Car not starting could it be an immobiliser issue?

Hi,

I went out to my car the other day and it wouldn't start.
The ignition lights come on but that's as far as it gets.

The good -
1. The battery is under 6 months old and I have tested it with a load tester.
2. The charging system is good so there are no problems there.
3. It starts and runs without any issues if you push start it.
4. I have put it on Lexia and can't see any fault codes pointing to an issue.

The bad -
1. I am missing a transponder from my spare key.
2. The child lock button light is permanently on.
3. The rear doors will not open from the inside when the car is unlocked. ( 2 & 3 may be unrelated to the starting because they have been on before and I have no issues)

I have also re-synced the keys and performed multiple BSI resets.

Question
1. Is there a way to see if the immobiliser is unlocking the ECU. I have seen the option in Lexia but I don't fully understand the meanings?
2. Will your lights and other items like the radio still work if the car is immobilised?
3. Could it be that my starter motor has just suddenly gone?
4. Could it be the transponder in my key fob? But I don't have another working key to test it with because the spare is missing the transponder.

Please can you help.

Thanks

Hi Midiman

If you're confident, which you seem to be, that your battery and charging are OK I'd have a look at the starter motor.

Put your headlights on and see if they dip when you attempt to start?

You could try a few taps around the starter with the wooden/handle end of a hammer to see if that loosens a stuck solenoid. Also listen for any clicks from around the starter area when you try to start.

If your car runs when push started I would think it's unlikely that the immobiliser is preventing it starting with the key. The fuel pump must be running which it wouldn't if immobilised by the BSI.

It goes without saying, be careful working under the bonnet when trying to start the car.

+1 to that. For the age and mileage and the symptoms, go for the starter first

C3CAR wrote:+1 to that. For the age and mileage and the symptoms, go for the starter first

Is there a way to test to power to the starter before taking it out?

I don't want to get a mechanic out to replace the item if it's not related to the Starter.

I would assume that it would have to be the starter if it is getting power and not turning.

Thanks

Missing Lincs wrote:Hi Midiman

If you're confident, which you seem to be, that your battery and charging are OK I'd have a look at the starter motor.

Put your headlights on and see if they dip when you attempt to start?

You could try a few taps around the starter with the wooden/handle end of a hammer to see if that loosens a stuck solenoid. Also listen for any clicks from around the starter area when you try to start.

If your car runs when push started I would think it's unlikely that the immobiliser is preventing it starting with the key. The fuel pump must be running which it wouldn't if immobilised by the BSI.

It goes without saying, be careful working under the bonnet when trying to start the car.

Thanks.

It's a pain whatever it is. I just need to know if the Starter is getting power.

I'm going to speak to a local mechanic and see if he can diagnose the issue without having to take it out.

Europarts sell a replacement item for around £99.