disabling engine immobilizer on 99 freelander diesel

[keith moore]

I have a remote key that wont work.Is there a way to start my car using my key only.

[Ausfree]

I have a remote key that wont work.Is there a way to start my car using my key only.
If the car has been locked with the remote, you should still be able to open it and start the motor with the key. If the remote does not work because the handset is not synchronised, page 18 of the owners handbook explains how to resynchronise the handset. Simply operate either button of the handset at least five times in quick succession, in close proximity to vehicle.
Hope that helps!!!:)

[Ausfree]

Oh, Welcome to the Forum!!!:):)

[keith moore]

I bought the car recently without an owner's manual,however I saw one online but I don't have the original codes.I think I have to buy a new remote.

[Ausfree]

I bought the car recently without an owner's manual,however I saw one online but I don't have the original codes.I think I have to buy a new remote. The codes are automatic, you don't have to manually punch any codes in, just stand close to the vehicle and push either button on the remote five times in quick succession should automatically program the remote to the vehicle!!! When you see the price of a new remote you will quickly change your mind, getting a spare key cut and programmed is expensive enough!!!:o:o:o

[keith moore]

My remote is just about dead,that's why I want to start the car with the key.I don't like having to rely on electronic devices especially when new ones cost alot.

[Ausfree]

When you say your remote is just about dead, do you mean through use over the years, you can buy key fob cases from England on Fleabay for about $25 and just take the internals out of your old case and put into the new. The new fob case even comes with a battery. You can get a new key cut through your local LandRover dealer, you have to supply them the VIN number of your vehicle so the key comes to you pre-programmed, not cheap. Unfortunatley, unlike Ford or Holden owners you can't go to your local Key Cutter for a new key!!!:)

[woko]

If you have to press the unlock button to start the engine the Plip is already dead. Could be the transponder around ignition barrel but is usually plip
The only way to start engine with out a Plip is with the EKA code and this is time consuming to put in, and has to be put in every time you start it.

[keith moore]

Yes,the remote case is damaged on the outside and inside.Inside,someone has had a go at soldering the bracket that holds the battery but it is now come apart again.

[Ausfree]

Yes,the remote case is damaged on the outside and inside.Inside,someone has had a go at soldering the bracket that holds the battery but it is now come apart again. Certainly sounds like the remote is stuffed. Woko might be able to further advise as he is a LR mechanic!!!:)

[woko]

Yes,the remote case is damaged on the outside and inside.Inside,someone has had a go at soldering the bracket that holds the battery but it is now come apart again.
You can't bypass the immobilizer system. up to 2000 there is a chip in the plip that turns off immobilizer when it is close to ignition barrel ( red light on instrument cluster go's out). If you have to press the unlock button on plip to start the engine, the chip in plip is usually buggered. Could be the transponder coil that is around the ignition barrel ,but usually plip.
If you dont have to press unlock on plip to start engine just lock doors with key. This will leave alarm system off.

[101RRS]

Up to 2000 there is a chip in the plip that turns off immobilizer when it is close to ignition barrel ( red light on instrument cluster go's out). If you have to press the unlock button on plip to start the engine, the chip in plip is usually buggered. Could be the transponder coil that is around the ignition barrel ,but usually plip.
If you dont have to press unlock on plip to start engine just lock doors with key. This will leave alarm system off.

True but the the immobilizer ECU can be programmed cancel that out so you have to hit the unlock button to disable the immobiliser even if the key is in the ignition. I had some coding done on my system and it came back that way - not a real inconvenience just something extra you have to do if the immobiliser has activated.

To the original post I have been through all the issues you mentioned. The bracket that holds the battery does break and can be soldered up. Mine is.

So put in a new battery and stand next to the car and press each button in turn in quick succession at least 5 times. If the fob is keyed to your car and works, the car will lock/unlock etc and the fob is now synchronised with the immobilizer ECU.

If it does not work, the manual method of switching off the immobiliser so you can start with the key is tortuous and time consuming - can take up to 13 minutes - and it has to be done on each occasion you want to start after the immobiliser has come on.

Alternatively the fob you have may be all OK but not linked to your immobiliser ECU. This can only be done on the rover computer held by dealers and some individuals. The ECU is coded to receive the signal from your fob.

If you need a new fob buy from the UK - usually Ebay but make sure you get one for Aust (315Mhz) and not the UK as the frequencies are different. The model number is on your case. Cost me $50 for two - a dealer here will charge at least $200 for one then charge you about 1/2 to 1 hours labour to code it to the car.

Hope this helps

Garry

[woko]

[QUOTE=garrycol;1276758]True but the the immobilizer ECU can be programmed cancel that out so you have to hit the unlock button to disable the immobiliser even if the key is in the ignition. I had some coding done on my system and it came back that way - not a real inconvenience just something extra you have to do if the immobiliser has activated.

You must of got programing done with a after market computer because the T4 will always recognize the the coil around the key. You can get alarm to do different functions but not the immobilizer. Usually when they will unlock with plip but you have to press unlock to start the engine the chip in the pilp or the passive coil is u/s. If you have 2 plips close to ignition barrel you will have to press unlock on one of them as the CCU will not recognize 2 plips at once

[101RRS]

I had three fobs and all worked as advertised until I had another coded at a well known specialist in the next really big town north of Sydney. Non now switch off the immobilizer when the key is turned. I have not found it to be an issue - only if getting into the car when it has unlocked for a while.

As you indicated, the specialist may have have a different computer.

Garry

[Anthonyoh]

If it does not work, the manual method of switching off the immobiliser so you can start with the key is tortuous and time consuming - can take up to 13 minutes - and it has to be done on each occasion you want to start after the immobiliser has come on.

Garry

Hey Garry,

This information is excellent. I am looking at purchasing a 1998 Freelander and your suggested solution should solve my main problem: The alarm remote and main key was lost, and the engine is now immobilised. Problem 2, is that the timing of the engine is out.

If you had any information on how to locate the manual method to switch off the immobilizer that would be greatly appreciated! Also how to set the timing of the engine also if able.

I'll continue my search for these solutions and will be viewing the truck this weekend to put in an offer if I have tracked down the costs.

Thanks everyone,
Anthony

[101RRS]

Hey Garry,

This information is excellent. I am looking at purchasing a 1998 Freelander and your suggested solution should solve my main problem: The alarm remote and main key was lost, and the engine is now immobilised. Problem 2, is that the timing of the engine is out.

If you had any information on how to locate the manual method to switch off the immobilizer that would be greatly appreciated! Also how to set the timing of the engine also if able.

I'll continue my search for these solutions and will be viewing the truck this weekend to put in an offer if I have tracked down the costs.

Thanks everyone,
Anthony

Hi Anthony

I am sorry but you will need the Emergency Key Access code that is recorded on the Security card for that vehicle. Even if you had it you need the vehicle key to use it as the immobilizer is activated by the car key in the drivers door - a slow process of entering the code via the key that will take about 10 minutes.

If you do not have the emergency key access code - a dealer might be able to get it from landrover records if you provide proof of ownership and a VIN but I am not sure. The actual process is outlined in the manual.

So if you do not have a car key, the remote fob and the security code, all I can suggest is buy a new fob and get the vehicle trucked to a dealer or specialist with the right equipment and get the whole lot reprogrammed.

You said the engine has a timing issue - I am assuming an L series diesel here - if it is a 1.8 petrol then I have no ideas.

For the diesel do you mean valve timing or fuel injection timing. The former will mean the cam belt coming out (is the engine damaged) and setting the belt up correctly.

I assume you mean fuel injection timing - I do not know about sensors such as crank sensors ad the sensor on no1 injector, so if this is an issue someone should be along with an answer.

If the injection pump belt has not been set up correctly or the injection pump not locked when worked on the the injection pump timing will have to be set up again - setting up the pump with the firing sequence and putting the belt in the correct positions on the pump drive and end of the cam shaft.

Your prospective purchase would need to be cheap with these issues.

Garry

Oh did I say that my Freelander is about to come onto the market.