1.9td Starting Problems. Immobiliser?

[John M]

Hello. I've just bought an 'M' reg 1994 Xantia 1.9TD. It didn't come with the remote key, just the ordinary key to insert into the door. Until yesterday this has been OK with starting the car. It has now refused to let the car start. The engine turns over, but only the battery and handbrake lights come on, and the red LED above the radio has now started to flash. (I can't remember it flashing before).

Is it now that the immobiliser has somehow become active? Is there anything else I can do to get it started?

Many thanks for any help.

[DickieG]

I'm pretty sure that an 'm' reg Xantia diesel wasn't fitted with an immobilser. The red LED relates to the alarm which you should be able to turn off via a switch under the bonnet on the scuttle.

 

Have you tested for faults with the glowplugs and fuel leaks (squeeze the primer bulb) does this make a difference?

[John M]

I'm pretty sure that an 'm' reg Xantia diesel wasn't fitted with an immobilser. The red LED relates to the alarm which you should be able to turn off via a switch under the bonnet on the scuttle.

 

Have you tested for faults with the glowplugs and fuel leaks (squeeze the primer bulb) does this make a difference?

 

Thanks for the reply.

I did think that the alarm was turned off (due to it not going off when I open the doors with the key) but I will check again what position the switch under the bonnet is set to.

Prior to this it was difficult to start anyway, and it did need priming if left for a day or so, but would fire after two to three attempts.

This is the first time that the other warning lights, including the glowplug light, haven't all come on when the ignition is started. (Hence thinking it was the immobiliser).

Any other ideas?

[John M]

Thanks for the reply previously. We managed to get the car started after leaving the battery disconnected for a while, and then running a supply direct from the battery to the glowplugs. (This also happened to a bloke at work the week before, and this was the advice given to him).

This then allowed it to start, and has been OK (so far) from then.

Yes, there is also a potential leak somewhere on the fuel side, as the bulb goes soft and can be pressed a few times before it starts.

Anyway, thanks for the advice.

[Guest chunky]

Hi there

I've been reading the problems you've ben experiencing with your Xantia, and it appears I'm having identical trouble.

Initially it was intermittent, but now I can't start the car at all. I've tried a new glow plug relay, and have even rigged a "by-pass" switch to the plugs, but no joy.

Could you tell me more about the power supply you set up, and any update as to how the car is running now?

Thanks

Darren

[John M]

Hi there

I've been reading the problems you've ben experiencing with your Xantia, and it appears I'm having identical trouble.

Initially it was intermittent, but now I can't start the car at all. I've tried a new glow plug relay, and have even rigged a "by-pass" switch to the plugs, but no joy.

Could you tell me more about the power supply you set up, and any update as to how the car is running now?

Thanks

Darren

Fairly simple answer I'm afraid; It's not running now!

It happened again while I was out and about and had to eventually resort to the breakdown company. The first thing he said was 'Immoboliser' and then got a tow truck. The previous owner found the remote key, but even after soldering etc, it wouldn't link to the car, so I've had to resort to buying another car, and this has been parked up since.

 

If anyone knows how to get past the Immobiliser (that apparently should be there!) that would help...

[hibobs]

Fairly simple answer I'm afraid; It's not running now!

It happened again while I was out and about and had to eventually resort to the breakdown company. The first thing he said was 'Immoboliser' and then got a tow truck. The previous owner found the remote key, but even after soldering etc, it wouldn't link to the car, so I've had to resort to buying another car, and this has been parked up since.

 

If anyone knows how to get past the Immobiliser (that apparently should be there!) that would help...

I know its a long time since this was posted but i'm also getting the same problem.

 

I know its not the immobiliser because it hasn't got one and if i keep trying to start it by flicking ignition on/off i can get it back, sometimes just leaving it a while sorts it out. This makes me think its a sticky relay but what relay controls the fuel cut off and glow heaters?

[techbod]

if it has a key pad it has an immobiliser? newer cars have very sophisticated systems installed and diagnostics required

[techbod]

unfortunately you need the code im assuming its the key pad?

[hibobs]

I know its not the immobiliser because it hasn't got one

[techbod]

the keypad is the immobiliser and is linked to the fuel pump so you cant start it if you don't know the 4 digit code,

 

it doesn't have chip in the key which is also known as an immobiliser this system is for newer cars and from I think 2000 when the keypad was replaced with chip in key.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Chip in key immobiliser came in with the Mk 2, My '98 S reg Hdi had that. My previous '96 1.9 TD was keypad.I have heard that the keypad immobiliser can be defeated by unplugging it once the engine is running. Most people here in Shetland did that as we don't have a problem with car crime here.

[Johndouglas]

I know its not the immobiliser because it hasn't got one and if i keep trying to start it by flicking ignition on/off i can get it back,

 

Your key has a chip in it. When you put the key in the ignition lock, a reader coil recognises the key chip and deactivates the immobilizer. If it sometimes fails to work, you have a 'dodgy' connection.