Starting problem continues
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Sterling, MA
Starting problem continues
As you may recall I had some issues a few weeks back when I couldnt get my S to start at work. After trying a few things, non of which worked, I was able to start the car immediately after disconnecting the battery then reconnecting. I drove it home with a CEL that had appeared after starting.
It stayed in the garage untouched until this morning. I decided to see what was up would it happen again?
I put the key in, the green key on the dash did appear and flash, then it stayed on. The car didnt start. The key light did not go off at any time that I had noticed a few weeks back. I took the key out (key flashed after removal) and tried again. The key again flashed a few times and stayed lit... no start, then the light went off... it started. The key then went off and on a few times as the car was running then stoped flashing at all. Turned the car off (no flashing key) Removed the key and tried restart. When I put the key in the key did not light at all. The car did not start. I tried a few more time, no start. (CEL was displayed from original start throughout)
I am guessing I can disconnect the battery again to reset the computer to restart it but of course I am concerned about taking the car anywhere.
Any advice, things to try/check/kick?
Not looking forward to bringing an issue like this to the dealer.
It stayed in the garage untouched until this morning. I decided to see what was up would it happen again?
I put the key in, the green key on the dash did appear and flash, then it stayed on. The car didnt start. The key light did not go off at any time that I had noticed a few weeks back. I took the key out (key flashed after removal) and tried again. The key again flashed a few times and stayed lit... no start, then the light went off... it started. The key then went off and on a few times as the car was running then stoped flashing at all. Turned the car off (no flashing key) Removed the key and tried restart. When I put the key in the key did not light at all. The car did not start. I tried a few more time, no start. (CEL was displayed from original start throughout)
I am guessing I can disconnect the battery again to reset the computer to restart it but of course I am concerned about taking the car anywhere.
Any advice, things to try/check/kick?
Not looking forward to bringing an issue like this to the dealer.
Registered User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 39,285
Likes: 1
From: Franklin MA
i wonder if you could just bypass the immobilizer for a lot less than say a new ecu (that's where the immobilizer is) - the jdm ecu does not use an immobilizer.. also did you try different keys?? another tip is to ask scott or john where the immobilizer actually is and place your space key right next to it to see if the problem goes away..
Registered User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 39,285
Likes: 1
From: Franklin MA
I guess a good test is to see if someone local has a spare ecu and key and then plug it into your car with their key taped to it and see if the car starts fine - i would say that if it does - you'll need a new ecu.. i would NOT buy one from a dealer as the prices here are MUCH better
Registered User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 39,285
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From: Franklin MA
found this
Originally Posted by ,Jan 14 2001, 01:06 PM
Ah the old immobilizer......
Try this. Remove the key from the key ring so it is the only key in the ignition. Turn key to on (position II). Imobilizer light should come on and go out. If it continues to blink. Turn the ignition key to lock (position 0). Remove the key and reinsert in ignition. Turn key to on (position II). Try to start. If this fails your key is bad. [lt purple]Try another key![/ltpurple] If it works carefully examine keys on key ring. Assure:
1) No other immobiler keys on key ring (i.e. grey valet key!)
2) Plastic or leather key FOB - no metal
Note: other keys around ignition may cause problems.
Try this. Remove the key from the key ring so it is the only key in the ignition. Turn key to on (position II). Imobilizer light should come on and go out. If it continues to blink. Turn the ignition key to lock (position 0). Remove the key and reinsert in ignition. Turn key to on (position II). Try to start. If this fails your key is bad. [lt purple]Try another key![/ltpurple] If it works carefully examine keys on key ring. Assure:
1) No other immobiler keys on key ring (i.e. grey valet key!)
2) Plastic or leather key FOB - no metal
Note: other keys around ignition may cause problems.
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,159
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From: Sterling, MA
The S keys are the only key on each keyring. One has a house key on it. The Ridge's keys are separate. Ive always hated having to carry bulky keys around so I have a minimal # of keys on the key rings. Both FOBs have a small metal ring that the keys go onto, but thats fairly standard. Nothing else.
Just to help my nausea get worse... what would an ECU cost?
Just to help my nausea get worse... what would an ECU cost?
