Immobiliser Problem

[szklarek]

Drove the car (993 C4) a few miles this morning and parked up for a couple of hours, returned to the car and everything seemed fine. However when putting the small immobiliser key into the slot on the dash I didn't get the usual beeps and, of course, the car wouldn't start (starter motor doesn't turn when you turn the ignition key). I've tried arming and disarming the alarm (which it does just fine) and even disconnecting and reconnecting the battery - but still no joy with the immobiliser.

The car started OK this morning and all other electrical systems seem fine. I've returned home by taxi and will go back shortly with the spare set of keys in case that's the problem. Before I get the car recovered has anybody got any other suggestions?

Hope someone can help.

Kind regards
Anton

 

[szklarek]

Part 2 of the saga

Returned to the car with the spare set of keys - but thought I just give my set one last go - immobiliser beeped and car started! Wierd! Still problem solved (for the moment).

Regards
Anton

 

[plhorner]

Please you've got the car home Anton.
Mine occasionally has a mind of it's own, possibly once a month I have to try a few times before it recognises the immobiliser key. I'm
wondering if the contacts in the slot are a little dirty?

 

[BIG UN]

Had the exact same thing happen to me late last year in my 964. The problem is the immobilisers are getting a little old now and may not even conform to Cat 2 anyway. Instead of trying to replace different parts on it I had my Indy remove the old unit and fit a transponder type which has no contacts so just turn the key and go. Approx £60 for the unit then 2.5hrs labour total. Finding this fault could be very difficult as there should be 4 cuts in total if fitted correct (2 fuel 2 ignition). Hamilton & Palmer are very helpful i've heard but for the price they charge for new parts I chose the more modern option.
Hope that helps in some way Anton.

Andy.

 

[szklarek]

Thanks Andy - I'll follow that one up - hopefully before it happens again!

Regards
Anton

 

[Johnny C]

That happens to me too occasionally. The LED in the central console usually goes a bit berserk too, but it just needs a few secs breathing space and it works. I got a new fob insert a few years back and it did it with that sio I concluded the prongs inside are a bit dirty or worn.

 

[szklarek]

Just spoken to Jim at Hamilton Palmer who feels that the problem was caused by the immobiliser key being damp. The keys were in the back pocket of my running shorts (my wife and I were running a 10K on Sunday) and it was raining. Apparently the immobilser keys don't get 'recognised' properly if they are even a little damp and, once you've put it into the slot you've introduced 'damp' to that as well. Jim feels that you need to leave 20 mins or more for it all to dry out - this ties in with the symptoms I saw on Sunday. He said this used to be quite a common problem.

Moral of the story? Don't get your immobilser key wet or, better still, stay in a warm bed on Sunday mornings rather than doing any silly running in the rain!

Kind regards
Anton