Technical Only Got Red Key.... Car does not start

[Beefy710]

I was given a Mk1 Punto (T Reg) as i mate of mine did not pay me what he owes me. Anyways it only has the Red key. The car will not start by key but the car will start if you push it off. I have enquired about getting a blue key and getting that coded but the local key place said this would not help because the ecu becomes faulty after constant use of red key. I have looked on net and people have said different. Is this a problem with ecu? At first i thought i need to bypass the immobiliser which i have seen can be done with a chip or it not the case as the car starts when pushed. I am no mechanic.

Any thoughts please

 

[Matthgt]

Does it turn over and attempt to start by the key?

 

[Beefy710]

No it does not. The starter relay clicks like mad. A mate has changed it but it still clicks.

 

[fingers99]

Starter motor clicking is likely to be either a buggered battery or an earth fault (or both). Try borrowing a known good battery.

My guess is that the car will start on the key.

Immob has nothing to do with the starter wharsoever, and if the immobiliser was involved you should get a "code" warning on the dash.

If it starts on the red key, go get a blue key cloned or the ECU may think that you're trying to reprogram it.

Failures of the Mk1 ECU are extremely rare.

 

[blu73]

or the starter/starter solenoid could be fubar, i would take battery and get it tested, they can read 12-13v on the multimeter and still be goner. If its ok try another starter, look in classifieds for breaking cars, or ebay or your local scrap-yard.

If it was an immobilizer issue it wouldn't push start but do get a blue key made up.

 

[Beefy710]

Thanks for you replies. I will have a look at your suggestions. Is it easy enought to have a key cloned

 

[fingers99]

Most Timsons (etc.) will do it.

 

[Beefy710]

Thanks for the comments. Thought i would try the earthing problem, stuck jump lead from battery to chassis and it turned over straight away. Not sure where the earthing problem lies in the car but been informed to run another wire to the chassis. Anyone know where is the best place to earth it on Chassis

 

[fingers99]

Worthwhile trying to clean the old earth cables up, vaseline )or, better, silicone grease) and re-attach.

The main ones are from the battery negative to the driver side front inner wing and -- this is the one that usually gives trouble -- from the top of the gearbox to the passenger front inner wing.

 

[Beefy710]

Thanks. All sorted, it works a treat

 

[varesecrazy]

glad it's now starting correctly!, don't forget to get a BLUE key though..!!,
Charlie

 

[reddy4bed]

Getting A blue key, you will not be able to program it into your car, you need 2 blue keys, each with a different code already installed in them.
Copying data from the master key will just replicate the master ie 2 master keys.
On a happier note the ECU does not have facility to stop working after a predetermined number of uses, so you can use it forever.
Tony.

 

[fingers99]

No it won't.

And even if it did, better to have 2 keys to loose.

I think you're confusing the code 1 and code 2 systems.