Citroen Xsara Picasso "electronic immobiliser fault"
Variant: 2.0 HDi
Model Year: 2004
Categories:
Electrics, ECU, Warnings & Lights
My car won't start... first some details:
Car: Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDi (04 plate)
Dashboard Error Reading: Electronic Immobiliser Fault
I had been running the car quite happily for at least a month after I bought it (pre-loved) and was very happy with it, then the problems started, I made a run in the car and the whole time the engine was on, the headlights were on, the wipers were set to intermittant wipe and no matter what I did with the switches I couldn't switch any of it off.
When I stopped the car and tried to start it again, I turned the ignition on and the sidelights came on but then when I turned it over it just kept turning over on the starter motor but not igniting the fuel... after a few attempts of this a message popped up on the dash saying "Electronic Immobiliser Fault".
This has happened twice now, the first time I had it recovered to a garage who fiddled with it and said something about the diagnostic equipment picking up a fault in the immobiliser ring inside the ignition barrel but apparently the mechanic "cleaned off an earth lead connection" and then it ran properly but I can't get to speak to said mechanic and I am very confused by the information (or lack thereof) because I have done exactly what was described to me and nothing has worked.
I have arranged for the car to be fitted with a new lockset but the nearest garage that can do it is over 100 miles away and if I can't get it started I can't get it there.
I hope someone can help.
Car: Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDi (04 plate)
Dashboard Error Reading: Electronic Immobiliser Fault
I had been running the car quite happily for at least a month after I bought it (pre-loved) and was very happy with it, then the problems started, I made a run in the car and the whole time the engine was on, the headlights were on, the wipers were set to intermittant wipe and no matter what I did with the switches I couldn't switch any of it off.
When I stopped the car and tried to start it again, I turned the ignition on and the sidelights came on but then when I turned it over it just kept turning over on the starter motor but not igniting the fuel... after a few attempts of this a message popped up on the dash saying "Electronic Immobiliser Fault".
This has happened twice now, the first time I had it recovered to a garage who fiddled with it and said something about the diagnostic equipment picking up a fault in the immobiliser ring inside the ignition barrel but apparently the mechanic "cleaned off an earth lead connection" and then it ran properly but I can't get to speak to said mechanic and I am very confused by the information (or lack thereof) because I have done exactly what was described to me and nothing has worked.
I have arranged for the car to be fitted with a new lockset but the nearest garage that can do it is over 100 miles away and if I can't get it started I can't get it there.
I hope someone can help.
Posted: Nov 20, 2015 (9 years ago)
Have you had a look at this similar problem:
This message was auto-generated based on a user suggestion.
This message was auto-generated based on a user suggestion.
Posted Nov 20, 2015 (9 years ago)
Hi I had a similar fault with a peogeot 206 hdi 2.0 it would come up with a immobiliser fault. The only way I could get the car going was to get out of the car lock it then get back in and it would start. Maybe you could try disconnecting the battery over night . Good luck.
Posted Nov 20, 2015 (9 years ago)
Above suggestion is not a solution and can cause problems .You need to get it scanned with proper equipment and fault codes identified before throwing on parts that may not be needed Do you mean ignition switch or all locks ?
Posted Nov 20, 2015 (9 years ago)
All your equipment faults relate to the "BODY SYSTEMS INTERFACE" unit.
this "computer ecu" controls all those and many other functions.
And it's most unlikely anything to do with the key sensor ring or locks in any way.
This needs the BSI scanned by Citroen Lexia diagnostic or equal high end diagnostics.
Most scanners can't or wont do this function.
Certainly not the guys you had look at it.
Go to a website called BBA reman and search your fault there.
This site also repairs BSI's,
which are coded to individual vehicles so not something you can get from Ebay.
this "computer ecu" controls all those and many other functions.
And it's most unlikely anything to do with the key sensor ring or locks in any way.
This needs the BSI scanned by Citroen Lexia diagnostic or equal high end diagnostics.
Most scanners can't or wont do this function.
Certainly not the guys you had look at it.
Go to a website called BBA reman and search your fault there.
This site also repairs BSI's,
which are coded to individual vehicles so not something you can get from Ebay.
Posted Nov 20, 2015 (9 years ago)
well the garage that I took the car to before said that they had done a diagnostic and the only problem they said that it threw up was the immobiliser ring, but that's not the problem that I have... the problem is that they managed to get it running again by "cleaning an earth lead" but that's not working for me at all
Posted Nov 22, 2015 (9 years ago)
Also whittingehame, the garage has suggested a full lockset (ignition and locks, means new keys too)
Posted Nov 22, 2015 (9 years ago)
I had the same problem, here is what happened..
Whilst driving the "electronic immobiliser fault" message came on dash then the car stopped and won't start...
Obd reader gave three faults
1. Large oil leak detected
2. Low fuel presure
3. Small fuel leak in rail (something like that)
No mention of immobiliser
What has happened s the fuel gauge gave me the wrong reading and actually the fuel was low but gave me a reading of two bars.
Squeezing the fuel pump bulb by engine had started it up but the cut out soon later (immobiliser fault)
So I've topped it up with diesel it starts hasn't cut yet but notice the fuel gauge hasnt changed it still thinks its low but I assume that driving with low fuel has caused some problems. Bringing particles and dirt to the surface which may later result in injector leaks..
Just sharing some experience.
Engine fault light has now taken the place of immobiliser fault.
No offence to picasso owners but I think the designers of this car although have done a great job have indeed taken short cuts in complying with the on board diagnostic equipment standards and these cars are not in line with the value, relaiblilty and quality with many of the Japanese cars.
I would never buy another citreon after my year long experience with my current picasso although I love the interior settings and space the thoughts of what might go wrong next month are ever lurking in the back of the mind.
Whilst driving the "electronic immobiliser fault" message came on dash then the car stopped and won't start...
Obd reader gave three faults
1. Large oil leak detected
2. Low fuel presure
3. Small fuel leak in rail (something like that)
No mention of immobiliser
What has happened s the fuel gauge gave me the wrong reading and actually the fuel was low but gave me a reading of two bars.
Squeezing the fuel pump bulb by engine had started it up but the cut out soon later (immobiliser fault)
So I've topped it up with diesel it starts hasn't cut yet but notice the fuel gauge hasnt changed it still thinks its low but I assume that driving with low fuel has caused some problems. Bringing particles and dirt to the surface which may later result in injector leaks..
Just sharing some experience.
Engine fault light has now taken the place of immobiliser fault.
No offence to picasso owners but I think the designers of this car although have done a great job have indeed taken short cuts in complying with the on board diagnostic equipment standards and these cars are not in line with the value, relaiblilty and quality with many of the Japanese cars.
I would never buy another citreon after my year long experience with my current picasso although I love the interior settings and space the thoughts of what might go wrong next month are ever lurking in the back of the mind.
Posted Sep 29, 2016 (8 years ago)
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