Imobiliser

[GrahamF]

On occasions when I turn the key nothing at all happens. I might turn the key two or three times, then suddenly the car will turn over next turn of the key and start without an issue. There is a small circular what looks like an Imobiliser on the side of the steering column, but I have no additional key or device if this is an Imobiliser? Any suggestions.
Graham

[Motorsport Micky]

Is it clicking at all or is it an automatic ? if clicking likely common to have voltage drop on starter motor, if automatic possible immobilisor switch on top of automatic just gone out of adjustment, reset.

Micky

[SGN]

I think an immobiliser just stops the engine firing rather than stopping it turning over, if you have no other symptoms such as clicking starter, I would be inclined to suspect the ignition switch.

Cheers
Steve

[european voyager]

The the left hand side of the gearbox tunnel at the front there is a connection that brings the wiring from the gearbox into the main loom in the engine bay I have had problems there with corrosion that gave the same symptoms.

[GrahamF]

Is it clicking at all or is it an automatic ? if clicking likely common to have voltage drop on starter motor, if automatic possible immobilisor switch on top of automatic just gone out of adjustment, reset.

Micky

It is an auto. From memory it doesn't even click and certainly doesn't engage the starter motor.
What is the small round part on the side of the steering column housing?

[marshman]

If the small round part is not original then you need to post a picture of it otherwise we would just be guessing. Also if there is no clicking and the starter motor does go eventually without touching the gear selector then I suspect it could be the ignition switch (unless it is some effect from an aftermarket immobiliser fitted by a previous owner). If it is the inhibitor switch on the auto gearbox usually it won't start until you move the gear selector back and forth a couple of times to "exercise" the contacts.

Next time it happens, before turning the key again move the gear selector back and forth two or three times then try, if it reliably starts everytime after doing this then either the inhibitor switch needs adjusting or it is worn out.

Good Luck

Roger

[markmark2]

On occasions when I turn the key nothing at all happens. I might turn the key two or three times, then suddenly the car will turn over next turn of the key and start without an issue. There is a small circular what looks like an Imobiliser on the side of the steering column, but I have no additional key or device if this is an Imobiliser? Any suggestions.
Graham

Hi, I had the same thing happen as well. Mine is an auto, thought it was the inhibitor switch, you can also try starting in neutral. In the end it turned out to be the ignition switch. Try also starting keeping the key pushed in as you turn to start. If that works its the switch. Good luck.

Mark

[DJT]

Several immobilisers have a ring which resides around the ignition switch barrel, but usually behind the cowl. This relies on a coded tag on the keyring or buried in the key to disarm the immobiliser. Some of these will disable up to three circuits; usually the ignition, starter motor and fuel pump. If the coded tag isn't immediately adjacent to this ring when attempting to start the car, nothing happens.