Intermittent immobiliser problem

niallo32

A friend who is fairly handy with cars bought a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 petrol.

There is an immobilser on it with no pin required.

When he puts the key in and turn it as far as dash symbols on, there is an immobiliser box flashing yellow as if the key hasn't been picked up properly. The odd time this yellow immobiliser box stays on (doesn't flash) and this is when it'll start, key picked up properly.

Once started all lights go out including the immobiliser one as they should and there are no issues. Car stays running and drives perfect. There's no way of telling if the symbol is gonna flash or stay solid when getting into it.

He found a mini circuit board plugged into the diagnostic port under the dash that has definitely been fitted after market. It looks like it may have blown. Burn marks around a few of the components on it when zoomed up.

He is going to pick up a new battery for the key at some stage and see how it goes.

Anyone with any experience of this could shed any light?

Thanks..

colm_mcm

The transponder chip for the immobiliser wouldn’t be affected by the key battery.

Can you post a picture of what’s plugged into the OBD?

niallo32

Have asked for a pic, will post shortly. Thanks

niallo32

He just texted me that it's sorted, it was a loose earth on the engine. Thanks for the help anyway

colm_mcm

Plug out that other yoke anyway