Immobiliser problem

[JB-1956]

I was up at the field last week working on the tractor and listening to the Explorer’s radio with the rear tailgate window open. When it was time to head for home I got in, turned the ignition on and pressed the remote which did nothing. I got out and tried the central locking and again nothing. Wondering if I’d flattened the battery again I connecting jump leads and spare battery to it and yet again no response. Next I replaced the battery in the remote fob and again no response.

I’m wondering if the remote needs re-tuning in some way to the car? Or whether it’s something else?

Does anyone have any ideas what my problem could be?

 

[Howard]

Which type do you have? Single button or twin button? The receiver is in the rear just by the flap with the jack in it. Try right next to it. Maybe the radio signal was being swamped by a cellular mast.

 

[JB-1956]

Thanks Howard, I'll try that in the morning. Can the receiver be by passed in any way?

 

[JB-1956]

Sorry forgot to say, it’s a single button remote.

The annoying thing is I really need the Explorer to pull the trailer tomorrow to collect the other Explorer that I’ve been given.

 

[Howard]

I guess it could be bypassed but I have no idea how. I know it uses some relay on the fuel pump, so you would have to drop the tank.

 

[JB-1956]

Thanks for the advice Howard, :notworthy

I went up to the field this morning to the N/S/R of the Ex and pressed the button on the remote just to the rear of the fuel cap. The central locking tried to work and the interior lights came on, although quite dim. I connected the jump leads up and she fired up straight away. :biggthump

So off I headed to pick up the trailer to go and collect the other Ex… please read my “I Can’t believe my luck” thread.

 

[Howard]

Glad it worked. The problem is the single button type use American frequencies that we use for other things here. The two button Pats system is on another one that is ok. (like the one you just acquired). BTW the mechanics are almost the same between both models. (ie the front prop is the same) The torque converter is the same but the gearbox is slightly different as the early ones had a vss take off for the speedo and the later ones use the rear abs sensor (on the diff).

 

[Oil leak]

This is funny I had the same problem I knew what it was I was parked near a phone mast and I had to get the AA to tow me 100 yards down the road for the fob to work the AA man did not believe it this seem to be happening a bit more often than I would like I am thinking of changing the alarm system my EX.
Ho happy days more money LOL
Paul

 

[BIGHVM]

Glad it worked. The problem is the single button type use American frequencies that we use for other things here. The two button Pats system is on another one that is ok. (like the one you just acquired). BTW the mechanics are almost the same between both models. (ie the front prop is the same) The torque converter is the same but the gearbox is slightly different as the early ones had a vss take off for the speedo and the later ones use the rear abs sensor (on the diff).

I vote Howard as the master Ex tech in the uk- he has a wealth of knowledge!
Dude you amaze me reading some of your replys.

(on a personal note- i hope that evil rash has cleared up- it made you walk funy mate)! Lol!!!! (dOH- that should have been a pm)!

 

[JB-1956]

Well it happened again today, I’d just come out of the local scrap yard having emptied the trailer and stopped to have my lunch at the side of the road (Bacon sandwiches and a pot of tea).

When I came to start the engine, the Ex didn’t respond to the remote.

Staring at me, about 350-yds straight in front of me was a large cellular phone mast, so I went around to the fuel cap area and pressed the button on the fob with no response again. Next I opened the tailgate and the pocket where the jack is, put my hand in and pressed the button. The central locking closed then re-opened on the second press of the button. I jumped in the driver’s seat, started the engine and headed home.

Phew!!!

 

[jcasey007]

carry some silver foil to make a 'dish' around your wrist and hand (with the remote in it). you never kniow it might focus the fob radio :. then maybe not!

 

[JonC]

Hmmm........makes me think - not that it's a lot of help but before my Explorers, I had a Mitsubishi Galant and every time I went into Derby, around the Midland Street area, the remote didn't work.

I never did find out what it was but in the immediate vicinity there's the railway station, the hospital and the Post Office sorting centre. They're all potential sources of large, radiated electro-magnetic or radio fields, plus the PO building has a GSM mast on top so you could be looking at something similar.

It never happened anywhere else but it happened EVERY time I went there!