Technical Help please. “Fuel cut off”

[DJA440]

Hi all. I had a search and this does seem common but most other threads state a flashing odometer which in this case isn’t present.

Wife’s car, 2012 500, 1.2. Was running fine now simply refuses to start or crank and a message on the dash “fuel cut off, start / stop unavailable”.

Tested the battery at 12.5v but replaced it with new anyway, no change.

Little padlock at the bottom right suggesting might be an immobiliser issue?

All lights, radio, windows all operating as normal.

I connected the car to mine as to try and jump start it but no change there so definitely ruled out the battery I think.


Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,

Disconnect battery power for 30 mins,

See if it resets

Watch Immob symbol before attempting to start

 

[chris3234]

Have you a spare key to try?

Check the area under the windscreen where the wipers are the "scuttle area"
Is this full of water

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,

Disconnect battery power for 30 mins,

See if it resets

Watch Immob symbol before attempting to start

Do you hear the fuel pump whirring?

 

[A3jeroen]

Groundcable between battery and engine/gearbox 100% ok?

gr J

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi all. I had a search and this does seem common but most other threads state a flashing odometer which in this case isn’t present.

Wife’s car, 2012 500, 1.2. Was running fine now simply refuses to start or crank and a message on the dash “fuel cut off, start / stop unavailable”.

Tested the battery at 12.5v

I connected the car to mine as to try and jump start it but no change there so definitely ruled out the battery I think.


Any help greatly appreciated.

Any progress?

 

[The Panda Nut]

This looks like immobiliser / key to me but Im not sure how to check. Have you tried the spare key.

 

[DJA440]

Hi all. Thanks for all the advice, I’m back at the house later and will try all of these suggestions.

We don’t have a spare key, and I can’t see where the ground cable is?

The scuttle I’ll check.

 

[varesecrazy]

Looking forward to an update

Identical posts from last couple of years have drawn no conclusion..

Although have all drawn our collective ideas

 

[DJA440]

Well, if I get it sorted I’ll be sure to conclude.

 

[Zardo]

Check wiring and connectors.
You could get some diagnostic equipment and read the OBD codes

If nothing shows up, try at your own risk:

"fuel cut off" function check​

An inertia switch is not provided on this vehicle; the fuel cut-off function is managed according to the following control logic:

• 1) the airbag control unit detects the impact and transmits the activation of the FPS (Fire Prevention System) through the CAN
• 2) after receiving the FPS activation signal, the Body Computer Node:
• - activates the hazard signal
• - switches the courtesy light on
• - unlocks the doors
• - transmits that the impact has taken place through CAN (B and C)
• 3) the instrument panel signals that the Fuel Cut Off function has intervened
• 4) the Powertrain Control Module interrupts the supply of fuel.

Resetting​

The following procedure should be carried out using the steering column switch unit lever to restore the correct operation of the vehicle

• KEY OFF (start condition)
• KEY ON
• Activate right direction indicator
• Deactivate right direction indicator
• Activate left-hand direction indicator
• Deactivate left-hand direction indicator
• Activate right direction indicator
• Deactivate right direction indicator
• Activate left-hand direction indicator
• Deactivate left-hand direction indicator
• KEY OFF

 

[Derbyfella]

where in the uk are you OP?

and have you tried the fuel cut off reset (indicator dance thingy?)

 

[varesecrazy]

where in the uk are you OP?

and have you tried the fuel cut off reset (indicator dance thingy?)

Not sure that has the Immob light on though..?

 

[Derbyfella]

no, but no harm in trying.

 

[A3jeroen]

IIRC immobiliser will cut off fuel, not prevent cranking. Try a jumpcable between engine and battery as a bypass. If it cranks and starts you 'll have to remove the battery and tray to place a new earth/groundcable.

gr J

 

[Derbyfella]

Have you checked the earth?
Disconnect battery, remove battery, remove battery tray. You should now see clutch slave cylinder and earth cable.



Love 500’s series….good watching for common faults

 

[chris3234]

Jum cable from negative terminal to clean metal on engine to pull out failed earth cable


Failed airbag ECU is a possibility but would have thought the millage would flash then

 

[DJA440]

Hi all, this is doing my head in.

I've tried everything listed above and the indicator dance thing didn't seem to do anything. I'm in Glasgow to answer one of the questions.

When i turn the key to MAR (or ACC as i know it on other cars) the wee immobilisor light is on (the padlock with the car) - i've attached photos of the sequence.. Also a video,

Seems there has been another post this year as well however this one seems to have the car running, which is bizarre if it's stating the fuel is cut off?

I've swapped relays around, changed the battery, checked the cabled in the tailgate but still lost. Thought i'd update this to get the hive mind thinking before i have it recovered to a garage.

 

[Derbyfella]

Please can you list exactly what you have done?
as that will be easier than us responding with guess work.

also have you always had to dip the clutch to start yours?

As i like simple things, i wonder if in its simplest form the key is not communicating. Presumably the door opens with the remote fob? It could be the key needs to be 'resynched' to the car (it may not be the original key). It could be the reading ring as problems reading the key....or next step it could be that there is an electrical fault/issue or the ECU is not working properly...

For me - if you can list exactly what steps you have tried so we can discount issues, that would be very helpful.

 

[DJA440]

Hold the phone ladies and gents. I'll apologise for this.

Someone mentioned the earth strap but i was clearly looking at the wrong thing. I brushed past it with my arm and it just disintegrated. I used a jump lead tto connect the battery to the block and bosh! ut's up and running.

Apologies for missing this at the start, guys - thanks for everyone who replied and didn't judge! I can build you a data centre but apparently basic car mechanical / electrical functions are beyond me!