Alarm / immobiliser woes

[Thunderroad]

Hi all,

I think my Meta key fob has packed up it the grey round type (i only have one fob) i’ve tried changing the batteries in it but it still won’t set the alarm or initiate the engine start procedure.

A. Is it possible to get a replacement fob bearing in mind the only one i have has failed.

B. Has anyone replaced the alarm/immobiliser system? If so, is it a straight forward job that could be carried out by general car alarm fitting company or is it specialist? And are there any particullar brands/types that should be reccomended bearing in mind the windows closing when the alarm is set and the MIL light procedure.

I’m in Plymouth so getting the car to any TVR spacialist is not a possibility.

Many thanks, Simon.

[ianwayne]

You could try disconnecting the car battery. (Pop the boot first so you can open the door with the emergency release if it all goes pear shaped) Leave a few minutes and then reconnect it. The immobiliser should reset, blinking the indicators 4 times. At least, mine does (1998 model)

The controller can be any shape really, but it sounds like you have the standard Meta system. I also have 1 fob I have a set of spare fob batteries just in case.

[The Nige]

Just replaced the batteries on mine this morning cr1220 £5.00 each from Halfraud, I’m not taking the piss but have you put the batteries back in the right order from the top down+ - + -. I replaced the alarm side of a couple years back, all parts from.
http://www.hf-solutions.co.uk/

Nigel

[gruffalo]

I think, and that is a dangerous thing, but IF you have the red card with a long alpha numeric number on it you should be able to get a key fob programmed.

HF as meantioned above are the go to people.

[Byker28i]

HF solutions, they came to my house to sort out my imobiliser when it failed.
They can also do you extra fobs if required.

Meanwhile - do you have the little square key like a USB stick? This gets pushed into the slot next to the cigarette lighter socket so you can start the car when the fob batteries fail

[Thunderroad]

Yes, i know of HF solutions, but i dont have the card with the long number Gruffalo, and my only fob has failed, so i fear even our capped crusaders in Gothem City may not be able to help, although i will call them on Monday and have a chat.

I’m sure i read on here somewhere that we were all advised to avoid this situation at all costs........ so i........... totally aware of the advise, and that i was teetering on the edge of the very situation i had been warned about, opted for my cunning plan of doing nothing! And hoping it would never happen.... and before you all say it.... yes, it does sound familiar... and no, i don’t work for the government!

Thanks for your advise “The Nige” batteries checked, and are in correctly and still no worky!
I do have the little usb type key and did try it “Byker28i” but that doesn’t appear to work either
I’ll give it another try today, i went out and bought a new battery for the car yesterday in the hope that if i give it something expensive and new, it might be nice to me!...... well it sometimes works with the musses
Thanks for all your advise so far, i will report back later for an update!

[ukkid35]

I was very lucky - another PHer put me in touch with one of my cars previous owners who sent me a photo of the drivers handbook which has the Key Card number written in it

With that HF were able to supply new a new fob and also spare push in key thingy - brilliant service from Dave

[Thunderroad]

ITS ALIIIIIIIIVE!..... mwah ha ha!

[Byker28i]

To be honest, mine went very intermittent. It cut out a few times then started later, once it cut out on the outside lane of the M4, no fuel, no ecu...

Not good.

It's not too expensive to get it all swapped out. Two and a half years ago was £228 for the imobilise replaceemnt and £84 charge to do it at my house.