Technical Anti Theft Immobilizer Fault

[Spev11]

Ive got an 08 Scudo, recently I get the "Anti Theft Immobilizer Fault" coming up on the dash panel and the van wont start, if I bugger about with the remote buttons for a couple of presses it clears and the van works. I've replaced the transponder receiver and its still the same intermittent fault.
ive only got the one key (supplied when I bought it used) so I have no way of checking another key. So my question(s) are:-
1. Is it most likely the key transponder?
2. Can I disable the immobilizer? (prob not the best option)
3. Any other ideas? (Im at the end of my tether)

any help much appreciated

 

[Steo M]

Sounds like the key is the fault, silly question but have you tried changing the battery in it? I don't think they're that dear to get cut, you can get a cheaper one cut without the remote control buttons, just means you open the van using the key. The immobiliser is built into the ECU (van's computer) which reads your key when you turn the ignition, it can't be bypassed.

 

[Spev11]

yeah changed the battery, which seemed to make a difference for about half a day. Given the intermittent nature of the problem I suspected the key but i'm loath to pay out on a new one and it not make any difference.
Ah well i'll have to bit the bullet.

 

[varesecrazy]

yeah changed the battery, which seemed to make a difference for about half a day. Given the intermittent nature of the problem I suspected the key but i'm loath to pay out on a new one and it not make any difference.
Ah well i'll have to bit the bullet.

Hi,
I'm not sure what style of key fob you've got but a few have dry solder / vibration damage issues,

minirib has a few fixes for these..,

Charlie

 

[Steo M]

yeah changed the battery, which seemed to make a difference for about half a day. Given the intermittent nature of the problem I suspected the key but i'm loath to pay out on a new one and it not make any difference.
Ah well i'll have to bit the bullet.

A blank remote control key can be bought on Ebay for £23 http://goo.gl/lWS1CC. Ask your local locksmith if they can cut & program the key before you buy. If you click on the minirib link above in Varesecrazy's post, apparently the immobiliser inside your key can be fixed.
Just a couple of options for you.

 

[minirib]

The Scudo is built by PSA (Peugeot\Citroen) so uses there system for keys. They do suffer from dry solder joints on the circuit board in the remote which can cause the intermittent problem you have. The remote and immobiliser are both controlled by the same chip in the key. If you open the remote its the chip marked as pcf7941. I've seen dry solder joints on the legs of these chips and corrosion from water ingress. The other thing to look at is the induction coil which is the long component on the narrow part of the circuit board. The car and key communicate through this. A dry solder joint there can also cause this problem. If its your only key then be very careful with it until you have a spare.
If you want to check the key go to a key cutters that does car keys and ask them to read it for you on there cloner (If it turns out your local to me i'll happily check it for you). It should read as id46 pcf7941 but as your fault is intermittent this could prove hit and miss. But if it will read ok they should be able to make you a non remote spare key.
Which remote do you have 2 button or 3 button?

 

[Spev11]

cheers all,
its a 3 button remote, i'm in Swansea if thats anywhere near you

I spoke to a local auto locksmith but they seemed very reluctant to clone my key (they said as its faulty you cant clone it, despite me telling them its intermittent).The gave me a number to contact. He suggested I need to know whether it is a 4 or 5 digit code but as I have only the manual for the van I have no easy way to find out.
There's a Timpson's nearby that do key cloning so i'll maybe try them

 

[minirib]

cheers all,
its a 3 button remote, i'm in Swansea if thats anywhere near you

I spoke to a local auto locksmith but they seemed very reluctant to clone my key (they said as its faulty you cant clone it, despite me telling them its intermittent).The gave me a number to contact. He suggested I need to know whether it is a 4 or 5 digit code but as I have only the manual for the van I have no easy way to find out.
There's a Timpson's nearby that do key cloning so i'll maybe try them

I'm over in Sussex so bit of a trek away unfortunately.
Timpsons are worth trying to make a clone of your existing key. As long as the fault doesn't show its head whilst they are doing it.
It's a PSA system so the code for programming to the vehicle is 4 characters (letters and numbers)(Fiat built system are 5 digit)
If you want a new remote then it needs to be programmed to the vehicle diagnostically either by the dealer or an autolocksmith.

 

[ponsaloti]

Spev11, if your anywhere near me, give me a call.
We can supply and programme Id46 and id48 keys.