Technical Immobiliser question & other issues

[Laikadog]

I have a new-to-me 2003 Ducato 2.8 motorhome with 80,000 miles. I’m having some issues, some of which may be immobiliser related.

First up, could somebody tell me whether the attached key fob, which controls my central locking and immobiliser, is Fiat factory fit, or aftermarket? I have to blip it when turning the key if the vehicle hasn’t been unlocked within about 30 seconds of starting the van, otherwise it won’t turn over.

The main issue I have is an occasional misfire, which occurs at low revs. Most of the time it’s fleeting and chucks out a bit of black smoke then recovers fine. The check engine light comes on but you can still drive on.

Yesterday it happened and the engine cut out. I was coasting slowly downhill on a very narrow road at the time so tried to restart it while I was coasting. It would turn over but wouldn’t fire. When I got to a safe place to stop, I tried again and it wouldn’t turn over at all (no starter solenoid click - hence me asking about the immobiliser). Eventually I held the key in the turned position for a few seconds and it suddenly fired up immediately.

The check engine light only stays on (red) until you next stop, then it clears. I’ve plugged in a generic OBDII reader and it is logging no generic fault codes.

Is the 2003 Ducato fully OBDII, or is it one of the older subsets which isn’t necessarily fully compatible?

Is the misfire a known issue, or could it be anything? I’m thinking anything from intermittent sensor electrical fault, to clogged fuel filter. I’m off to a festival this weekend and none of my local garages can look at it before then

I should add that I’ve checked the turbo wastegate and it’s operating fine. I can’t find anything that appears to be an EGR system, so either it’s there and I can’t find it, or mine doesn’t have it.

Thanks, David

 

[bugsymike]

Others may have more specific knowledge , but I suspect it is an aftermarket set up with all inherent unreliability built in
Do you have a spare basic ignition key, if so without any other keys on key ring try that and also use it to unlock the door. If alarm goes off I suspect this will indicate aftermarket set up.
Re reading diagnostics I suggest you go on Gendan Website and confirm a MES version to suit your vehicle, as many on Forum are familiar with MES and can give good advice .

 

[Communicator]

After market alarm. I have similar on my 2006 x244 2.8jtd.

I am wondering whether your misfire could be an injector problem.

An aftermarket immobiliser will most probably interrupt the starter solenoid circuit. The Fiat Key Code system prevents injection., while allowing the starter to crank the engine. The fact that your engine suddenly started is an electrical problem. Perhaps the immobiliser is causing excessive voltage drop in the solenoid circuit, particularly with a hot engine, and hence solenoid.

You may need MES or similar to read fault codes. To quote @Ocwobio , "You need something that speaks fluent Fiat."

As you have used the 16 way OBDII port your vehicle will be compliant, also it follows that it is an x244 (post 2002) model, but there are not many systems to connect with. ECU, Airbags, ABS (optional).
(Earlier x230 (pre 2002) versions if the Ducato had a 3 way connector near the air filter, and need a special adapter lead.)

EGR was optional on the 2.8jtd, and I think that it was not fitted to the majority of vehicles. If EGR is fitted, you will see the circular EGR valve sticking up at the RH rear of the engine near the battery. See item 5 in attached diagram.