[classicsman]

MY 2002/52 GTV had a dead battery. I replaced it and the car started and ran for about 1 mile then died. Now it turns over on the battery but will not fire and there is a key logo illuminated on the dash. Sounds as if its immobilised itself. Car is stuck on the roadside so I need urgent advice. Can anyone help. I only have one key, bright red with the alfa logo and the immobiliser is a remote push button type which seems to be operating ok but obviosly not sure. It locks and unlocks the car.

 

[pkr]

You could try this :

Disconnect the battery
Wait 10-20 mins
Turn ignition key to 'MAR' position
Reconnect battery.

See if the CODE light goes out.

But it's very odd that it should stop like that. Check the battery is well clamped and not moving about and shorting on the clamp.

 

[Stixy]

Or your could try wiggling the steering wheel up/down + in/out. The antenna cable can have a dodgy connection to the antenna or break down (open circuit). If the immobiliser has activated then the CODE light will remain illuminated along with the injection system failure light.

 

[Cup 57]

The push button unit is the central locking and alarm only. The immobiliser is as stated above an aerial unit in the steering column that "talks" to the key. Would seem too much of a coincidence that your key/ aerial has packed up at the same time as replacing the battery.

 

[iainfm]

I find that connecting the battery positive-first is better for not upsetting the immo.

 

[classicsman]

thanks for all the tips, no luck yet but will keep trying. Why are Alfa's so well engineered!! I think the GTV is like an Italian woman, beautiful to look at but can be bl***y annoying.

 

[Cup 57]

Not ideal, but maybe removing the steering column casing so you can get the aerial/ key in closer proximity may help.

Possible further bad news is a bright red key is not going to be the master key for the car - they're a flat reddish brown affair, so hoping just something "trivial" here.