Technical orange key code light remains illuminated when you try to start

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Technical orange key code light remains illuminated when you try to start

bigmick13

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Hi there my son has got a bravo 1.4s 1996 and the engine turns over but it wont start the orange key code light is remaining illuminated when we try to start the car please can anyone help we have used the red key and the blue one
cheers mick
 
I guess you're suspicious that the problem is related to the immobiliser/key code just going by the way you've framed your question. A fair assumption if the key symbol on the dash doesn't go out as it should after a few seconds.

But before arriving at that conclusion maybe it is recognising the key but then staying illuminated because of a problem with a sensor or actuator in the engine management system. This problem is also stopping the car starting.

A good first step with such problems is to check wiring and plugs in the EMS loom. Not as hard as it sounds, pull out any plug you can find, clean contacts, smear with vaseline and replace (has worked for me when my 1.4 has started running rough). Check the idle control valve operation and maybe swap the injector for a scrap yard part.....a fairly cheap and easy job.

You can also do some more 'traditional' checks such as is there power to the fuel pump / is there a spark at the plug.

Also, if you're very lucky, simply disconnecting the battery for half an hour then reconnecting might work.

However, if it is just the car not recognising the key I can't help as it's not a problem I've had:)
 
Hi there
I there is no spark getting to the plugs but power is getting to the ECU this is why i assumed it was an immobiliser problem im open to any help in fixing the problem have been at it for two weeks and next idea is a big hammer
 
All I can say is try the things above. Get a cheap multimeter if you don't already have one; according to http://www.fiatboo.co.uk/fix-a-bravo.htm this issue can also be caused by poor battery condition (I'm aware the car is turning over!).

First I'd disconnect the battery for half and hour, reconnect and try again. If unsuccessful try with jump leads. Then check EMS wiring.

The fact is EMS errors are normally only quickly solved with a diagnostic......and I know nothing about key/immobiliser issues as I've never suffered them! Maybe someone else can confirm if key/immobiliser issues will show on a diagnostic?
 
Fiat examiner will tell you if code has been recieved (accepted) if not then you could have a problem on the 'K' line which you would need a oscilliscope to observe the signal request pattern.

Probably a codebox though going by probability.
 
IBut before arriving at that conclusion maybe it is recognising the key but then staying illuminated because of a problem with a sensor or actuator in the engine management system. This problem is also stopping the car starting.
the key code light is only related to the immob system, the injector light would stay on if there was a problem with the engine management system. an ecu fault could also cause the key code light to come on.

the most likely problem is a bad connection between the aerial on the ignition switch and the code box which is near the interior fusebox. wiggle the wires and it usually fixes the problem.
 
Fair point Jug......Bigmick, my reply above is incorrect as I've confused the key light with the injector warning light for EMS issues.

All I can say then is that a diagnosis saves time (but costs money!)
 
As said before the immo ecu is the most likely, however before you change that check for +12v with ignition turned on to immo pin 1 (red or red/blue).
If you dont have a meter to hand you can improvise with a sidelight bulb
connected between pin 1 and ground.
Also +12v present at immo ecu red wire and orange wire.
 
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