Had the following intermitant problem a couple of times resulting in abandoning the car each time. Octavia Ambiente Estate 1.9TDi '01

Open car with fob, insert key, lights on in dash but nothing happens when key is turned to the start position.

1st Time I returned home (on foot) and got the spare which worked first time! Flat battery in the fob was my first thought and must get my second!!! about a week later same again but with the spare key! Batteries quickly bought and inserted still nothing!

Attempt at syncronising the key by unlocking and replicating the action with the key as per manual - no joy. Next night worked fine!!

A week later the Temp/Water level warning comes on. When ignition switched off the car wont start again. Abandoned the car for the day went back last night car started straight away!!! Temp/water Warning light on again. Ignition off then try to start without any joy.

Trying the emergency immobiliser code was unsucsessful as well.

Is there anyone who has experienced a similar problem and fixed it?

Shug

Doesn't sound like an immobiliser fault to me. The key batteries have nothing to do with the immobiliser, it interupts the fuel supply, the engine will turn over and briefly fire and then stop, also the orange key symbol on the dash will be lit up if the ECU hasn't recieved the start code.

Could be a starter or battery problem.

Thanks Fordfan for the response it makes sense.

Guess my next steps are likely to be a check through the starter circuit, is there a relay hidden away somewhere that triggers the starter? Should I also check the fuel shut off valve for activation? with ignition on?