Dead S3
Author
Discussion

vjay48

Original Poster:

194 posts

180 months

Saturday 17th February 2018
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I have just been to start car to get ready for spring,immobiliser seems to be stopping the car starting. It was the original kit,which over the last few years became tricky to work,due I think to wear of keys and holder.bought a new key and holder,didnt fit holder,changing key worked.. Key does not turn light off,now warning light doesn't work. I have two options get a elec man in to remove immobiliser,or have a go at changing holder. How do I remove panel under glove box? I assume holder wire connects to immobilsher which is inthis area. My son and buildracing minis for fun,i can no see no pleasure In 25 year old brittle wiring so maybe removing this is a sensible option? What do you guys think,by the way I still like the noise!

phillpot

17,434 posts

204 months

Saturday 17th February 2018
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The panel under the glove box may have an odd self tapper holding it up but more likely just wedged. It is hinged at the back.
I wouldnt waste time or money on an old immobiliser for what a modern contactless one will cost.




Edited by phillpot on Saturday 17th February 18:26

GreenV8S

30,996 posts

305 months

Saturday 17th February 2018
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The installations I've seen have the immobilizer in the space above the steering column, which also gives convenient access to the ignition and starter circuits.

If I were you I'd get rid of that old immobilizer and also check that the dreaded yellow connector by the ignition switch has been replaced. If you choose to fit another immobilizer, the person installing it should find it child's play to remove the old one at the same time. It's only spliced into a couple of wires at the end of the day.

vjay48

Original Poster:

194 posts

180 months

Saturday 17th February 2018
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It does seem that wire from the key holder runs from steering lock to the passenger side of car,the reason why thought the immobiliser unit was working is that it bleeps after removing key,if wire and holder is the problem,changing that is an easy fix if I can get to unit. Replacing unit is a sensible fix but I cant be raise any enthusiasm to spend £200. I think will do some work on car and sell in spring. MOT done in August,have done 12 miles since!

phillpot

17,434 posts

204 months

Sunday 18th February 2018
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£200 ? Stirling Excel thatcham immobiliser £56 free delivery on EBay.

vjay48

Original Poster:

194 posts

180 months

Sunday 18th February 2018
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I know the price of new immobiliser,but I cannot face standing on my head surrounded by a rats nest of crap wiring, perhaps the joy of TVR ownership is wasted on me ? Get it fitted is my solution,selling is my aim,a Porsche beckons.

vjay48

Original Poster:

194 posts

180 months

Sunday 18th February 2018
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Having had a chance to delve into the hole by the glove compartment, I think the more wiring re-moved is a benefit,can I assume the water ingress is via the scuttle,ie wiper motor?

phillpot

17,434 posts

204 months

Monday 19th February 2018
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Possibly the two little bolts securing the wiper motor but more likely the wiper spindles?

I do get the feeling your heart isn't in it, cut your losses flog it "as is" and get that lump of Pork you dream of?

v8s4me

7,266 posts

240 months

Monday 19th February 2018
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vjay48 said:
.............can I assume the water ingress is via the scuttle,ie wiper motor?
If only life was that simple laugh

vjay48

Original Poster:

194 posts

180 months

Monday 19th February 2018
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I think maybe if I heard the noise of the engine,maybe my enthusiasm might return. Bit old fashioned,couldnt sell a non working car,got a list of jobs to do,no major fixes,need a re-furb of targa top. My mate who build replica Ferrari Dinos,they are good ones,is going to fix up the tangs on the panels,we have sourced some decent plastic material to use.Shame TVR didn't use it,perhaps they didn't think the cars would last long enough to have rust problems!

vjay48

Original Poster:

194 posts

180 months

Tuesday 20th February 2018
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Still dead,where is the meta? immobiliser box,have rummaged in the rats nest! LED on key holder do longer flashes.

phillpot

17,434 posts

204 months

Wednesday 21st February 2018
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They're only little cars, can't be too many places to hide it ? Trace back the key holder wires, probably easier said than done wink

vjay48

Original Poster:

194 posts

180 months

Wednesday 21st February 2018
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I thought it would be easy,the wire from key holder as been doubled back on itself,then integrated into a loom,behind radio?

phillpot

17,434 posts

204 months

Wednesday 21st February 2018
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Possible although there is not a lot of room behind there. Don't know how big the Meta unit is? STIRLING one I mentioned earlier is about the size of a cigarette packet.

Barkychoc

7,848 posts

225 months

Wednesday 21st February 2018
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Have you checked the yellow connector in the steering column?

AutoAndy

2,270 posts

236 months

Wednesday 21st February 2018
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Barkychoc said:
Have you checked the yellow connector in the steering column?
..good point...do you have a TVR S over 20 years old which doe snot start...and does it have a yellow connector...if so, then that is most likely to be the issue.

Easy check....take of steering column cowl, look for big yellow connector ....pull connector apart and admire the blackening of the burnt plastic....heave a sigh and replace connector with something (anything) else...
wink

Maffe

479 posts

280 months

Wednesday 21st February 2018
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This little baby
01052013-DSC00218.jpg by Manfred Svärd, on Flickr

vjay48

Original Poster:

194 posts

180 months

Thursday 22nd February 2018
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It lives,wire to immobliser fuse holder broken,still cant find immobiliser! Soldering iron out and waiting for better weather,tell you what,Porsche put the engine in the wrong place on some of the cars! Thanks for help.

phillpot

17,434 posts

204 months

Thursday 22nd February 2018
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vjay48 said:
Soldering iron out and waiting for better weather.
My soldering iron works in all weather conditions ... wink