97 IMMO PROBLEM
 

Hi all
i have been given a 97 UK Impreza turbo. it used to get used everyday, the previous owner went on holiday battery went flat and now does this..
starts but cuts out after 2-3 seconds. So I'm guessing immobiliser.. Fuel pump is doing what it should etc.
had a friend who works at our local Subaru garage come around with the computer.
Computer says it needs the key recoding as the car is not reading the chip. BUT when we try to recode we get an error on computer, saying the computer isn't communicating with the car so it won't recode the chip.
Spoke to Subaru technical and they said there must be a fault between ecu and key/ignition.
I have done some research and read that maybe if the immo box has failed this is basically what happens. is this true?
What else could be stopping me recoding the chip? also anyone had any luck with AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONIS?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks

Is this the MY98 car? Are you using the OBDII port to communicate?
Afaik the port is pretty redundant on that car,it still uses the SSM port.

This might not work but have you tried an ecu reset using the correct method?
Have you read the ecu for errors using the built in diagnostics?

Sounds about right.

Maybe a duff antenna amp or the immobiliser control module itself

MY97 info
http://clarkdh.net23.net/NTL/immobiliser%20circuit.jpg

http://clarkdh.net23.net/NTL/immobiliser2.jpg

These may help

MY97 IMM Diags.pdf

Edit:misread

hey cheers for the reply.. It's a UK 97. We used the garages Subaru computer and plugged it into the port under the steering wheel.. When u say the port is pretty redundant u mean there sh*t to work from ? Ssm port ? I haven't tried an ecu reset or read the ecu for errors. It was easier to have my friend around with his computer.maybe worth it tho ?

​​​​​​​

I was leading towards the immo unit itself as was told that basically that's what allows codes to be reset into the car,however you wanna say it.

going to the car today. Was going to get the part number off the immo unit and try get one.. And then see if I have any luck that way.. But not sure how easy they are to find

If you are talking about the OBDII port directly under the steering wheel in the plastic cowling(surround) then as far as I know this port doesn't do much(didn't on my old terzo)



SSM is the port(yellow connector) under the steering wheel,rite up near the column with all the other wires,this is also where your green&black diagnostic/reset connectors are.

I would defiantly try a reset.

From what my friend who connected it up said it was through that yellow connector. Ecu reset with the green and black wires next to the yellow one ?

​​​​​​​https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...beaa4404b7.jpg

I can start the car it runs for about 2-3 seconds..
when I disconnect the immobiliser unit box and start it it runs for 4-6 seconds. Should it be doing this ?

If you use a key that is not coded to the car's ECU this is what usually happens.

Have you looked through the diagnostics pdf?? It may help to isolate the problem.

I haven't yet. If I can get another immobiliser unit the same.. Off another car, does it have to be coded to my car or anything ? As another friend of mine has a fair few scoobys for spares. Wondering if I try one off his just to narrow it down.

ive found another immo control unit.. Same numbers etc on just different colour sticker on. Does this mean anything? Also is it programmed to anything or can I hope and try?

I would imagine you would need to conect to SSM again and confirm the key coding. (but probably worth a try)

was scouting the net and come across this before. Wonder if this will work. As it doesn't list anything about doing anything with the ecu https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...1f4f4f570b.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.sco...b39f6ec95b.jpg

The key transponder "talks" to the immobiliser contol module which "talks" to the ECU which is interigated by SSM, which has the ability to recode the key.

Would have thought getting your mate to try again with the replacement ICM in place would be the simplest option.

Hi Calq98, what happened in the end....did you sort it?..what was the solution?
Cheers

You code the keys to the immobiliser not the ecu ... as a comment there is nothing in the actual ecu that you code to, but the ecu is enabled or disabled by the immobiliser

cheers

All very interesting.