Immobiliser help.

[ratman]

Have just returned from first run in the wet in my S3. When I parked up there was a strange buzzing noise with everything switched off !! I traced it to the immobiliser box behind the glove box and the only way to stop the noise was to disconnect the battery after several attempts at selecting ignition on and off to try and clear it. Apparently the immobiliser is not coming on when ign key removed - just the buzzing noise. First thought is a bad earth in the damp if anybody happens to know where it is earthed to save me too much of a hunt. Also interested to know if it is a standard immobiliser - it has a plastic key type thing with three brass pins which is inserted into slot on right side on centre console just forward of gearknob. Grateful for any help.

[Rozza!!!]

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think that they were fitted as standard as I've seen many different styles on S's. It does sound as if there may have been some water getting 'in' somewhere that may be causing the problem. Not much help, sorry. Hope you sort it soon.

Roy.

[Psychobert]

Sounds like a relay inside the unit.. They tend to buzz when damp. WD40 should drive the water away, better still if you can discomnnect it, dry it inside then seal it up..

[yellabelly]

Ian,
If Psychobert's suggestion doesn't clear the problem them take it to Electromec in Lincoln, they are good at sorting most alarm/immobiliser problems.
They are on right on the trading estate at the end of Monks Road, the estate before Bathurst Car Sales.
Tel [phone]
Ray

[shpub]

Rozza!!! said:

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think that they were fitted as standard as I've seen many different styles on S's. Roy.

Correct. They were all retrofitted and make/location and how they fitted all depened on who did it. Nearly everyone is different.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[WildfireX0]

Just checking the electrics on mine, when I turn on the car I now get a brief buzzing sound, which only started when I had the immobiliser fitted. Got a CAT 1 Autowatch system fitted.

[ratman]

Thanks Psychobert I will try suggestion and it sounds like same immob as Wildfire's. However things got worse ! Reconnected battery this morning and all was well including immobiliser sequence. Drove to work but just as I changed up and put my foot down after last corner before work the engine just cut out. Now when I switch ign on there is no reassuring fuel pump noise and it wont start. Have talked to TMS who were very helpful but guy couldn't remember fuses for S3 fuel pump. He also suggested swapping the two silver relays as these are for fuel pump? Anybody help with fuse numbers until I finally get the bible.
I knew I shouldn't have taken it out in the rain !!!


Have now found fuse list and circuit diagram but no mention of relays for fuel pump ?

>> Edited by ratman on Friday 29th August 13:02

[Psychobert]

shpub said:

Correct. They were all retrofitted and make/location and how they fitted all depened on who did it. Nearly everyone is different. Steve www.tvrbooks.co.uk

In fairness, even if they weren't retrofitted they would probably all be different..

Edited to add: Ratman if you are still stuck, I've a copy of the bible to hand and I can talk you through trying to get moving. Drop me an email and I'll get back to you..


>> Edited by Psychobert on Friday 29th August 13:00

[ratman]

Thanks for the offer Simon - you have mail

[WildfireS3]

Alarm was a Autowatch 160 RLi fitted with a microwave sensor.

[ratman]

Thanks to all for help. Update - very kind man told me how to bypass immobiliser !! which by the way is an Autoway 139ti. Still no fuel pump reassuring noise on switching ignition on so next step is check/replace fuel pump relay as per thread on here in Feb 2002 which I found during search. After that it will be check the fuel pump is getting voltage. Will keep you all posted in case it helps somebody else.

[Psychobert]

Sorry I wasn't more help earlier on.. Good that you;ve checked the archioves, there is stacks of stuff lurking there thats helped me no end over the last 8 months..

[ratman]

Now got the car back up and running : so I will explain in case it helps anyone. After realising that fuel pump was not priming on ignition selection I trawled the forum for info. Picked up a thread about fuel pump help from Feb 2002 which details pump relay terminal numbers with two options both of five terminals. Look at circuit diagram which shows pink engine relay with five terminals. Go to car and look at wiring colours which bear no resemblance to diagram.(Challenges of TVR ownership) Apart from three properly mounted relays there are three loose relays all of which have four terminals !?. One looks to have a drop of water on it so go to local car shop and purchase a replacement for it on the off chance along with a replacement for the only other one he stocked. Go back to car and fit first guess one - everything works, engine fires up and immobiliser has stopped buzzing !! Dismantled old relay for piece of mind and found it totally rusty inside so water problem. PS Four relay pins were 30,85,86,87 and relay bought was "Pearl PRO6" at £4-99. Thanks again to all who helped with ideas.

[WildfireS3]

I hope I never have anything like that happen. I'm hopless when it comes to relays and circuit diagrams. And I hate electrics!

[lordb]

yellabelly said:

Ian, If Psychobert's suggestion doesn't clear the problem them take it to Electromec in Lincoln, they are good at sorting most alarm/immobiliser problems. They are on right on the trading estate at the end of Monks Road, the estate before Bathurst Car Sales. Tel [phone] Ray

Ray, a big welcome to Ian; another one in Lincoln
..... how about our very own S Club Heaven Lincolnshire Style
now that must call for a
Richard

[ratman]

Thanks for the welcome LordB I have just come in from giving the car a celebration wash - I am going over in my mind how to tackle the spaghetti in the footwell before I dive in and try and sort it out later in the week - probably have nightmares tonight !!

[Rozza!!!]

Have you managed to find out where the water is getting in? You really need to sort that out as a prority or all of this will just happen again!

Roy.

[ratman]

I have a couple of ideas about where the water is getting in, one being a cable that comes through from the engine bay on the flat just by the factory plate. It has no sealant around it so that will be remedied soon as well as a good check around the windscreen possibly with the aid of a watering can ! I have also picked up alot of good advice from the forum about the whole electrical setup in the passenger footwell so I will have a good look at all the connections next weekend all being well.