Immobilizer / Security Issue

[skymast]

My '11 LX570 has immobilized itself twice now in the last 6 monthes. In case this hasn't happened to you, the immobilizer prevents you from starting the car by limiting the voltage going to the fuel pump. There are probably a few other things as well.

The first time, I 'think' it was related to water from the sunroof drain getting into the connections on the passenger-side kick panel. 3 weeks and $900 later it was fixed.

Same scenario this time, except there was no water in the vehicle. I went through the multiple online / forum recommendations but nothing worked. Left it alone for about a week, got in the car, put the key fob in front of the start button for a few seconds, and it started right up.

Now, when I get in the car, the immobilizer light (a red light with a key in the middle of it) flashes red until the car is started. It may or may not have done that before, but I didn't notice it.

I have been lucky that this happened in my driveway both times. Any thoughts on how to prevent this from happening again? At this point, I would like to remove the immobilizer if that is possible.

Thanks!

 

[pvchaitanya]

This happens to me when my key battery fob is dead. Once I replace the battery, it works just fine.

 

[skymast]

This happens to me when my key battery fob is dead. Once I replace the battery, it works just fine.

I am with you on that, but I replaced the battery both times when it happened, and it didn't solve the problem. In my case, something else seems to be wrong since the red light is still showing when I get in/out of the car. As mentioned, the light is not on after I start the car or when the car is locked. Thanks.

 

[Sandroad]

Given the history and symptoms, I wonder if you are still dealing with corrosion in electrical connectors. Even if dry now, corrosion can get worse over time once it’s started. I’d recheck the connectors in the PS door sill and kick panel and use some dielectric grease when re-connecting them.

 

[bloc]

Given the history and symptoms, I wonder if you are still dealing with corrosion in electrical connectors. Even if dry now, corrosion can get worse over time once it’s started. I’d recheck the connectors in the PS door sill and kick panel

Agreed.

 

[skymast]

Agreed.

Given the history and symptoms, I wonder if you are still dealing with corrosion in electrical connectors. Even if dry now, corrosion can get worse over time once it’s started. I’d recheck the connectors in the PS door sill and kick panel and use some dielectric grease when re-connecting them.

I agree. Apparently, that was part of the dealer's solution the first time. As I understand it, the immobilizer module is under the glove compartment. If I can remove it, it will be removed. Still trying to figure that out.

 

[mark71]

If you do figure that out, please don’t post it on here. Car thieves don’t need any help.

 

[mnkymits]

I agree. Apparently, that was part of the dealer's solution the first time. As I understand it, the immobilizer module is under the glove compartment. If I can remove it, it will be removed. Still trying to figure that out.

Seems our 2008 LX is experiencing very similar behavior to what you had between your two threads. What ended up being your issue/fix?

Initially ours had a crank no start which I thought was a MAF issue as it started when unplugged and now its not recognizing any keys. In puling the footwell apart there was corrosion in the harness which Ive cleaned, but not seeing any change to it accepting a key.

Car battery is old but tests fine, key batteries are new/good. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[skymast]

In my case, the issue was clogged sunroof drain plugs on the passenger side. If your carpet is wet, take out the door sill, remove water and let dry out.

 

[mnkymits]

In my case, the issue was clogged sunroof drain plugs on the passenger side. If your carpet is wet, take out the door sill, remove water and let dry out.

Confirming, thanks

Passenger drain is the issue and have let it dry out for several days but it is still not recognizing the keys. Didnt know if you had to do anymore work based on the above. I'll continue diagnosing!

 

[skymast]

You can rematch the keys by holding up key (make sure it has new battery) right above the start button. You can find procedure on youtube. I also.pulled all the connectors in the footwell and under the glove box, checked for corrosion, and sprayed that electrical spray (cant recall what its called). It's been a while but I also disconnect the battery for a few minutes as well. Also, i didnt do this but search on youtube for how to bypass immobilizer. It's pretty easy and that might be the quickest path.