Won't start

[Chris Yeomans]

I have recently purchased a 2001 and until last Friday has been no problem.
However after parking up to collect my daughter it wouldn't start!
The RAC seemed to confirm it was the immobiliser as there was not spark and no fuel coming through, so after a total of 5 hours wait (not their fault but bad traffic) the car was put on a low loader and bought home.
Having tried both spare keys as advised still no joy, any ideas?
Thanks Chris

[Call the midlife!]

Might be an idea to check for water getting onto the ECU if it just failed to start without any other symptoms? 
Does it crank at all but just not fire up?
ECU is in the end of the passenger storage bin and can end up sat in water from a leaky roof/blocked drain, if you pull the end trim off in the storage bin and have a feel around to see if it's wet.

[tricky1138]

Does the immobiliser light go out when you put the key in the ignition? If it does then I'd say its not immobiliser.

Light is in the middle of the heater control panel.

[Chris Yeomans]

Thanks for the reply guys, I only just found these?
The car hasn't seen rain for the past 3 years so it can't be water ingress and the red light doesn't go out when you put the key in.
It turns (new battery about 4 months ago) but just won't fire, the RAC said there was no spark or fuel getting through.

[Joesson]

@Chris Yeomans , not a common problem, probably less so than being aware of an answer to a question posted on here.
You will see that there is an " Alert" for you, this because I prefixed your name with an @.
Similarly you would have received an " Alert" if I had " quoted " you.

The responders to your question won't know that you have now " responded"
But if I write @Call the midlife! The car hasn't been in the rain for 3 years
and if I write @tricky1138 the red light doesn't go out so how do I check the immobiliser  please, they will be alerted to your response.
Sorry that I can't help directly, I have been fortunate with my 2.
Just to finish we have a section for Newcomers to say hello and tell us what you've got, where I would say " Hello and Welcome, sorry you have a problem but someone will be along to help you after the failing of the RAC. On that basis I guess the ROC could be called the 5th Emergency service!"

[Chris Yeomans]

@Chris Yeomans , not a common problem, probably less so than being aware of an answer to a question posted on here.
You will see that there is an " Alert" for you, this because I prefixed your name with an @.
Similarly you would have received an " Alert" if I had " quoted " you.

The responders to your question won't know that you have now " responded"
But if I write @Call the midlife! The car hasn't been in the rain for 3 years
and if I write @tricky1138 the red light doesn't go out so how do I check the immobiliser  please, they will be alerted to your response.
Sorry that I can't help directly, I have been fortunate with my 2.
Just to finish we have a section for Newcomers to say hello and tell us what you've got, where I would say " Hello and Welcome, sorry you have a problem but someone will be along to help you after the failing of the RAC. On that basis I guess the ROC could be called the 5th Emergency service!"

[Carolyn]

It does sound like an immobiliser problem, which is in the ECU unfortunately.

There is only one quick and sure method to check this, and that is to use another ECU.

That involves removing the bins behind the seats, removing a guard plate and unplugging and removing the ECU.

If that is a task you feel is within your ability, the club may be able to assist.

There is such a thing as an ECU that does not have an immobiliser.

I have such an ECU, which has been loaned out a few times to folk with just this problem.  It is a JDM import ECU from an MR S.  It is very precious, and must be returned in good condition.

If putting one in allows the car to start, you know the ECU was at fault.

Then you can install a used ECU with keys to match (swap over the key internals) and it will be fixed.

PM me with contact details and we'll see what can be done.

 

[Chris Yeomans]

It does sound like an immobiliser problem, which is in the ECU unfortunately.

There is only one quick and sure method to check this, and that is to use another ECU.

That involves removing the bins behind the seats, removing a guard plate and unplugging and removing the ECU.

If that is a task you feel is within your ability, the club may be able to assist.

There is such a thing as an ECU that does not have an immobiliser.

I have such an ECU, which has been loaned out a few times to folk with just this problem.  It is a JDM import ECU from an MR S.  It is very precious, and must be returned in good condition.

If putting one in allows the car to start, you know the ECU was at fault.

Then you can install a used ECU with keys to match (swap over the key internals) and it will be fixed.

PM me with contact details and we'll see what can be done.

 

Hi Carolyn, that sounds great.
A friend is coming over tomorrow to take a look for me but not sure how successful it will be so that would be great if you could send it over.
Where can I buy an ECU without an immobiliser if this is the problem?

[Carolyn]

Hi Chris,

I really would have preferred you had used a private message for those personal details, but hey, it's done now.

The problem with buying an MR S ECU is - you can't!

I'll call you.

[Carolyn]

I had a call from @Chris Yeomans yesterday.

The MR S ECU had arrived and been plugged in.  The car runs.

Now it's over to the breakers for a replacement ECU with a set of keys.

Yee hah!

[Chris Yeomans]

Yes and thanks Carolyn for posting the ECU so quickly.
It will bevon it's way back to - somewhat reluctantly, next week.
Josh is sending me another ECU so I should be on the road again next week.👍
Rest assured there will be a donation to the club so it can continue helping people like myself.
Thanks again for all of you who took the time to assist.
Chris

[shnazzle]

Appreciate it Chris and glad to see yet another problem resolved

[Frank Rabbets]

What a brilliant piece of help and stunning result. I believe you can send off ECUs to have a quote for their repair. Specialists companies are online.

[Ardent]

@Frank Rabbets
What a brilliant piece of help and stunning result.
That's the way we roll.

[tricky1138]

Glad to see it's getting sorted. Knew it had to be immobiliser.

Still can't believe it's built into the ECU, but guess that's part of the security of it.

[Carolyn]

Are you up and running now?

[Chris Yeomans]

Yes thanks Carolyn and again a massive thanks to those who helped me get it sorted. It saved a me not only a huge amount of money but also time.

[J88TEO]

What a brilliant piece of help and stunning result. I believe you can send off ECUs to have a quote for their repair. Specialists companies are online.

Yes...had the ECU for my old BMW 635Csi rebuilt - more like exchage unit.

[1979scotte]

What a brilliant piece of help and stunning result. I believe you can send off ECUs to have a quote for their repair. Specialists companies are online.

Yes...had the ECU for my old BMW 635Csi rebuilt - more like exchage unit.

Great car

[J88TEO]

What a brilliant piece of help and stunning result. I believe you can send off ECUs to have a quote for their repair. Specialists companies are online.

Yes...had the ECU for my old BMW 635Csi rebuilt - more like exchage unit.

Great car

Money pit as it aged - had to let it go. Replaced with Merc 300E.

[1979scotte]

What a brilliant piece of help and stunning result. I believe you can send off ECUs to have a quote for their repair. Specialists companies are online.

Yes...had the ECU for my old BMW 635Csi rebuilt - more like exchage unit.

Great car

Money pit as it aged - had to let it go. Replaced with Merc 300E.

I had a 300CE great car

[J88TEO]

I had a 300CE great car
[/quote]
In fact I am thinking of getting a 300CE....mmmmmm...