Immobiliser problems 1996 155 2litre

[chilli64]

Help! Bought this car bout 2 yrs ago crash damaged at the front. Haven't got around to fixing it yet!! Has always started & run fine until tried it this evening,won't start. "Code" light is on all the time... Don't think it used to do that. Is that wrong?? I don't have the master key (burgundy one?) only one red key. I guess that's probably bad news,I don't have any experience of these immobilisers. Why would the key suddenly not be read? Anyone got any ideas? Dave.

[Franko]

im guessing you dont have the fob either, i had the same problem with this on my car after i let it roll a little without the key, did it get moved or roll a little like this, also i have parts if you need anything

[chilli64]

Hi Franko, thanks for the post. No, you're right, I don't have a fob, never did! Is that what would have operated the c/l & alarm? Its possible it may have been moved without the key but I don't think so as I'm the only person who goes into the lock-up. It would only have been inches as theres not much room in there! What did you do to cure yours? I'm imagining that it's going to need a replacement complete matched set of ecu, burgundy master key & maybe red key & the ignition lock that the keys fit, from a scrapper.Even then, I need to know that the engine ran before it was scrapped! I don't even know where the ECU is! Is there a workshop manual for 155's? Haynes don't seem to do one. What do you reckon? Dave.

[Franko]

Hi Dave, i just played around with the fob and all was well, but come to think of it my engine was turning over but not starting.
I have no idea what you can do apart from replacing everything
But someone on here should be able to help you.

[celadon]

Has the battery gone flat at any time while it has been stationary ?

If so it could need a reset of the code system and ECU.

[ronb_65]

Originally Posted by celadon

Has the battery gone flat at any time while it has been stationary ?

If so it could need a reset of the code system and ECU.

I agree that's exactly what it needs

[chilli64]

Yes, the battery has been missing for some of the time it's been stored but it has always started after it was reconnected. the battery has been connected for at least the last 4 months but for the last month or so the battery has had a battery conditioner on it whilst still being connected to the car. has never caused a problem before on any other cars i've used it on but maybe it has this time! would have thought it would help to hold all memories etc. seems a bit coincidental though, doesn't it?? does an alfa dealer have to reset the ecu & code system? if the code system is reset surely it would forget all keys & i would need the burgundy key to relearn which i don't have. Thanks all so far for the info. Dave.

[ronb_65]

Right, sure this has been posted before but here it is nevertheless.

1. Charge battery fully or buy new one.
2. Disconnect battery
3. Remove lower right hand side part of dashboard, the bit that house the light adjustment switch.
4. Once removed you will see a yellow box about the size of a cigarette packet disconnect both the plugs going into it for about 60 secs.
5. reconnect code box.

6. reconnect fully charged battery
7. Start car.
8. If it doesn't work first time disconnect the code box for longer.

[chilli64]

Many thanks for all the info, will try that next time I'm there. Watch this space! Thanks also Franko re: parts, didn't mean it to seem as if I had ignored that part of your post! I think I have all the bits to fix the damage - thanks. Got it all from a bloke called Pete in Lancing, Sussex who breaks 155's. Can't remember his surname, sorry Pete! He's prob on here somewhere. Cheers, Dave.

[rgwm]

Ah, is Pete still about then?...I know he had been having family issues.....

If Ron's suggestions above don't work, I'd try checking all connections to the relays, and also the large fuses on the rear of the inner wing (IIRC).....

[chilli64]

Maybe it was you who put me on to Pete, it was a couple of years ago & I remember it was a gent from your neck of the woods!! Unfortunately, doing the code box reset as above hasn't worked in this case. Code light still on all the time the ignition is on. Turns over but won't fire. I have had the key checked to see if it is corrupted & it seems ok - the code is still in the key chip. So I have to assume the yellow code box is faulty, which means I need a matched set of code box, key (preferably the burgundy one) & ignition lock or barrel that fits the key from a car that was known to start ok. Unless there is a way of disabling the existing one. I don't have a wiring diagram so bit difficult to tell if thats possible. Anyone got any ideas or the above gubbins for sale to fix it? It's too good to scrap! Only got 53ish K on the clock!! I know someone with a 99 Spider ( my 155 is 96) with what appears to be the same system, is it safe to assume the code box parts are the same or are they all different? Many thanks, Dave

[rgwm]

Yes, come to think of it, it probably was me.....but I've slept since then so didn't make the connection....

You need key, barrel, code box, and ECU .....IF that is the problem - they are a matched set......

I should have a set, but do check all relay connections and the wiring to the relay blocks.....its almost certainly a wiring issue. I could send you a set - if it doesn't work just return it and refund my postage......

Give me a call on 07976 384980 if I can help.

[chilli64]

Ah, didn't realise the ECU was also matched to these other parts also. Where abouts is the ECU in the car? Yes, I will check all the connections you mentioned to see if that cures it. If all else fails, I would like to take you up on your offer, that would be a great help! Does anyone know of a good workshop manual for the 155, short of having to get one from Alfa?? Dave.

[sog]

In Sweden the ECU box is placed in a black plasticbox near to the frontpassengers right knee,so in U.K it should be the other way around,1lace a nice girl in frontpass.seat.2:rub hear left knee using left hand.3:after she strikes your hand away check were it lands it shuld be the E.C.U. box.Good luck, Stefan .

[Franko]

Nice one Stefan

[chilli64]

Hi Stefan,
That sounds like the same position as the yellow codebox, are the ECU & codebox near each other? You are talking about the right hand side of the car, when sitting in the drivers seat, aren't you?
Dave.

[sog]

the ECU is placed under dash.near passengers left knee.(in U.K).

[155ebel166]

Is it possible to fit a yellow code box and ECU and just change the chips in the keys, would this save changing barrells etc.

[chilli64]

Hi Stefan, Yes Iv'e found it now where you just said, the box made by Bosch? I thought first time you were describing the passenger side of a left hand drive car, (the right hand side) as you are in Sweden. So I was looking on the wrong side! Many thanks.

Hi 155ebel166, can't see how to get the chip out of the key, seems to be a sealed unit, but yes, would save changing the lock or barrel.

Anyone know what the resistance of the pick-up coil/aerial around the key entry to the ign. lock should be? Mine's reading 2.5 ohms so not open circuit but seems a little low?? Maybe it is right, who knows! Cheers,Dave.

[rgwm]

Dave - the complete set-up is in the post today, including an aerial wire.....

Good luck with it!

Try this - Alfa Romeo 155 Workshop Manual - for a manual.....or the 155.org site as I mentioned....

Richard

[chilli64]

Richard- Many thanks, stirling service!! Hopefully it will live now! Dave.

[adam0073]

i think i've got the same problem . . . did the above action fix it??

[chilli64]

Hi Adam,
Richard has sent me the bits very quick but I haven't had time to try fitting them yet so watch this space! Are you in a hurry? If so, I will try and pull me finger out!!
Hi Richard, thanks for sending so quick, parts arrived on wed am. Sorry I haven't been on here since I spoke to you, bit snowed under with work. Now got jury service for 2 wks-can't keep up with it all!! Please tell me if you need payment now. Cheers, Dave.