fiesta immobiliser/starter problems

[PKLD]

hi all - think the cold weather is mucking up my fiesta's morning habits.

2005 1.4 zetec, unlock doors get in turn key, lights/radio all good, but doesn't start - the starter motor doesn't even turn. then I try several pointless times more still nothing. unlock then re-lock a couple of times, sit in the car for 4 mins then try again and she fires up like normal.

This is now happening almost every morning (which has been freezing). Local stealership is suggesting £200+ for re-programming keys and new battery

Me thinks it must be something simple - what should I look at first? I'm not mechanically minded but can follow instructions

[redtwin]

Next time try locking the car with the key in the door and unlocking it the same way, basically, don't use the buttons on the fob. It could be something to do with the remote fob, or not, but it won't cost you anything to try it and it may get you closer to a solution.

Another of my favourites is disconnecting the battery (make sure you know your radio code) for 15 mins and then reconnecting it. Think of it as a re-boot of sorts. Again, doesn't cost anything and I always recommend trying the free stuff first.

Also, have a google for Ford key fob reprogramming procedures. It is usually a combination of button presses and ignition switching on/off etc.

[littleredrooster]

Have you got more than one key on the keyring? If so, remove the Fiesta key and use it separately.

Many of these problems are caused by the immobiliser antenna (on the ignition switch, usually) seeing the wrong thing on a ring full of keys and not disabling the system.

[PKLD]

redtwin said:

Next time try locking the car with the key in the door and unlocking it the same way, basically, don't use the buttons on the fob. It could be something to do with the remote fob, or not, but it won't cost you anything to try it and it may get you closer to a solution.

Also, have a google for Ford key fob reprogramming procedures. It is usually a combination of button presses and ignition switching on/off etc.

Thanks - tried these above and car now starts as good as new!

[redtwin]

[mikeiow]

Holy thread resurrection!

redtwin said:

Next time try locking the car with the key in the door and unlocking it the same way, basically, don't use the buttons on the fob. It could be something to do with the remote fob, or not, but it won't cost you anything to try it and it may get you closer to a solution.

Another of my favourites is disconnecting the battery (make sure you know your radio code) for 15 mins and then reconnecting it. Think of it as a re-boot of sorts. Again, doesn't cost anything and I always recommend trying the free stuff first.

Also, have a google for Ford key fob reprogramming procedures. It is usually a combination of button presses and ignition switching on/off etc.

Son's 2005 Fiesta appeared dead....battery okay.....despite that, I even tried these steps that I have used in the past to revive a dead battery (might be useful to someone else here):
1. Connect flat battery to any other battery with jump leads
2. Leave for 10 mins and then connect charger to flat battery at same time.
3. Turn on charger and charge like this for 1 hour.
4. Then take off jump leads and charge battery normally with charger for minimum of 12 hours.

But the cure was indeed to detach the battery for over 20 minutes (did it for 5 first, still did not work).....and sure enough, it lives!

Hurrah!