Technical panda 1.2 won't start

[vixster]

Hello guys! Apologies in advance for the lengthy thread!
I wonder if anyone has had this problem? The last week or so my '06 1.2 dynamic has had a minor problem starting, just taking a little longer to start now and then, but over the weekend it's gone from bad to worse and now on Monday it has stopped altogether!
Saturday- started most times as normal, but one time it took a couple of goes.
Sunday- started first time, nipped down road 10mins, popped in one shop for about 5mins, came back to car and would not start!:bang:. Called out breakdown guy who gave it the once-over. He found a unidentified code which he erased and all was good. He advised getting a full diagnostic.
Monday- car would not start again, but managed to clear the code myself with my ebay diagnostic thingy, started up, went to work. Called local diagnostics chappy who came and hooked my car up. Of course, sods law, car started no problem several times, he couldn't recreate the problem! Anyhow he gave me a few things to think about and asked me to contact him with the code next time i got it. Didn't have to wait long- left work, went to car, couldn't get the car to start no matter what even after clearing the code (which is U1600). Spoke to my chap gave him the code and noted that the immobiliser light was not turning off when ignition was on. He is doing some investigation overnight and ringing me tomorrow.
Does anyone out there know what the problem might be? I really need my car and cannot afford the time or money on a wild goose chase!

 

[portland_bill]

From other threads, U1600 seems to be an error reading the key chip. Some people have had key chips apparently give up.

Do you have a spare key? Try that. Hopefully it will work ok, which will prove the key chip is dying. Might be able to get the key cloned at Timpsons, or a car key specialist.

 

[PaulinePanda]

I had exactly the same problem, out of the blue my Panda started intermittently refusing to start-sometimes it'd take a few goes, other times it just wouldn't, then a few hours later it'd start first time.

The garage said they couldn't find a problem, but it might be the key and to try the spare next time it won't start, that was 3 months ago and i've never had to try the spare key because its started first time, every time

 

[guacamole]

Do try your spare key.
If the immobiliser light stays on on the dash its the chip in the key that's faulty.
Same thing happened to me out of the blue. Now my remote key works but sometimes doesn't. If the immobiliser warning light stays on the engine will not start. Always carry both keys or risk the car being stranded.

 

[vixster]

Do try your spare key.
If the immobiliser light stays on on the dash its the chip in the key that's faulty.
Same thing happened to me out of the blue. Now my remote key works but sometimes doesn't. If the immobiliser warning light stays on the engine will not start. Always carry both keys or risk the car being stranded.

Many thanks for all your replies! Would appear to be the key at fault as the spare does indeed work! So now I just need to sort out a replacement. Does anyone know of anyone who could help in the Sheffield/Rotherham area without paying through the nose?

 

[JonnyR]

Try Timpson's. Go to their web site and check for a Timpson's branch near you that do (Non-Remote) Car Keys. They cloned/copied our Non Remote Key (including the transponder chip) for our 2007 1.2 Eleganza for £55.00. Only took 20 minutes, but make sure you take the car with you!!

 

[varesecrazy]

Many thanks for all your replies! Would appear to be the key at fault as the spare does indeed work! So now I just need to sort out a replacement. Does anyone know of anyone who could help in the Sheffield/Rotherham area without paying through the nose?

there's an auto locksmith up your way in the Van's section actionman37

 

[vixster]

You'll be pleased to hear I managed to get my key repaired. The aerial needed replacing. My neighbour put me on to C&L Locksmiths (www.cnllocksmiths.com). Cost only £45 and nice folk! They also do diagnostics.