3200GT Immobiliser - Padlock Light on won't start.

[skyestuart]

Hi All

Not used my car for a few weeks, its been sitting with the CTEK battery conditioner keeping it topped up. Went to start it yesterday, but I cannot get the immobiliser "padlock" to go off so I can start it.

Its done this on occasion in the past so I've locked it and unlocked it a few times and that seems to fix it. But not this time. I have a brand new battery I put on it 2 months ago, just as a refresh.

There are quite a few threads on this issue but none that I can see actually answer what is causing this?

Any pointers much appreciated.

Happy New Year all

Stuart

 

[77GR]

Stuart, if you have another key, try that. Additionally if you have the red key, there is a process for repairing all the keys (and it must be ALL of the keys in case one was stolen) with the immobiliser. There is also a 4 digit code for overriding the immobiliser for your car/immobiliser which is a case of turning the ignition on and off in sequence but this code may have been lost in the mists of time as the car passed ownership along with the red key, the code would be on a grey card which should be passed from owner to owner along with the red key.
I had a similar problem with one of my keys, I passed the red key along with both ignition keys to the dealer at the next scheduled service and they re-paired them both again, it only takes 10 minutes so they didn't bother charging me (a dealer service is expensive enough!). I do have the re-pairing sequence though if you want it and you have the red key.
I hope this helps.

 

[skyestuart]

Hi Graham

I do have another key, (same issue for both the Black keys) and the RED key also. I may have the code, I'll go and have a look. Yes please , I'd love to have the re-pairing sequence. Appreciate your help thanks

Stuart

 

[allandwf]

I'm not sure where the receiver is, bit if it's in the wheel like an Alfa try turning the wheel, and move the column then try again, might not help, but easy to try.

 

[77GR]

Stuart, this is the sequence (from the service manual). Read it VERY carefully several times until you are sure you know what to do. Read 1 first etc..

 

[77GR]

Of course, the above assumes that the red key can turn the CODE light out. If it does you can also start the car with the red key (but it can't operate the alarm.

 

[davy83]

worth remembering that the immobiliser security lock depends on the little chip in the key talking to the immobiliser through the coil in the steering column. Since all your keys don't work I am wondering if its the little coil in the steering column that faulty? Or worse still the immobiliser is some how faulty? Have you been messing around with the steering column or under the dash recently?

 

[conaero]

Lock/ unlock and try again, repeat as necessary, it usually triggers.

As others have said try the other key. If you have the red one that’s probably best.

The chip in the key is solid state and not powered by the key battery.

Have seen this small transponder fall out when the key is opened, check it is actually in there.

 

[skyestuart]

Of course, the above assumes that the red key can turn the CODE light out. If it does you can also start the car with the red key (but it can't operate the alarm.

The Red Key does not turn the PADLOCK light off

 

[skyestuart]

Lock/ unlock and try again, repeat as necessary, it usually triggers.

As others have said try the other key. If you have the red one that’s probably best.

The chip in the key is solid state and not powered by the key battery.

Have seen this small transponder fall out when the key is opened, check it is actually in there.

Is the chip the little black piece bottom left in the photo? If so then it was missing in one of my keys. It fell out when I changed the batteries. Unusually I didn't bin it thinking it was a bit of plastic waste. So I retrieved it from my watchmakers toolbox and put it back in the key. However the PADLOCK light is still not going out, (with both keys) and it is the same with the RED key (which only seems to have this chip in it - nothing else)

My assumption now is that the issue is with the steering column coil. So If I replace this that may be the issue solved? Advice on this welcome!

The joys of owning 22 year old Maseratis... I need to simplify my life !

Cheers

Stuart

 

[77GR]

It's either the aerial (in stock at Eurospares - part no 37340131 for £13.80) or the immobiliser itself (Eurospares won't even quote the cost it's so frightening).

Yes - the black plastic bit an RFID chip and as Matt said it is not powered, glue it back in (Araldite or similar) in the same position as the other keys. The powered circuit board in the black keys is for the alarm and totally seperate from the immobiliser system.

 

[conaero]

Is the chip the little black piece bottom left in the photo? If so then it was missing in one of my keys. It fell out when I changed the batteries. Unusually I didn't bin it thinking it was a bit of plastic waste. So I retrieved it from my watchmakers toolbox and put it back in the key. However the PADLOCK light is still not going out, (with both keys) and it is the same with the RED key (which only seems to have this chip in it - nothing else)

My assumption now is that the issue is with the steering column coil. So If I replace this that may be the issue solved? Advice on this welcome!

The joys of owning 22 year old Maseratis... I need to simplify my life !

Cheers

Stuart

It is yes, my advise glue it back in they are easily lost.

 

[conaero]

Is the chip the little black piece bottom left in the photo? If so then it was missing in one of my keys. It fell out when I changed the batteries. Unusually I didn't bin it thinking it was a bit of plastic waste. So I retrieved it from my watchmakers toolbox and put it back in the key. However the PADLOCK light is still not going out, (with both keys) and it is the same with the RED key (which only seems to have this chip in it - nothing else)

My assumption now is that the issue is with the steering column coil. So If I replace this that may be the issue solved? Advice on this welcome!

The joys of owning 22 year old Maseratis... I need to simplify my life !

Cheers

Stuart

I think the fact you were repeatedly trying to start the car with the transponder absent has confused the system.

Battery off for an hour, reconnect and try again. You may need diagnostics to clear the key error if that doesn’t fix it

 

[skyestuart]

Thanks Guys

I'm going to order that aerial unit as its cheap enough, and I'd noticed that the Padlock key had been coming on more and more frequently over the past few months before I managed to remove the transponder from the key. I'll disconnect the battery for 24 hours tomorrow.

Cheers

Stuart

 

[Spitfire980]

Thanks Guys

I'm going to order that aerial unit as its cheap enough, and I'd noticed that the Padlock key had been coming on more and more frequently over the past few months before I managed to remove the transponder from the key. I'll disconnect the battery for 24 hours tomorrow.

Cheers

Stuart

Might want to look into this...it will completely disable your immobilizer

https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/who-needs-a-red-masterkey-for-his-3200gt.22846/

 

[CliveT]

Hi
I have the same issue, assuming you got your car sorted what ultimately was the problem
Thanks
Clive

 

[skyestuart]

Hi Clive

I replaced the aerial unit, but the problem was still there. Replacing the battery in the keys more frequently and making sure the transponder chip was glued in might have helped. Anyway its not doing it now. Maybe getting the diagnostic codes read might give you some more information. Sorry I cant be more conclusive than that.