Has happened twice now, just starts and slowly dies a short time after. Majority of the time starts ok though. The immobiliser light does not come on on the dash to tell you the immobiliser has kicked in. A code scan of the engine controller says start blocked by immobilizer, no other codes on other controllers.

The only thing I have changed recently is I turned on a feature on an aftermarket alarm which keeps the indicator lights turned on a short time after unlocking, and turning off ignition. The alarm ECU is installed well away from other ECUs.

My first thought was my work pass, which has an RFID tag, could have caused it. I had it in my pocket at those times. Testing this theory, I tried starting the car a few times, with the card directly next to the ignition barrel. It started perfectly every time, so probably not that.

Other suggestions I have come across include trying to use the spare key instead, and resetting the ECUs by shorting the battery terminals away from the battery - which I'll give a go.

Beginning to wonder if it's indicative of a fault likely to develop over time?

Edited 31 October, 201213 yr by anewman

I had the same issue in my previous car (a Clio) and it was caused by the key. Had to get a new one from a dealer. Expensive unfortunately. Don't know whether it could be your problem though.

Has it only started happening now the weather is colder/nights drawing in? Could just be the battery...

Mine done similar. Although it wouldn't turn over 99% of the time, it would bump start without issue. Turned out to be broken earth lead for starter motor.

Pretty certain the battery is fine. About a year old, and is a 096 Bosch one which is way bigger than needed for the mpi. Started 5 times in a row (to see if it would happen again), then switched off, and motor turned fast every time.

About to start using the other key to see if it ever happens with that one.

Intermittent faults are annoying

Edited 1 November, 201213 yr by anewman

It sounds like it might either be the key or the sensor ring around the ignition.

It is strange that the light doesn't come on though. Does the light come on when you turn the ignition on then go out? Think that's what it's meant to do then come on again if there is an immobiliser fault.

Phil

Strange that it starts at all if it's the immobiliser.

Cleared the code the first time, so will check to see if second time has same code, and report exact code here. Just a bit worried it will get worse and leave me stranded.

Other thing that confuses me is it's the engine controller, rather than instrument panel where immobiliser is located.

It shouldn't be like a glow plug light should it? I.e. Wait for the light to go out before cranking?

Sent from my Blade using Tapatalk 2

Yep same as before.

Address 01: Engine Labels: Redir Fail!

Controller: 047 906 033 H

Component: 1,4l SIMOS3PA 00HSSJ4G

Coding: 00031

Shop #: WSC 13765

1 Fault Found:

17978 - Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer

P1570 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent

Readiness: 0010 0001

As far as I can tell, the immobilizer itself is registering the key - i.e. the light comes on then goes out, even when this happens.

(Two readiness codes haven't cleared. They do if I manually run the tests - but it seems a waste of time and petrol).

Edited 1 November, 201213 yr by anewman

Update: since using the spare key instead it's not happened yet. Being intermittent only time will tell though.

Sounds like you need a new chip in the key then.

They are pretty cheap off ebay then just needs programming in with VCDS (if you know your SKC code) or some other software to retrieve the code.

Phil