Me again, my Chimaera has an immobiliser issue (I think)...

[jezzaaa]

Hi All - done lots of searching on here but can't find anything specific...

So yesterday when I collected it, I could start the engine by inserting the dongle thingy into the slot on the column case and then turn the key as usual. And before inserting the dongle, there was a red flashing light near the receptacle.

Today...no flashing light...no starter/fuel pump activity.

The alarm LED under the radio is flashing...I've got both fobs but I need batteries for them...and I know alarm and immob are linked so thought I'd mention it. But didn't need to alarm fob yesterday to start and drive it home.

I've look at the fuse box and there's a fuse 5 labelled Alarm/Flashers. But no immobiliser mentioned. And in any case, the alarm LED is flashing and the hazard lights work so presuming the fuse is ok. Battery is new and fully charged.

Any thoughts/guidance would be much appreciated. Cheers.

[Belle427]

Just get the bypass done and move on with life or you will forever have annoying issues with it.
Find someone local to you who can help, the Facebook group is good for stuff like this even if you dont use it for the usual crap.

[sixor8]

An immobiliser would normally be hard wired to the battery, not via a fuse, unless it is an aftermarket system and not the original?

If the receptacle is not flashing the LED, it would indicate (usually) that it has been disarmed. But since this is not the case and the 12V battery is OK, it may well have failed, or not be receiving a signal.

With the OE system, the alarm / immobiliser and central locking are synchronised but with faults, this may no longer be the case, especially if the immobiliser has been replaced. Some owners have removed the dash top and found multiple items wired in.

On my Griff, I replaced both with a plug in system from Abacus because it cut out on me at 50 mph! I reset it and was then driving along with the indicators flashing because the immobiliser had got out of synch wit the alarm.

[jezzaaa]

Hi Sixor that s interesting you say about hazard flashers while driving. I have exactly that and they re still flashing as soon as I connect the battery. I assumed it s because I haven t got working fobs (waiting for batteries) to disarm the alarm. I’m now searching for a way to align the two devices! Abacus might cover it…I notice their shop isn’t open at the mo

Thanks all.

Edited by jezzaaa on Saturday 11th April 11:44

[jezzaaa]

I think I need to open the dash and find out what it’s got. It’s a 97 car so presume M36/M99 from the stuff on abacus.

[sixor8]

Yes, it was a bit strange. I'd already had the issue with the car failing to turn over sometimes, a common issue, so thought it was on the way out. But when everything died driving along, I stopped and recycled the immobiliser but it was obviously then out of sequence with the alarm!

Not had a problem since replacement, but I'm unsure if Abacus do complete plug in systems now. You're correct about the system if it's still on OE. The M99T2 came in from about 2000. I had a Chimaera with it years ago, and I had to squeeze it sometimes for the fuel pump to initialise. I replaced that too, but only the immobiliser.

[PabloGee]

I’ve got the immobiliser bypass instructions if you need them - just PM/email me

[taylormj4]

jezzaaa said:

I think I need to open the dash and find out what it s got. It s a 97 car so presume M36/M99 from the stuff on abacus.

Mine is a 1997 450. I recently(ish) replaced the entire META system (siren, microwave unit and brain) with the latest META system. Bought it from Carl Baker and DIY'ed it with his telephone support. Not too difficult a job once you understand what to do.

I replaced it as had long had the hot start issue and was hoping it would resolve that but then also got weird stuff happening like I would disarm the alarm and the indicators would flash but the left hand one would stay ON.

[jezzaaa]

PabloGee said:

I ve got the immobiliser bypass instructions if you need them - just PM/email me

Thank you very much for the offer … I’ve managed to do it now with some help from the famous Carl Baker

[jezzaaa]

Thanks for all the feedback. Carl Baker kindly helped me to do the bypass so she’s running again. Also put batteries in the meta fob and can now do the door locking/alarm arm and disarm so all good. Cheers chaps.