How do I reset alarm/immobiliser on 2003 T3X 1.8 auto?

[Mad Pensioner]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can help me with this problem.  I opened the car as usual with the remote, and my partner sat in the passenger seat while i walked round checking the tyres.  After only a short time the alarm went off, and I quickly cancelled it with the remote (I was still outside the car at this point).  However, when I tried to start the car about 30 seconds later, there was no response from the starter.  The dashboard lights went out as usual when I tried cranking the engine, but nothing happened.  I can hear relays clicking, but that's it!. 

I've never had a starting problem before, so can only assume that it's connected with the alarm going off.

Can anyone help, please??

Thanks.

[Devon Aygo]

The immobilser on your car only cuts the fuel pump so if the immobilser was stopping the car starting it would crank but not fire, it appears that your Battery is too flat to start the car and you are hearing the starter solenoid engaging/disengaging rapidly as it would if the Battery is flat and the alarm is sounding due to low voltage issues

[Mad Pensioner]

Thanks for your reply.  However, I have charged the Battery since the problem arose, and it's now registering 12.7 V; it was showing 12.2 V when I checked it before charging. The Battery is only six months old.  My son removed the ignition switch, and I was thinking of replacing it, but when I stripped it down and cleaned it up it didn't seem too bad, so I put it back in the car, but still it won't start.  Do you think it's worth trying jump leads?

Any suggestions will be most welcome!

[alan333]

Perhaps your starter?  Check if you have 12v at the starter solenoid wire when an assistant turns the key to the start position.

[Konrad C]

What are the symptoms? 

If it is the switch, when the key is turned to 'start', nothing happens with the display the same as 'ign' and the starter not even clicking. 

I have also had the starter problem where it would not release, then would not engage properly, and the Battery failure when the dash display goes crazy, not enough power for even the central locking. 

Stripping the switch may not show visible faults. I would try a meter across the terminals of the switch reading resistance,  whilst turning the switch with a screwdriver. One other way is to identify the cables to the starter and try a jumper cable. If that works, then it is the switch. 

Electrics can be tricky. I have experienced the three items that went wrong with my car, as explained above. If it is the immobiliser, then it is more tricky! 

[Russell@home]

Symptoms are, key turned to IGN & all the usual dash lights come on (Battery warning, ABS, oil etc.) along with the dials & needles illuminating.

When the key is turned to engage the starter, the dial lights go out & several relays can be heard clicking including one in the drivers door mirror & a small clunk sound from the rear (petrol pump?) but nothing from the starter.

When the key is released, the relays click open again.

As far as we can tell, there's no sound from the starter. The next thing is to find the starter & get a volt meter on the terminal.

[Mad Pensioner]

Thanks for all your help guys.  Turns out it's the starter motor.  Put a piece of wood on the end and gave it a couple of taps with a hammer and the car started with no problem!  I've now got to decide whether or not to replace it or just carry a piece of wood and a hammer in the boot!