Toyota Corolla immobiliser problem

T Corolla

I have a 2001 toyota corolla with 69,500 miles. Today the car failed to start and the immobiliser light is not working. This light flashes non stop whether the car is running or not. Does anyone know in the forum or have they a similar car and did they have the much problems with it. The car seems run fine apart from the immobiliser thanks for your help

beam99

So the car will still start and run even if the light is on?

T Corolla

How are things the car will not start everything else is working

cython

I haven't had this problem myself (I drive a 04 Corolla, and before that a 01, and I think the immobiliser worked pretty similarly in both of them), and I don't have a solution, but I just want to check a couple of things that might clear up the situation for people that might be able to help.

1. Am I right in thinking that the key works in the ignition to switch on everything, except for getting the engine to turn over? IE the radio comes on, and the fuel dials, lights etc come to life, so to speak?

2. Can you recall before this issue did the light stop flashing once you put the key in the ignition?

3. Have you a second immobiliser key for the car? If so have you tried it?

The reason for the latter 2 questions is that there is a form of passive RFID tag in the key for the immobiliser that should be activated when the key is in (proximity to) the ignition, and this should disable the immobiliser, allowing the engine to start. If the light doesn't stop flashing, then it could be that the tag in the key is not working, or perhaps the car isn't actually scanning/reading the tag at all. If you have a second key you might be able to eliminate the possibility that the key is faulty. Of course it is possible that the key is being read fine, and the issue exists elsewhere, but these are just things that you might be able to try yourself.

beam99

Like chyton said if you have a second key try it, Was the car jump started the wrong way around? failing that you will need to get diagnoistics done on it.

T Corolla

1. Am I right in thinking that the key works in the ignition to switch on everything, except for getting the engine to turn over? IE the radio comes on, and the fuel dials, lights etc come to life, so to speak?

2. Can you recall before this issue did the light stop flashing once you put the key in the ignition?

3. Have you a second immobiliser key for the car? If so have you tried it?

The reason for the latter 2 questions is that there is a form of passive RFID tag in the key for the immobiliser that should be activated when the key is in (proximity to) the ignition, and this should disable the immobiliser, allowing the engine to start. If the light doesn't stop flashing, then it could be that the tag in the key is not working, or perhaps the car isn't actually scanning/reading the tag at all. If you have a second key you might be able to eliminate the possibility that the key is faulty. Of course it is possible that the key is being read fine, and the issue exists elsewhere, but these are just things that you might be able to try yourself.[/quote]


How are things The answer to the first question is yes everything else works.
I cannot recall the light stoed flasing I only noticed it when I got it home that the light was not flashing at all versus on/off flashing and staying on constanly
I only have one key for the car. I bought the car from a KIA distrubion garage. I do think it is something as simple as a faulty key or immobiliser needs to be reset as the car is perfect mechinically thanks for you suggestions much appreciated

beam99

You need to get diagnoistic done, there should be a fault code in the vehicle. where are you located? There could be a problem with the read coil around the key not picking up the signal from the key.