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susanhuber49

Skoda Fabia Diesel Immobilizer Problem

My 2004 Skoda Fabia with a diesel engine is giving me grief. Mileage is just shy of 200000 km. The engine won't start, or sometimes it starts briefly and then cuts out immediately. I've pulled the error codes, and it's pointing towards an immobilizer problem. Suspect it might be an incorrect key programming or something messing with the ignition control. Anyone seen this before?

4 comment(s)

hannessilber7

Sounds like an immobilizer issue. I had similar problems with my Peugeot 207 a while back. Same symptoms: engine would start then die, security light flashing. Have you checked the key signal? Sometimes a weak battery in the key fob can cause this, or even interference.

susanhuber49 (Author)

Key signal, you say? How exactly do I check that? I've noticed the security light blinking a bit more than usual, but I assumed it was related to the anti-theft system freaking out. Any specific tests I can run?

hannessilber7

Yeah, the key signal is what the car reads to allow starting. I couldn't test it myself, needed diagnostics. The workshop confirmed it was the key not being recognized properly by the anti-theft system. Honestly, save yourself the headache and take it to a workshop with the right equipment for key programming. They can diagnose it properly and reprogram the key if needed.

susanhuber49 (Author)

Right, thanks for the advice. I took it to a workshop, and it turned out the key programming was indeed the issue. They reprogrammed the key, and it's working fine now. Cost me 45€.

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