sunchman1

Hi people.
The immobiliser light on my '97 escort ghia 1.8 is on continuously. When you turn the ignition on, the light goes out but the vehicle will not start. It turns over ok but doesn't fire on the spark plugs. Know its to do with the immobiliser and resetting it or reprogramming but really run out of ideas. Would really appreciate a pointer with resetting it or finding someone who can. Based in sussex.
Thanks for any help.
Adam.

bobster1982

That doesn't sound like a PATS fault to me as the LED is coming on and turning off without flashing an error code out and the starter is not inhibited. I think your fault is elsewhere.

sunchman1

Hi mate.
Thanks thats a good start. I have bridged the starter relay which now turns the engine over. I also replaced the pats just wiring harness without replacing the module or anything else. Think the starter relay had a problem with earth which is no2 pin on the relay. Just stuck and don't want to spend a fortune on a ford tech looking at it. Got an interesting history this motor , used to belong to yellow sierra if you know of him? Is a long time member of passionford.
Thanks again mate.
Adam.

dojj

iTrader: (3)

have you done the reprogramming thing first?

have you tried a different key?

sunchman1

Hi mate.
No not tried reprogramming or a different key yet. If I plug a snap on diagnostic machine in to it will it read me the fault code or at least rule out possible others? was going to reprogram it maybe but its cost I'm worried about. Would changing the key mess with the locks or anything alse on it?
Thanks again guys, a great help.

dojj

iTrader: (3)

reprogramming the key takes about 30 seconds if you've got 2 keys

there are various sites that will tell you how to do it but i'm not sure if we'd be ale to tell you where they were or not for fear of getting into trouble

bobster1982

If it was a transponder fault in the key the PATS light would flash constantly indicating a bad Key or receiver ring.

I don't know if a snap on would read the PATS module. It is a timed 10 minute access into them anyway so you cant find out straight away. The have a flash code system using the Red LED on the dash anyway so if it was at fault you can soon find the fault if it is the system.

I take it you have checked your fuses??

sunchman1

I replaced the black pats wiring harness as all 4 wires had been cut when someone tried to steal the car. When I removed the plug on the harness and broke the circuit, i think the light was flashing continuosly, can't be sure. I did check all the fuses before and have also replaced the fuse board. There was no power getting to fuses 7,13,14 and 33 which are the engine management, cold start valve/fuel shut off and fuel pump. All the other systems in the car ( lights, stereo, heater etc) worked.

If I plug in a snap on system and wait for 10 mins. Then watch the small light on the dash. that should give me an idea what is going on. :S lol
This is all priceless mate, thanks.

bobster1982

I think you've just uncovered your problem and I know whats up.

A common technique to attempt to bypass the pats is to cut the 4 wires to the receiver on the barrel and then do some other things that I wont discuss as it compromises peoples car security.

Basically it does one of two things. Ot either bypasses the PATS allowing the car to be bumped off and nicked or option 2 it screws the ECU up. I think you may be looking at a new ECU fella and then recoding your keys to match.

One port of call before you do get an ecu.. Check the ignition switch for damage.

Sorry I'm not bringing good news. Repairing Scrote damage is always a pain!

sunchman1

Thats fine mate. Just want to get to the bottom of it. If its a new ecu I can always get one from another car I suppose, but recoding the key I'd imagine has to be a ford job doesn't it? Your the man on this one mate. Its over to you!
Thanks again.

sunchman1

one last thing I ofrgot to add mate. Where would I check the switch for damage? No idea if this means anything but the car does turn over but like I said, but no spark on ignition. All other systems work as of yesterday, just doesn't run!

bobster1982

Check the switch operation and the wiring to make sure they have not cut anything to try and hotwire it. Keycoding is either a ford job, an independent locksmith is cheap or the snapon solus code readers do it as you mentioned one. If your attempting it yourself select the option to wipe all keys and code New keys. You will need 2 keys as a minimum amount.

sunchman1

Hi again mate.
As far as I can tell the switch is fine. Turns and clicks into each position fine, all lights come on on dash as normal. Will probably plug it into the snapon first. The guy who it belongs too is a renault specialist but has the adaptors to fit. We plugged it in before but it didn't boot up as normal. (I now understand that this is due to the lapse period of 10 mins?) will any old key do or do I need a master key?
So to recap: plug in snap-on reader to terminal in passenger footwell, wait to boot up, select wipe keys option and wipe the keys..... :P
Is there a certain process to follow which I will need to know? Think this is the most likely course of action to avoid buying a new ecu.
As a matter of urgency I have started looking for a new ecu. Do you know what ecu will fit , if not one from an identical spec car?
Thanks again mate. Awesome help!

bobster1982

okay..

Select program keys. It will then begin a 10 minute lockout countdown before it can Access the PATS. If your car has a red master key you have a PATS 1 system. If you have two normal keys then it is a PATS 2 system. Your close to the system cross over date so I dont know what model is fitted to your car.

Once in select erase keys and program new keys. It will then wipe all stored keys and ask you to insert the first key into the ignition. turn to position II then off and remove. insert the second key turn to position II then turn off. These keys are now coded to the PATS.

The above is only for PATS 2 systems. If you have a PATS 1 system you will have to have a google as its been so long since I have done one I cant remember the sequence.

Regarding ECU's. Printed on the ECU is a code on a sticker. They are normally on the black service port cover. For example on my Cougar the code is OWL5. You need to match your code with the replacement ECU to guarantee that it will work.

sunchman1

Thats great mate
Thanks for your input, its been invaluable. Only have the one key so will do some digging and see what I can find out. I will use what is here to figure out the problem. Think you've given enough of your time for one day. Reckon this will all amount to a succesful outcome. Will be back monday/tuesday to let you know what I have achieved.
Thanks buddy.
Adam.