General security error!!!!

[mercslk350]

Hi, I have a 51 Fiat Stilo 1.2 6 speed - it was involved in an accident and now I can't start it!!!

When I put the key in, there is a car with padlock showing up on dash, saying 'security error' and the alarm fob doesn't work. I assumed just needs resetting so ordered access code from dealers and then asked locksmith/programmer to come out. But they said the ecu needs re-programming.

Any ideas - could this be something simple that I'm missing i.e. loose wire - or is there a way I can reset myself???

Really don't want to take to dealers, called them they said firstly needs to go on diagnostics machine cost £75 and the ecu re-programming £400. And of course getting the car recovered to them, further cost!

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[pieandapint]

Have you tried disconnecting the battery overnight to clear an fault codes stored?

Might be worth a try
Dave

 

[mercslk350]

I have disconnected the battery.

The car was stolen and then recovered, the only damage was side window - have put the battery back in but same problem.

 

[Deckchair5]

As your car was stolen how did they override the steering lock and immobiliser without your keys or did they just tow it away? The steering lock is where the immobiliser antenna/ aerial is and any damage done there will give a security error

You say it was "involved in an accident" but "only the side window was damaged". Sounds a bit suspicious

 

[mercslk350]

Sorry the car was stolen - not in an accident (my mrs typed the original post!), they managed to drive it away don't know how.

The steering wheel doesn't seem to be damaged.

 

[T14086]

didn't you have insurance?

 

[mercslk350]

No - just bought it and was parked on drive!!!

 

[T14086]

did it ever start/drive since you brought it?

 

[mercslk350]

Yes, started and drove when I bought it

 

[T14086]

prob wiring fault, check wires under/around engine bay fusebox first.

 

[mercslk350]

where and what am I looking for? - I don't have a users manual.

Thanks

 

[T14086]

use the search function in the stilo technical section, loads of posts on this subject

 

[Argonought]

I'd love to know how they managed to drive it away

I thought the general consensus on this is that it's close to impossible to steal a Stilo without a tow truck?

I could understand getting the security message had they tried and failed but anything else doesn't sound very plausible to me.

 

[T14086]

mmmmmmmmm :chin:

no offence to any stilo owners here but who would steal one! Lets face it they are next to impossible to steal (never heard of one being stolen) unless key was stolen aswell.