Electrical
Immobiliser Faults — Why Your Van Won't Start
Immobiliser problems prevent the engine from starting. Common causes include a dead key fob battery, faulty transponder chip, or receiver module failure.
Modern vans have immobiliser systems that prevent the engine from starting unless the correct key or fob is detected. When the system malfunctions, you may see a flashing immobiliser warning light on the dash and the engine may crank but not fire. The most common cause is a low or dead battery in the key fob — the transponder signal is too weak for the receiver to detect. Other causes include a damaged transponder chip inside the key, a faulty receiver module around the ignition barrel, or a wiring fault that interrupts the signal between modules. A diagnostic scan of the ECU and immobiliser system can identify which component is at fault.
Key takeaways
- A dead key fob battery is the simplest and most common immobiliser fault
- A flashing immobiliser light with cranking but no start points to a transponder issue
- Professional diagnostics can identify whether the key, receiver, or ECU is the problem
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