Will not start - Immobilizer?

Brian Killins · 12-23-2011, 12:20 AM

About 6 weeks ago my Insight would not start. The dash was alive and a bit of electrical humming. I let it sit for a week or ten days and tried it again. It surprised me when the starter kicked in, turned it over really well, but their was no hint that it would be starting any time soon! (This is the first time since I have had the car that the starter was used, probably good for it.) Since I had never seen the green immobilizer key light it took a while and some seaching on this site to realize that the flashing green key means there is a problem with the immobilizer.

I checked for error codes. None. The manual has a little checking procedure that seems to indicate that the ECM is not the problem since there are no codes, and that the Immobilizer Receiver Unit (screwed on to the ignition switch) should be replaced. Can it be this simple?

Cobb · 12-23-2011, 12:50 PM

Do you have another key you can try? Sounds like your key may need a new battery for its chip.

Sent from my Autoguide iPod touch app

Brian Killins · 12-23-2011, 01:30 PM

Hmmm.... battery in key??

I tried all 3 keys with no success or difference.

Here is some further info. The immobilizer receiver is $114 and there is one in Canada. I have not ordered it yet. The dealer service guy said he has never had to replace one before so I am even less confident that this is the problem. Has anyone ever had to replace this part?

There was one hint a few months ago that there might be a problem coming. The insight would not start after a short time off for a quick run into the store. It was on a small hill so we gave it a push and popped the clutch. It was okay after that and I even took it on a 1500 km trip for 4 days. If this was related it would indicate that the fuel system was not shut down and therefore not an immobilizer problem.

Other basic stuff is okay including new 12 volt battery, good and clean ground straps, and okay clutch switch.

thanks for any suggestions

Willie Williford · 12-23-2011, 02:20 PM

Put your location in your signature and I'm sure one of the Canadian INSIGHTERS will assist.
(assuming you are in Canada)
I can't remember any problems with the immobilizer from anyone.
Willie

Brian Killins · 12-23-2011, 04:09 PM

I live between Kingston and Ottawa.

Brian Killins · 01-10-2012, 04:51 AM

Good news I hope.

A couple of days ago it was relatively mild so I tried a few more things to get it started. Found and cleaned the ground on top of engine from the immobilizer. Removed the fuse to reset the ECM. First and second tries, nothing. 20 minutes later, I tried it again and it started. Yesterday was another nice day and I took it out for a drive. Everything normal.

Good chance I will be stranded somewhere!?

gilbertguy · 01-10-2012, 08:59 AM

Hopefully it was just dirty connections, how did your IMA battery do after sitting for so long?

Brian Killins · 01-10-2012, 10:35 AM

There was an error P1576 initially. After the drive I erased it and no error returned. Battery and IMA seem okay and operate normally.

I hope it is just dirty connections too. The odd thing is that it started after my not making any change, so seems kind of random.

Eli · 01-10-2012, 10:43 AM

Interesting.

I wonder if this is what is wrong with the blue car in SD.