FORD FOCUS - NO START - IMMOBILIZER PROBLEM? FAQ

It would be unusual for an ECU to have an intermittent fault. Much more likely to be the starter motor or circuit to it. You need someone with the right skills to test when the fault is present.

Perhaps it may be worth asking in alt.autos.ford.focus?

Chris

Does the red immob light flash rapidly when the ignition is turned on?

Diesel or petrol? Engine size and type?

The engines in the US ones are different. You may want to try

Have you got any large lumps of metal (big keys, metal fobs etc) on the keyring with the ignition key? They could be preventing the PATS signal from getting from the key to the ignition.

Next time this happens try taking the key off the ring and use it just on its own.

Good luck!

Tony

I wouldn't - they're probably too busy ;)

One other thing - if the ignition lock sees a key in it without getting a PATS signal the ignition will lock out for 30 minutes so although you appear to be having the same problem with the spare key, it might just be that you are trying during the lock-out period.

Tony

If the PATS system doesn't recognise the key for some reason (either a faulty key, or unprogrammed key), it locks out. It will stay locked out until a working programmed key is used, and the ignition turned on for 2minutes. After the 2 minute period is up, you've got to turn the ignition off before attempting to start the vehicle.

This fault would be apparent by the PATS LED flashing. If the immobilizer is working, when you first turn the ignition on, the PATS LED will light continuously for a couple seconds before going out. It'll then stay off until after the immobilizer is reactivated (aprox. 10 secs after ignition has been turned off).

The PATS system could quite quickly be checked for faults with diagnostic equipment, but in the absense of that, I'd be checking to make sure the starter is working correctly, and is getting all the feeds it should be getting.

Thanks for your replies guys, it turned out to be a faulty ignition relay under the dash.

alt.autos.ford.focus has about twice as many posts from Europe compared to US. A lot of the tips there have been cribbed from Usenet...

The member's zone is currently down for site redevelopment, so access to the forums is not possible.

HTH

Chris

I've been posting on there in the last five minutes though.....

replying to Ursula, Neil wrote: Hi I had the same problem check the wiring going to the Ecu you.ll find it has burnt through and not making a good connection think it was the blue wire going to Ecu worth a look

Just 10 years too late to be any use to anyone.

It will be in the crusher by now.

posted from

Obviously a cracking bit of software. ;-)

replying to Ursula, Samt9352 wrote: How do you go about gettin that fixed I have same problem

Ha ha! As it's 10 years after her problem it's a bit hopeful that she's still following this thread!

Post a new message explaining your problem (with make/model/year) and you might get some help.

Tim

replying to Sandy Nuts, DtheV wrote: I have exactly the same problem, the red immobiliser light keeps flashing & wont go out, tried both jets & checked & cleaned fuses, even tried to fuel cut off inside drivers door but was nothing wrong with it, any ideas ?