatively, yes the immobiliser can be disabled by editing some hex data in one of the EEPROMs on either the ECU or instrument cluster, best to do it on the instrument cluster to avoid a flashing key on the dash. Both will allow the car to start and drive normally but get rid of an anti-theft/ safety function in the process Another way is to source a second hand set and code them in with VCDS.