Multipla JTD key code problem, will it pass MoT?

[PLANAPO]

Hi and greetings to all Fiat lovers.

I've been running a 2003 Multipla 1.9 JTD 115 for the last 10 years. To say I love it would be an understatement. It's quick, economical (ish), ha a fantastic load space, 3-abreast, huge windows and so on and so on. It's even (in my eyes) beautiful, in a form-follows-function sense.

Problem: the immobiliser isn't recognising the key code, the key code dash light doesn't illuminate. I can easily start it with the 5-digit number applied to depressions of the accelerator pedal, after which it will run all day until I stop it, then I have to go through the 1-minute procedure again.

I tried to get the key aerial out of the steering nacelle to check it for continuity, but can't figure out how to get it out or even how to get to the connectors. I've tried 2 keys.

Meanwhile, the MoT due date is approaching. Would anyone know if that's an MoT fail? I have read the official MoT test criteria several times and can find nothing which seems to apply to electronic immobilisers. I can't see that it would be in practice much different from MoT-ing a classic which needs careful owner's technique to start.

I should have thought that since it can be reliably started, it shouldn't be a problem (especially since it doesn't relate to safety).

Has anyone any ideas?

Many thanks!

 

[g8rpi]

Hi and greetings to all Fiat lovers.

I've been running a 2003 Multipla 1.9 JTD 115 for the last 10 years. To say I love it would be an understatement. It's quick, economical (ish), ha a fantastic load space, 3-abreast, huge windows and so on and so on. It's even (in my eyes) beautiful, in a form-follows-function sense.

Problem: the immobiliser isn't recognising the key code, the key code dash light doesn't illuminate. I can easily start it with the 5-digit number applied to depressions of the accelerator pedal, after which it will run all day until I stop it, then I have to go through the 1-minute procedure again.

I tried to get the key aerial out of the steering nacelle to check it for continuity, but can't figure out how to get it out or even how to get to the connectors. I've tried 2 keys.

Meanwhile, the MoT due date is approaching. Would anyone know if that's an MoT fail? I have read the official MoT test criteria several times and can find nothing which seems to apply to electronic immobilisers. I can't see that it would be in practice much different from MoT-ing a classic which needs careful owner's technique to start.

I should have thought that since it can be reliably started, it shouldn't be a problem (especially since it doesn't relate to safety).

Has anyone any ideas?

Many thanks!

On the MOT, I'm pretty certain that most garages will "refuse to test" under "The vehicle isn’t fit to be driven when necessary to complete the test because of a lack of fuel, or oil, or for any other reason.". They have to start and stop the engine several times and it's not reasonable to ask them to tap a code on a pedal everytime. Do you have a second key? Does it work?
To be honest it's probably not safe to drive as it is. If you stall an a bad position on the road you can't get clear quickly and could be hit by another car. Yes any failure could do this, but you are driving with a known issue.

Robert G8RPI.

 

[PLANAPO]

Thanks Robert, I had no idea of that rule.

The problem is, it's not easy to fix. I wasted money at a Fiat garage with diagnosis and they had a go reprogramming the ECU but failed. OK they gave me a good price as they hadn't fixed the problem.

I have two keys which show the same problem.

Sometimes taking out the battery and shorting the leads makes for a fix, but then the problem comes back spontaneously after a day or a week. And sometimes the battery treatment has no effect.

I searched the forum; I suppose many older Fiats are similar. The problem seems insoluble, except in some cases where the code aerial is the culprit.

Maybe I should concentrate on that, but how to get it out? There's no Haynes manual for a Multipla.

Peter

 

[PLANAPO]

Hi again,

Reading through past posts, it seems that all the key code immobiliser does is to cut power to the fuel pump until key code is recognised.

My idea would be to provide a new powerline to the fuel pump taken from a normally-switched 12V point, e.g. lights or radio, which work as soon as the key is turned.

Would this seem a reasonable solution? I still have the mechanical steering lock, and who would want to pinch a 16 year old, battered Multipla anyway when there's a nice new BMW parked on the same street (there always is).

Peter

 

[g8rpi]

I don't know the Multipla, but most immobolisers do more than turn off the fuel pump.

You can download the Multipla electronic workshop manual here
https://www.fiatforum.com/downloads.php?do=download&downloadid=365
this will tell you how to access the antenna coil. Another option is to measure at the plug at the ECU it connects to. This will also check the connections.
Where are you located?

Robert G8RPI.

 

[PLANAPO]

Thanks Robert, I downloaded the 5 .rar files and extracted to a folder, then used MagicISO to extract the files from the disc image.

However, when I try to run elearn.exe I get a popup telling me "Inserire CDROM cin i dati". I don't have a CD drive... I usually get by by extracting files to hard drive and running from there, but in this case it seems not.

I'm in London... as I said the Fiat garage plugged in and couldn't find the problem.


Peter

 

[g8rpi]

Hi,
Try copying the files to a USB stick or SD card. I use a (older) CF card in a ToughBook to run eLearn. If that does not work you can also get utilities that will format a USB stick to look like a CD-ROM. They are normally used for things like Windows installation.

I'm in Cambridge so not too far, depending on where in London you are. If you ever come up the M11 might be able to have a look.

Robert G8RPI.


Robert G8RPI.

 

[chris3234]

Thanks Robert, I downloaded the 5 .rar files and extracted to a folder, then used MagicISO to extract the files from the disc image.

However, when I try to run elearn.exe I get a popup telling me "Inserire CDROM cin i dati". I don't have a CD drive... I usually get by by extracting files to hard drive and running from there, but in this case it seems not.

I'm in London... as I said the Fiat garage plugged in and couldn't find the problem.


Peter

If you have windows 10 right click the iso file and mount it as a virtual cd it should then work no issues

You can do this with older versions of Windows but it requires 3rd part software

 

[s130]

Suggest you try and find the problem using the workshop manual and simple common sense steps/diagnosis.

The fact that the emergency pin code works suggests that the engine ECU is OK and the fault lies elsewhere, e.g. antenna, key code module, wiring fault in those components.

Should it be a key code unit or engine ECU security problem then you have another option, which will certainly invalidate your insurance if your vehicle is stolen, but I'm sure you can sort this with your insurance company regarding "modifications".

There are reputable ECU re-engineer/replacement companies that can provide replacement ECUs / exchange / reprogram yours with the immobiliser disabled.

I'm would think this would be cheaper than going the official FIAT route of replacing key control and engine ECU units (unless your problem is just key barrel aerial coil failure or wiring failure problem).

Now this next bit gets more technical and is posted for information only and not something the average Fiat owner be able to do.

If all else fails a small PIC/Arduino/Other controller circuit could be programmed to "do the throttle pedal key code sequence" automatically for you on ignition on. I'm surprised that for older Fiats that have this override option that a company has not come up to market with a suitable device.

 

[varesecrazy]

Excellent suggestion there