Intermittent immobiliser problem help

[othermike]

My 2014 Custom has an interittant immobiliser issue....... The van starts and drives but after parking and returning will immobilise with "immobliser activevated please consult handbook" notice. If you return to the vehicle several hours later, there is a good chance it will start and drive. The problem will not necessarily return imediately and it is hard to replicate when you try.........

The van had no other problems and drives sweet when running......

I have had a new key cut, but either all or none of the keys will work, so I don't think the key is the problem.....

Autolocksmiths all just want to sell you a new and expnsive key and so far the auto elctricans are either not interested unless they can plug in and hit a few buttons and fix it........ Some have advised, "just go to fords".... If I can get to my local fords, they an advise a 3 week wait for a diagnositc or reflash the ECU....... Am I expecting too much here?

I have run out of ideas.........

Any good auto electircians or mecahnics out there within south east london who can fix this?

Advice is very much welcome.....

[Frag]

I'd replace the immobiliser transceiver,easy to replace,it's the black ring that clips around ignition barrel to read key.
No coding or diagnostic required.
2 torx screws to remove bottom column cover,top half clips into it,turn steering wheel and you'll see them on the front faces.

[othermike]

Thank you, is this a ford only part?

[Frag]

They look to be £25,they're on eBay at that,genuine ford from dealer.
I wouldn't entertain non-gen at that price,even if they are available.

[othermike]

Thank you so much for your advice. I chanegd the transponder ring (easiest job ever) and the van came back to life. It's been two days and no return of the problem.

Given ford wanted over £100 to run and diagnostic and a month to do it this was a great save! The part by the way from Ford was £30 and they had it within 24 hours.

I feel I have didged a bullet here, thanks again!

Mike

[Altransit]

Another gold star for the legend that is Frag

[jinx]

Another gold star for the legend that is Frag

And its a 10 from Len

[Frag]

Thanks guys,and the OP for letting us know the outcome,I'm sure this will help others too as it will come up during searches as these vans get older,and the fault more common.....

[Altransit]

Nothing more satisfying than a thread with a conclusion, thanks guys

[othermike]

I think the person who makes a good youtube explanation film/how to will get a million hits...... As I am sure others are having this problem and are being fleeced accordingly..... It seemed to me that people/experts all reach for the expenive and complicated explanation before the simple and cheap one.....

[Mad Mix]

I'd replace the immobiliser transceiver,easy to replace,it's the black ring that clips around ignition barrel to read key.
No coding or diagnostic required.
2 torx screws to remove bottom column cover,top half clips into it,turn steering wheel and you'll see them on the front faces.

I had the same problem fitted a new transceiver this morning but still get the immobiliser active message, could the new ring be faulty or could it be something else.

[Locks guru]

I have the same problem, Just could not find out how to remove the cover, thanks to whoever mentioned turning the steering wheel.
It does seem a common problem given the number of eBay sellers selling the Imobeliser ring, had the problem for a number of years, it is intermittent and normally occurs when it is cold weather, I found out thumping the key barrel or cover will get me going, so I think it is a loose connection or a bad solder joint so now I know how to get at it will take a look at it in the next few days.

[Locks guru]

Update...

Found the screws see attached photo, the back one is extremely difficult to get to.

Lower steering cover fixing screws .jpg

I opened up the immobilizer coil (RFID reader) and noted that the six pins connecting to the circuit board were either just pushed in or lacking in solder, so I resoldered them.

RFID READER PCB WITH SUSPECT SOLDERING.jpg

refitted it and it works, but as it was an intermittent fault I am not sure if have fixed it as time will only tell, but if I have then I have I have saved myself a few pennies.