Ford car won’t start – Do you have a Ford car key problem?
This is a really easy one. It depends on what type of Ford you have. If it’s an older style key, like the one below, in fifteen years, we’ve very rarely seen a Ford car key problem that stops the car starting. The transponder chips are excellent quality. Therefore, even if you have problems with the key falling apart, or buttons not working, this shouldn’t effect the car or van starting.
Standard Ford Remote Key
However, we’re starting to see issues with the newer style of Ford car keys, both the standard flip key and the proximity, or ‘smart’ keys that were introduced around 2010. If your Ford car won’t start and you have either of the keys below, it’s possible you have a Ford car key problem. Read more below.
Symptoms of a Ford Car Key Problem
Does the car try and start? Is the car turning over, or cranking?
The immobiliser works by preventing the starter motor, among other things, from working. Therefore, if the car is winding over, but not firing up, then you can be certain you don’t have a Ford car key problem. However, if it won’t even try and start, then the key is worth looking at.
There is an immobiliser light on early Fords. It’s always red and it’s normally a red dot, or a red padlock symbol. There are three things the Ford immobiliser light will do.
Immobiliser, or ‘PATs’ Light
Normal operation. With no keys in the ignition, or the car locked up, the red light will flash once every second. This is normal and means the immobiliser is set. When you turn the ignition on, the red light should come on for a second then go out.
If this happens, the car is happy with the key and you don’t have a car key problem.
Immobiliser light flashing. This time, when you turn the ignition on, the light flashes very quickly, about four times faster than before.
If this happens then the car does not recognise the key. We see this when either the key hasn’t been programmed, or the cloned chip has failed.
Sometimes, if a Ford Focus or Mondeo has been stood for a long time and the battery has gone flat, the car forgets the keys. However, we don’t any other Ford cars where the keys are forgotten. If you’re being told to ‘get the keys reprogrammed’ because the car has forgotten them, wait a bit and get your car key checked first.
Immobiliser light solid red. We don’t see this much, but sometimes, if there’s a different problem on the car, such as a communications fault, the light stays on red. The car will not crank and this will look like a key problem.
A solid red light needs to be investigated by a skilled technician.
What to look at with Ford vehicles.
Even though Ford keys are excellent, there are a couple of exceptions to look for. About ten years ago, the clever people at the key factories managed to work out how to clone the key, just like Dolly the sheep, remember her?
Things didn’t work out too well for her but cloning car keys changed things for ever. Cloned keys are what you buy at key cutting shops and are cheaper than a properly programmed car key.
Different types of Cloing chips
There are more Ford cars in the UK than any other make, and so more Ford cloned keys than any other. We started to see problems with Ford car keys caused by cloned keys and they are still a major issue, in our opinion.
Cloning chips fail, and whenever we attend a car key breakdown on a Ford, it’s normally a cloned car key problem. We’ve only ever seen two genuine Ford chips fail in sixteen years, we think that’s excellent record. Compare this with any French key on Citroen and Peugeot cars and we see them every week!
The other exception is Ford Transit vans like the one below.
These have a new type of chip, that is on all french vehicles and the scourge of the motor trade. When this type of key is dropped and damaged, the chip does fail and the van will not start. Look for a flashing immobiliser light and no crank. Yes, most likely you need a new key.
Key not detected
The newer Ford cars do not have an immobiliser light. They have a display that will tell you what the problem is.
If you need a new Key battery, check out our Resources page which will take you to our Amazon Store.
Click Here to visit our Amazon Page
The increase in proximity smart keys is causing a big problem for owners. These keys are very delicate inside and we’re starting to see car key breakdowns, caused by a failure of the key. The car will display a Ford car key problem message by telling you ‘key not detected’ on the dashboard.
When this happens, more often than not, you need a new car key. However, before you spend a lot of money on one, make sure you put a new car key battery inside. This type of key won’t let you start the car if the key battery dies! What a stupid idea..
Another common reason for this message is poor car key battery choice. All these keys need a good quality CR2032, and anything without a good brand should be thrown in the bin! (Well recycled in a car key battery facility!)
Ford Cars Stolen without keys
This is a big problem and is on the increase. If you have a keyless Ford car, you should click here.
How good are Ford Keys compared to other keys? Click Here to find out. We hope this has helped. Any questions please leave in the comments below.
This post contains affiliate links.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Links on this website may lead you to a product or service. They provide an affiliate commission to the owners of this site should you make a purchase. In no way does any affiliate relationship ever factor into a recommendation. Nor does it alter the integrity of the information we provide.
Please note that we have not been given any free products, services, or anything else by these companies in exchange for mentioning them on the site. The only consideration is in the form of affiliate commissions.
no immobiliser red light at all on my transit obviously wont start all dash lights come on with key any ideas please
Hi, what is the year of the van, or the reg please
Hi,
i have an issue with my ford mondeo mk4 2008 titanium. when i insert the key apear message imobiliser active and car not doing anything. motor not crank or make any other noise. on dash is only imobiliser active. What can be the issue. What i need to do? please help
Hello, has the battery on the car been flat?
I got the same problem and yes battery didd
Hi guys can anyone please help me I’ve baught a 2013 focus eco boost runs and drive it Copart however it won’t start I’ve changed the key battery and car battery but I’m having no luck starting the vehicle it just beeps
Hello, is it a pushbutton start?
Help, my car won’t start. Thought it was the key but it’s not. The car is dead, no horn/hazard lights nothing
Hi Tina, what tye of car is it?
I am getting code 16 now after i have replaced the battery and the battery before went dead
Hi Nick, code 16 is not a key fault. As far as I know it relates to the Body module
I owned a ford fiesta zxi 2007 model…
The problem is my car is not getting started… when i insert the key it’s playing free inside key set and not wrkng…
Hi, does the key turn in the lock? do the lights on the dashboard come on?
Hi I have a Ford Focus 2007 1.8 ghia car won’t start Immobiliser light flashes won’t turn over or anything
Hi Ash. This sounds like a key problem. Do you know how to read the flash codes?
Hi Steve,
I have a Ford ztec 2005 plate, I’m having problems with the immobiliser, flashing red constantly, my friend who is a auto electrician, said its the immobiliser,
How much is a new key please Steve.
Hi David. Firstly, it’s very unusual for the keys to go faulty. In 15 years I’ve seen a couple.
Have you had your key checked? Take it to a local Timpsons or a car key shop and ask them to check whether the chip reads ok
Hi, I have a 2006 fiesta tdi. When I insert the key the immobiliser light flashes and gives code 1 3. If the key is left in the ignition for around 20 seconds before starting it will fire up ok. This happens on all three keys. Any ideas what could be causing this?
Hi Jody, sorry been away for a few days. Do you still need help?
I have a 53 plate Ford Fiesta and the key has been temperamental the last few weeks well now it won’t open the car at all, I’m able to gain access to the car but now the imobillser is stopping it from starting. Please can you help? What are my options?
Hi Chris, that’s odd. Have you changed anything on the key other than the battery? Does the car try and crank?
Hi Steve.
Wondered if you could help me, i have a kit car with a focus 1.8 Zetec in, iv’e had a intermittent starting problem for some time now
and it seems to have got worse,
Iv’e discovered that when it wont start the immobiliser light flashes fast and when it lights up and goes out it starts fine.
Iv’e drilled a small hole in the key casing to expose the front of the chip thinking the transponder might not be picking up the chip but it’s made no difference.
Would really appreciate if you could help as i’m unable to use the car at the moment.
Thanks John.
Hi John, when it doesn’t start, does the car crank?
Hi, I have a 1997 ford fiesta 1.3 and it does not want to start. when i turn the key it switches on and that’s it. Then that flash light (immobolizer) flashes too much. I did send it to a mechanic and they fixed the barrel. after that it started and it failed again a month later.
Hi, ok, so do you know how to read the Ford Flash codes?
Hi
I have replaced the ignition barrel on a Mondeo 2002. Ignition lights come on but no crank. Immobiliser light flashes very quickly, I still have key that use to start it & have held it close to ignition to send signal but still no start? Help
Hi Richard, sorry for the delay in replying, I have been away. When the barrel is replaced, the key that comes with it needs coding to the car. Sometimes you can get away with what you are trying to do ( holding it close ) but if there is an unprogrammed chip in the new ignition, the car may just be confused. Did you get this sorted out?
Hi, on a caravan holiday 3 hours from home with kids. please help. Have a Ford S Max 55 plate. Key fob wouldn’t open car so used the key from.inside the fob. Once inside, car wont start at all. I have tried to place the key inside the detector hub by the wheel but no lights or any response at all from the car. Any advice please?? Please help
Hi Jennifer. Sorry I’ve just seen this. Do the hazard lights work? It sounds like you have a flat battery
Hi Steve, I have a 13 reg Grand C-Max. Was on holiday on the south coast and on last day keys opened car but said engine immobilised. There is no sound when trying to start the car. Radio worked at first but not after the rac had tried various attempts to solve the problem. Any ideas? Could the spare key at home work or when it is towed back should I get it towed straight to a garage?
Many thanks.
Hi Adrian, I’m sorry I’ve away on holiday. Did you get this sorted?
Hi Steve, we’ve just purchased a 2009 Ka Studio for our daughter – no problem with starting but we only have one key, I don’t believe the car was ever fitted with central locking, but I believe it should have an immobilizer – the key we have looks very basic and I can’t see an obvious red or blue square to show that its programmable for the immobilizer. Do you know how we can get a couple of spare keys cut?
Morning Christine, sorry we’ve been away. Ok so there is a chip in this key, and so when you get a new key, it will need to be one with a chip also. There are alot of Ford Ka cars that do not have a remote control. The only way to check this is by asking the Ford Dealer. Getting a spare key can be a bit tricky, depending on where you are. There are two ways of getting a key. the first is to clone the key. This is really common in key cutting shops. We don’t believe that the quality of the chips are as good as a proper Ford transponder chip. In the past they have suffererd from poor life, and we’ve seen many cloned keys that stop giving out a signal one day.
The other way is to contact a local Auto Locksmith. If they are good, they’ll have the equipment to make a chip and code it to the car. It’s trickier than a standard Ford, but we do lots of them so hopefully this won’t be a problem for you.
Hi I have a Ford Focus 1.8 tacit mk2 and battery light came on and was told alternator so replaced it and seemed to work but then while driving the power went off and stopped working.
I got it home and now won’t crank but have replaced starter, earthed everything again checked all fuses and relays so believable it’s the immobiliser and does flash fast on the dash, I’m looking for any help to get the car started thanks
Hi Paul. Do you know how to read Ford flash codes ? The car will tell you what’s up if you can read the code
Hi Steve, can you help me please. I have a 2008 1.8 TDCI Ford Focus and it doesnt want to start all the time. I turn the key, no cranking, lights are on and just nothing happens. Then i can leave this 5 minutes try again and the car starts fine. Do you know what this could be? Thank you.
Hi Hollie
Well the fact that it starts sometimes is good because you know the key is coded ok. When the car won’t start and it won’t crank, have you noticed what the immobiliser light does? It should be a red light.
Hi Steve, can you help ?
I have a 2009 Fiesta Zetec, the immobiliser light flashes rapidly, code 1 6, is this the key ?
It did run out of power a couple of months ago and I recharged the battery, all lights on and no power issues now, but fails to start on a regular basis, getting very frustrating as no engine issues when it does work.
My local garage had a look, told me to replace the whole instrument panel, cost £500 !
It does not crank when the light is rapidly flashing, what else can I try?
Replace fuses, new battery, new key ?…please advise
Hi Mike
Sorry for the delay in replying, I’ve been away. This is common, and although it looks like a key fault, it isn’t.
Another common symptom is horizontal ‘dashes’ where the mileage should be. Do you have these dashes?
I have this same issue, and I have the dashes where mileage should be. 1.2 fiesta 2010 plate. Read the flashing code to be 1:6. Tried 2 keys and neither work. Had the car 5 plus years and no issues. We did have the. Barrel changed 6 months ago but used car daily since and no issues. Hasn’t had a flat battery either ???? please help
Hi, I expect it has something to do with the Body Module. Code 16 is not a key fault, so it needs to be looked at by a Ford specialist
Hi. I’m getting a 1.6 code coming up on my Ford Focus MK2 2005. It used to be intermittent, but now won’t start at all. The instrument cluster looks normal. Any ideas?
Hi Dylan
Code 16 looks like it’s a key fault. The PATS light flashes quickly and the car won’t crank. However, as far as we know, this isn’t a key fault.
This is normally a fault that needs to be looked at by a Ford specialist. Not much help I know, but as far as we know its a module fault. I’ll try and find out more a reply later on
Hello Steve, I am looking for some advice on a ‘surf’ key for an ’07 S-Max. So the intention is I can get a manual key which will get wet, soaking wet. I will lock the car manually with this key, go surfing with the key in my wetsuit, return and open the car manually. Then I will retrieve my normal key from inside the car and either press unlock on the remote or put it into position 2 in the ignition to avoid the alarm sounding, When I visited a well known national key cutter the assistant said this wasn’t a good idea with a Ford as after a number of uses of a manual unlock the car may decide it has been stolen and go into ‘lock down’ not starting or functioning for a number of hours or days. I have not been able to find any further information about this, do you have any knowledge of this system and if this is likely to occur? Many thanks.
Hi Tim.
Thanks for the question. There are a couple of different questions here really.
Every month we cut ‘surf keys’ for our customers, so that they can go out, get the keys wet and then do exactly what you describe.
I have never heard of the ‘lock down’ problem an I think the person has been told an old wives tale.
Or maybe he’s had a bad experience of cloning a key, and it not working after a few attempts. This has been a problem with cloned keys in the past and National chains tend to clone, instead of programme directly into the memory.
So yes, what you want to do is normal.
As a side, when we cut keys for the auctions in order just for them to start, ( so the cheapest possible job ), we always do ‘surf keys’, non remote keys.
Lastly the question is ‘should I be leaving my car keys inside my car?’
I can see why you want to do it. If the car got broken into and stolen, you wouldn’t be insured. Plus, if you lose your key out in the water, you’ll have a problem. However, lots of surfers and sailors manage this problem and it sounds like you are happy with your way of enjoying a bit of surfing, it sounds like fun!
So just ignore the ‘lock down’ advice, It’s possible they were trying to up-sell you a remote key?
All the best :)
Thank you very much for your reply. I suspected as much, the gentleman was genuinely concerned and actually talked himself out of a sale! From what I now understand using a manual key with a transponder there would be no need to keep the remote key in the car and the transponder will survive the water. As per your advice I will call a local auto locksmith and get a programmed key, and then keep their number for when I need it!. Again, many thanks for your advice.
I’d find a real auto Locksmith, instead of key cutter, we wrote this article that may help
https://thecarkeyman.co.uk/how-to-find-local-car-key-man-auto-locksmith/
Hi Steve,
I am getting “immobilizer malfunction Service Now” on my screen of a 64 plate Ford Fiesta. All lights come on as normal and when turning key to start I get a few beeps and the error message.
Any ideas?
Hi Dan. We see lots of Ford Fiesta cars, but haven’t seen this problem, sorry!
Hi,
I have a 13 ford focus se and am getting the ” no key detected ” reading on dash. Recently the car had gotten some water inside of it, but all other electronics are working fine. Could you please help me try to resolve this issue.
Thanks,
Byron B
Hello Byron. Have you tried the emergency start method? Do you know what I mean?
Hi Steve,
i have a ford focus zetec 2004 model.
Is it possible that the car can not recognise the coded key during travel?
just broke down today and car would not start although AA could turn the engine over by other means so not battery related.
after a diagnostic check one of the faults was immobilizer key faulty B1342.
AA guy had a hunch that system tried to shut down during the journey as key chip suddenly not recognised.
Can this happen and is the only fix to get new keys from ford which could be pricey…
many thanks in advance for any advice/thoughts.
Dan
Hi Dan
Ok, so you could start the car with the chip and then take it away and the car will run all day.
So it isn’t the key. It may be possible the immobiliser has developed a fault, but it’s not the key, sorry
Hi… please please help! Ok so my fiesta worked fine for 2 years. The car was stood from Nov-Feb as I thought it was being taken by the finance co. and had to get a cheap runaround. Anyway turns out they don’t want the car back so I could keep it. Tried to start it, at first the car tried to start but the battery was dead. We tried to jump start it from my old car with no joy. Then it went to just clicking when turning the key. So we thought… needs a new battery! Changed it and nothing. Had RAC out. He at first said start motor? Then he said it’s the keys. Gave us a number for a guy who came out. He tried to use a diagnostic computer and it won’t connect to the car. So…. he charged us £20 call out and left. A friend of my partner who is a mechanic came out to plug his computer in and said the same- car won’t read computer. So I am left with no car (sold old one thinking it would be fine after new battery!). A car that ran fine and DID try to start before the battery was changed. And now nothing. I have read your advice- the immobiliser light does the rapid flashing thing. I rang Ford dealer he basically said I would have to get car there and it would be a costly process to try and find the fault without it recognising the computer. He did say to check for fuses gone and to maybe try to connect battery cables together for a minute but nothing works. I am at my wits end as having had RAC man, a key man and his mate look at it already I am at a loss? I have had a really rubbish time in my life in the past couple of years and now I have lost my car and my freedom and just want the thing to work! Any ideas?
Hi, sorry to hear your trouble.
If there’s no communication, then it normally means there is a problem on the car. It sounds like one of the units is staying asleep instead of being powered up.
It needs a local expert, I can’t imagine anyone can help you remotely, sorry
Hello. I have a ford focus 2005, my car wont start the immobilizer light keeps flashing.
What do i do?
Hello Ashleigh. Does the car crank, or turn over?
Hi. I have 07 focus petrol.
Intermittently the car won’t start. It will crank over but no ignition. At times when there is no ignition the immobiliser will flash very quickly and dashes come up on the odometer, sometimes a red cog will show on the dash.
Any ideas to what is causing this?
Hi Paul, it isn’t the key, sorry. The dashes where the miles should be are sometimes caused by a comms problem
Hi Steve, really hoping you can help after just reading your article on Ford Key issues.
I have a Ford Transit Van on an 08 plate. Getting the red flashing immobilser light and the engine wont crank. Is there a way of knowing if its definitely the key or the immobiliser thats at fault before I shed out £175 on a replacement key?
Hi Ross. You need someone to read the key in a transponder tester. A good Auto Locksmith should be happy to test it. https://thecarkeyman.co.uk/how-to-find-local-car-key-man-auto-locksmith/
Or, tell Timpsons you want a key, but need that one tested first ;)
Hello Steve
Own a 2002 Ford Fiesta and it won’t start. Was recently driving and the car lost power then the EAC light came on. This is not the first this occurred but usually when it does, I turn the car off, then start it back up and it runs fine. This time after shutting it off the car will not start. The immobilizer key/car light is flashing and flashes rapaidly when trying to start the car. Checked the fuses, no issues there. Hearing a clicking sound when trying to start the car. It goes like this, turn the key to start, clicking sound by the fuse box area, solid immobilize light, the it flashes rapidly, EAC fail display.
Hi Troy. Well I don’t think it’s the key. It sounds like a wiring problem, or one of the units is playing up.
Can’t help you I’m afraid, but if you find out could you let our readers know please?
I had the same problem. I replaced a rubber pipe that runs from just behind the throttle body to the side of the intake. And my problem was solved
Hi I have a 2003 ford transit.
Battery died due to an ongoing issue now immobilizer is rapidly flashing then giving me a code of 13 (1 flash pause 3 flashes).
When I turn the key absolutely nothing happens.
Is there anything I should be aware of as I’m new to the transit.
Many thanks
Amy
Hi Amy. I’ll look up what code 13 is and get back to you
Hi, I have All new Ford fiesta 1.5 titanium TDCi.(India)
My car is flashing red dot in dashboard . Car is not starting. But some times it starts. I tried with both key , but results are same. Now how to start the car. (Car dealership is far away from the car location)
Hello Shreedhar. What year of car is it please?
Hi my car doesn’t want to start it shows the lock key what should u do?
Hi, can you give us a few more details? Make, model and year?
Hi Steve.
I drive a Ford Focus 2013 model. I insert the key, the lights on the dashboard come on, but when I turn the key to start the car it won’t even crank and on the display, it brings the message, “Immobiliser active. Check handbook.” I noticed that the metal sprout of my key shakes freely at the point where it is attached to the plastic hold. I kept on just fiddling with it by turning it off and on again. Then luckily, it just regains contact and starts up. The problem here is that I don’t want to keep on starting my car with luck. The delay is crazy. Please how can this be fixed?
Hi Melvill, we’ve seen this before
I think what’s happening is that the chip in the key is faulty, and when you fiddle with it, eventually it works.
If I’m correct and it’s the key, the only answer is a new one I’m afraid. Eventually it will fail altogether
Hello, I have a transit 57 plate that doesn’t start the immobiliser has 1 second flashes when I am in the van with no key in ignition, but when key is inserted to start the light stays flashing as normal 1 second flashes but doesn’t crank? Battery is good and key locks and unlocks can as usual any ideas? Thanks.
Hi, sorry fro the delay in replying. Did you find out? It sounds like there is a problem with the immobiliser not being woken up.
Hi Steve!
2010 Fiesta TDCI is having serious intermittent start problems.
No immobiliser problems going by your description.
Key turn everything turns on but engine/car makes a click noise and no engine start.
First start of the day it starts fine. But every other start during the day is hit and miss.
I bit the bullet an got a new starter motor installed on the advice of 2 friends at my local trusted garage and it worked fine for them but the first 2 times I tried it wouldn’t start.
I am now quite the expert at bump starting a car.
Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks.
Nightmare! No not a key issue, but not a clue what it could be, sorry
Hi, I have a ford focus 2006 1.8 tdci. Put the key in the ignition and turn. Nothing happens. The red light flashes once a second and when the key is inserted and turned nothing changes with the red light. It still flashes once a second.The alarm works, the remote doors open and lock, the interior and exterior lights work, the clock works and the odometer shows the correct mileage. Any ideas.
Hi Ian, it sounds like the immobiliser isn’t getting woken up. Not a key issue
Managed to find an issue with the ign switch not getting any power. Connected a new lead from the ign fuse to the ing switch, and the lights all come up on the dash. When the dash lights are on the security light flashes a very fast flash and the car does not turn over. When the ign is turned to off. I can hear from the engine compartment some clicks, I guess that would be relays switching, I could be wrong. Any ideas
I have a 2016 Ford Focus zetec s. I have an intermittent fault that is getting more frequent. The car is keyless and it will not start no crank nothing, after a while it will start, have fitted a new battery, and changed the key fob battery too. Any idea if the problem could be key fob related.
HI Alan, sorry for the delay in replying. Did you get his fixed?
Hello, I have a Ford C max Zetec 2010 which has just developed a similar serious problem. On three occasions it happened whilst driving. All the dash lights came on, together with a loud pink-pong warning noise, very disconcerting. I continued driving and it went away. On other occasions the car would not crank, all dash lights remained on and a large red warning triangle displayed. On turning the key off and then on it appeared as thought something in the key barrel was preventing the key from turning at all. We tried to start the car with my wife’s key, but there was no change. There appeared to be no solution. After a few minutes wait the car started normally. I got it home and checked for diagnostic codes with a suitable instrument. There were no fault codes at all and the car appears to be running well. However since this has happened several times it is only a matter of time before we are stranded. Any comments would be most welcome.
Hi Roger. There’s a possibility that the switch on the back of the ignition lock is playing up. It may be worth trying one as they only cost about £20 and are very easy to change
Many thanks I’ll have a look in the morning, however I have no idea at present what it looks like or how to get it out. Any information would be useful. Thank you
Hi my 2007 ford connects dash board light kept flickering so I took it apart and fixed the problem ( loose cable ) and now it wont start any ideas as to what this could be thanks
Hi James, sorry just seen this. Did you manage to sort it out?
Hi, i have a ford focus zetec 2002. Tried my key to start my car and nothing. All the lights work and radio which means its not the battery.. but no matter what i do my car just wont turn over. Its not making and noises at all. Just nothing. What could this mean?
Hi Kristian. There is a small red light near the clock. This light should come on, then go out after a second. What does it do on your car?
Hi Steve. I have a 2005 petrol focus. Engine system failed coming up on dash & red light flashing fast n not going out. Bought it as 2nd car so hasn’t been started in over a week cud this be why this problem happened.
Thank you
Hi Sandra, did it cut out driving along? Is it the newer shape?
Hi there
I am having problems in my ford transit 2008 . When I turn the ignition on , all light flashes except battery sign and another singn( looks like 3 half circle on the top of dashboard). If it displays all the signs along with tick noise from battery as soon as I turn on ignition on . It starts. In short , it makes tick noise from the battery as soon as I turn the ignition on , it starts otherwise it remains unresponsive .
Hi Ramesh, they key wouldn’t cause these problems. It’s something else, but I wouldn’t have a clue what, sorry
Hi I have a Ford Fiesta Zeetec 2010 and both keys are not unlocking my car. My car does not start. There is nothing ticking over. The horn no lights radio nothing is working. Had no signs of any problems with the car. Can you please advise?
Thank you
I have now charged the battery with battery charger. The central locking now works all lights etc work but still cannot start the engine. Can you advise please?
Hi sharon, sorry for the delay in seeing this. Did you get sorted?
Ford transit mk7
Red immobiliser light flashing 1:6
Key still works to lock and unlock the van but will not crank at all
Key problem or dodgey wiring
Cheers
Hi Marlon, sorry I’m not sure what code 16 is on this van. We see this on Ford Focus cars and it can be related to comms from the Body control unit.
Hi
I have a Ford Focus 2002 and the key fob locks and unlocks the car and when the key is turned the ignition lights come on but nothing starts or engine turns over
Could you help me find out why and what I can do to remedy this
Thankyou
Hi Steve, sorry for the delay in replying. It sounds like the chip inside the key needs programming to start the car. This can only be done with a computer
Hi Steve I have a focus mk2 08 tdci I’ve been told my ECU needs changing and told I need these parts to ecu,fuse box,ignition barrel and keys,clocks,key reader,boot lock ,drivers door lock can you confirm
Hi Wendy
There are two ways to do it. The easy but expensive way is buy a new ECU and have it programmed by a professional with the correct equipment. The cheaper but much more long winded way is to change everything you mention
I have a Ford ka Streetwise convertible 05 reg. When I try and start engine ignition lights come on but when I turn key to crank engine immobiliser light flashes faster than usual and it’s as if engine dead what do I do
Hi Chris, does the car turn over? Is it trying to start?
Hi
My 2011 Focus Titanium has a recurring issue, whereby the key fob will not open my car, doesn’t respond at all to pressing the buttons on the fob.
I then open the car using the key hidden inside the fob. The car won’t start, no lights come on, the engine doesn’t turn at all, no warning lights etc.
I had assumed this was a battery issue, but have previously made use of my breakdown cover to bring out a guy who jumpstarted the car, which then worked – he checked the battery there and then and there was no issue with it. After that the issue didn’t recur for months. On other occasions the issue has occurred on a Friday night, I’ve thought “I’ll leave it til Monday”, but have returned days later and everything works fine.
The issue has recurred variously in different conditions, times of day/year, seemingly no trigger for it that I can see.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated please. I’m not hugely car-literate so plain English and precise solutions would be great please!
Thanks
James
Hi James, it’s a frustrating problem by the sound of it. I can’t help you I’m afraid but it sounds like you need a Ford specialist to take a look
Hi I have a ford fiesta mk3 1 out of 50 times I will put the key in all lights will work the when I crank it will click and everything go dead no lights nothing except for clock after 5 mins I try and everything will work as normal is there a problem with pats or key.
Hi Martyn, have you tried replacing the electric switch on the back of the car? https://youtu.be/99aWLk1ctjo
Hi Steve
I have a 2008 Ford Fiesta Titanium which is a push button start, I can open the car with the fob then I try the button but the car won’t start although the lights and radio come on, it has been like this starting on and off for a couple of weeks when it wasn’t starting I was putting the fob against the panel where your key would go and this worked for a few times but now it’s not starting the car at all, I have changed the battery in the fob just in case it was that but it’s not, can you help at all please, thank you
Hi Lorraine, this is a bit odd. Does it do it with both keys or do you only have the one?
Hi Steve,
Can you advise please? I have a 2003 Fiesta Mk6 with only one 3 button remote key. If I buy a new one form Amazon or similar and follow your video to code central locking will that also enable the new key to start the car? Not sure what type of PATS immobiliser I have, if any.
Thanks.
Hi Sharon. Unfortunately not. The video shows you how to code in the buttons, which is needed sometimes when the battery dies, However, there is also a chip inside that works the immobiliser, and that needs to coded with a computer. A good Auto Locksmith can do this for you
Hi my daughter has a 61 reg KA it wouldn’t start yesterday I had aa out yesterday they said transponder key fault was all they could tell me there’s a red car light with padlock on dash please help
es they do go faulty and show these symptoms. I would suggest finding a good local auto locksmith to check the key
My Ford Figo is flashing the red pad lock n it does not crank at all wht can be the cause? It’s a 2013 model
Hi, sounds like a key problem
Good day hope all is well. If got a ford focus 2013 model. When I turn the key to start position a alarm come up reading Mobilizer malfunction service required.
Hello Theo, has something happened to the key? Has the battery in the car gone flat?
Good afternoon. I drive a 1999 Corsa lite, i lost my key for it. I then went to Locksmith to code the new one. The problem now is that, the car does not start sometimes it does start. It keeps on displaying the immobilser flashing light. The guy from locksmith said is wirering problem.
Where are those wires? Please help
Hi Steve,
2008 ford focus, sitting idle for 2 years. Just started working on it, got a new battery, new oil, etc. but when I turn the car on red light flashes rapidly for 1 min and then flashes in intervals. Tried to reset the anti theft mode by keeping the key in the door lock for couple mins, then keeping key in ignition for couple mins, nothing has worked so far. Im going to change the key batteries now. Apart from that can you suspect any other issue?
Hello, I suspect that its a problem with the Body Control Module, or maybe , it needs the keys reprogrammed. We used to see thhis in car repair shops, when the car had stood for six months and the battery died.