Fiat immobiliser

[Shepp]

I am having a problem starting my Fiat based 1998 Bessacar. When I insert the key the icons are shown but the key icon "code" stays on and the engine turns over but will not start. I tried all the keys including the red master key but no luck. After several attemps, about 3/4 hour, the icon went out and the engine started. I have had no trouble since then, about a week ago, but am worried this may happen again.

[rapidoman]

if you have remote locking sometimes if you try to unlock van from a distance it causes key to decode. i was told by a mechanic that if it happens then van wont start, he told me to put key in ignition turn on and hold locking button on key down for 5 seconds. it worked on my citreon relay works van but cant say if it will work on the fiat.it seems to reset key code.but maybe the answer is to get closer to van before locking/unlocking.

[Shepp]

Thanks for your reply but I do not have remote locking.

[Mickt]

This happened to me about 2 years ago , since then it has been ok and

 

i put it down to something interfering with the radio waves. I was near

 

radio transmiter at the time. Since then been ok and when talking to the

 

Fiat dealer he said leave well alone if now working.

 

I have everything crossed now hoping it wont happen again

 

My MH is on a Fiat 2.8jtd 2003 model

[Shepp]

Thanks for the information. I will keep everthing crossed as well but having gooled it, it seems to be a problem with Fiats.

[Minstrel]

We have an ongoing problem with our immobilizer, Fiat garage here have changed it but just as bad. We now think that the connections are iffy and bumpy roads are one of the things that upsets it. There is a garage in Southampton that removes the immobilizer from all Fiat ambulances in the Wessex area before they go into service. We think we may go there sometime as it's very embarrassing not to be able to start the car on the ferry until the truck is arriving to tow you off. Mind you it's not as bad as not starting to get on the ferry!

[Derek Uzzell]

Shepp - 2010-08-21 8:44 AM

 

Thanks for the information. I will keep everthing crossed as well but having gooled it, it seems to be a problem with Fiats.

 

I vaguely recall something in MMM magazine years ago about Ducato immobilisers operating peculiarly (I'm pretty sure it mentioned German owners of Fiat-based Hymers getting very peeved over it.)

 

I also remember reading a claim (I think it was in a letter to a French motorhome magazine) that there was some quite simple miraculous work-around that could be used to by-pass the immobiliser if was playing up. It was never revealed (for obvious security reasons) how this was done, so Lord knows if there's any truth in it!

 

I note that it has come up before on this forum:

 

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=13774&posts=4

 

 

[Minstrel]

Yes, someone gave us instructions on how to remove the immobiliser, but it sounded as if we could damage the engine management system if we did a DIY job

[Keithl]

And don't forget to tell your insurance company if you remove or disconnect it.

They may have something to say if you do and possibly even want to charge you more or cancel your insurance.

[thebishbus]

Hi, another possibility could be a connection problem with the impact fuel cut off switch under the bonnet. If the problem returns try pushing in the connections to the switch and the reset button on top. Although if this was the problem I think it would it would occur more often.

Brian B.

[sheer lunar-see]

Although I have never had this problem with the motorhome, I did have a similar problem with my scicento, and it turned out to be a earthing point on the engine/ gearbox, sometimes it would be o.k, then it would stop working. Dont rely on a visual inspection, make certain it is not just the insulation that is holding it together.

Hope this helps. (lol) (lol)

[Big Momma]

Shepp - 2010-08-21 8:44 AM

 

Thanks for the information. I will keep everthing crossed as well but having gooled it, it seems to be a problem with Fiats.

 

Wee bit harsh Shepp and a rather sweeping statement. I have been Motor Homing for 12 years 3 of my 4 vans have been FIAT and I have not encountered any such problem, so perhaps not a problem with all FIATS eh :D

[Stew]

I has exactly the same problem on my 1999 Autotrail Chieftain. When it initially did happened is was as you described I left it for a while and eventually it would start. Then it didn't happen again for quite a while, but when it did it would be when you least needed it to occur,like after I'd filled up with fuel,or queueing to board a ferry. I spoke with a local diesel specialist who told me it was a common fault on the Fiat with the solenoid on the fuel pump which was linked into the Fiat code system. He advised me that the best thing to do was remove it and replace it with a normal stop solenoid, this he did for me for @£80.00. Since then not a single re occurance, obviously this removes the key code immobiliser system, but as I have another alarm/immobiliser system on the vehicle I was not too worried. It renewed my faith in the vehicle, because using it before I never knew if it would start again once I'd stopped it. Hope this helps you.

 

Stew :-D