detlefdragon1

Skoda Rapid starting issue

Alright, I've got a bit of a head scratcher. My 2004 Skoda Rapid, diesel engine, with 85500 km on the clock, is being a pain. It either doesn't start at all, or starts briefly and then cuts out. I scanned it and it's throwing up an error that looks like an immobilizer problem. I'm thinking it might be something to do with the key programming. Anyone had this before?

4 comment(s)

Sounds like an immobilizer fault to me. I had similar issues with my Rapid. Would start for a second then die. Very annoying. Does the anti-theft system light flash on the dash? Have you tried your spare key? It could be a problem with the remote start system if you have one installed.

Yeah, the anti-theft system light is flashing. I only have one key unfortunately. You mentioned a similar issue, was it definitely the immobilizer? What did you have to do to fix it? I don't have a remote start installed, so it's not that. Trying to figure out if it's something I can sort myself before I take it to a garage.

Definitely sounds like what I experienced. The flashing anti-theft system light was the giveaway. It's likely the immobilizer not recognizing the key. Honestly, I wouldn't mess with the car electronics yourself unless you really know what you're doing. You could end up making things worse. Best bet is to take it to someone who can recode the key to the car's ECU. That's what I had to do.

Thanks for the help. Took it to a local place, they recoded the key and it's sorted. Cost me 45€, so not too bad. Seems the programming of the key was off, just like you said. Cheers!

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