General Warning light

[Malc]

2004 2.8JTD Started up OK and drove to destination. Started up again to move and yellow warning - padlock through car light came on. Switched off and back on - no light.
Anyone know what's up? TIA

 

[bugsymike]

Engine Immobiliser warning.
There are quite a few threads on this subject, apart from which I would try any spare key you have as back up.
Generally once engine running for safety reasons it shouldn't cut out whilst driving, but needs sorting!

 

[Communicator]

@Malc , your experience echoes mine perhaps 3 years ago. I applied a fix suggested by both my experience while working, and some reasoning. The fix has lasted to date.
The code receiver under the steering column communicates with the chip in the key via weak radio signals, in a similar manner to supermarket security tags.

I reasoned that the weak radio signals were possibly being attenuated by oxidised connector contacts at the code receiver, which ilocated under the steering column. The three way (two used) aeriel connecter at the code receiver was the prime suspect. For good measure I reseated both connectors applying a generous dose of contact cleaner.

Approximately where in North Yorkshire are you located? I am near Selby, but N Yorks is a large county.

 

[Malc]

@Malc , your experience echoes mine perhaps 3 years ago. I applied a fix suggested by both my experience while working, and some reasoning. The fix has lasted to date.
The code receiver under the steering column communicates with the chip in the key via weak radio signals, in a similar manner to supermarket security tags.

I reasoned that the weak radio signals were possibly being attenuated by oxidised connector contacts at the code receiver, which ilocated under the steering column. The three way (two used) aeriel connecter at the code receiver was the prime suspect. For good measure I reseated both connectors applying a generous dose of contact cleaner.

Approximately where in North Yorkshire are you located? I am near Selby, but N Yorks is a large county.

Hi, I'm in Sherburn in Elmet. Currently at Scalm Park for w/e. Thanks for the info. Malc

 

[Malc]

Hi, I'm in Sherburn in Elmet. Currently at Scalm Park for w/e. Thanks for the info. Malc

 

[Communicator]

Hi, I'm in Sherburn in Elmet. Currently at Scalm Park for w/e. Thanks for the info. Malc

Almost within sight then!

 

[Malc]

Almost within sight then!

Hi, it fired up OK and got us home without warning lights. I'll have a look at the code receiver this week. A key question. There's no central locking, so no battery. Is it just induction from code receiver to the chip in the key?

 

[jackwhoo]

Hi, it fired up OK and got us home without warning lights. I'll have a look at the code receiver this week. A key question. There's no central locking, so no battery. Is it just induction from code receiver to the chip in the key?

Yes

 

[Communicator]

Hi, it fired up OK and got us home without warning lights. I'll have a look at the code receiver this week. A key question. There's no central locking, so no battery. Is it just induction from code receiver to the chip in the key?

As @jackwhoo says Yes. You somtimes read of owners who are experiencing Fiat immobiliser problems, changing the battery on the remote. Most likely futile. My 2006 x244 has central locking, but no Fiat remote. Instead an aftermarket alarm was commissioned by the converter. This alarm is connected to the central locking, which is operated when setting or switching off the alarm.

 

[Malc]

As @jackwhoo says Yes. You somtimes read of owners who are experiencing Fiat immobiliser problems, changing the battery on the remote. Most likely futile. My 2006 x244 has central locking, but no Fiat remote. Instead an aftermarket alarm was commissioned by the converter. This alarm is connected to the central locking, which is operated when setting or switching off the alarm.

As @jackwhoo says Yes. You somtimes read of owners who are experiencing Fiat immobiliser problems, changing the battery on the remote. Most likely futile. My 2006 x244 has central locking, but no Fiat remote. Instead an aftermarket alarm was commissioned by the converter. This alarm is connected to the central locking, which is operated when setting or switching off the alarm.

 

[Malc]

Had a look this afternoon. Does this look similar to your vehicle? The connector on left is from the ring around ignition barrel. Is this the connector requiring cleaning that you referred to? TIA

 

[Communicator]

Had a look this afternoon. Does this look similar to your vehicle? The connector on left is from the ring around ignition barrel. Is this the connector requiring cleaning that you referred to? TIA

Yes that is the connector. While in there I unplugged ,and sprayed both connectors with contact cleaning spray. If you wish to remove the supply before carrying out the work, you can either disconnect the battery negative, which will cause the dashboard clock to need restting, and you may need to use the radio code once reconnected. An alternative means of disconnecting the power is to pull fuse F18 in the engine bay fusebox.

The elearn diagram shows a connector at the aeriel ring. This did not seem to be present on my vehicle, so perhaps the diagram refers to an earlier version.

 

[Communicator]

Unless you are adept at balancing acts, replacing the four screws that secure the lower column shroud can be cuss time. I have used a claw type reteiver as ascrew starter. Alternatives could be a magnetic driver, or perhaps tape the screw lightly to the end of the driver. It also helps to widen the end of the driver shaft with thick tubing, or multiple layers of tape. Be aware that screw the recesses in the column lower shroud are not square with the surface.

 

[Malc]

I appreciate the angle of the lower screws. I managed to get all four back in. I'll have a clean of the connectors later. I tried turning on a few times and immobiliser light went out. So just the once last Friday after starting up to move.Thanks again. Malc