Scotland Key transponder chip help?

[T16]

Car had flat battery it seems.
Been off the road for over a year, tried to start after charging the battery, and it failed with flickering lights.
Charged battery more, tried to start again, "Engine disabled" fault on IPK.
Tried spare 2nd brand new key from BMW still sat in cupboard, car started.
Looks like the original key for the car is somehow ruined/disabled?
Is there anyone in Scotland who can re-code a new transponder chip?
Failed key has been sat in a warm room doing nothing for 1.5 years so shouldnt be damaged, but something must have happened during the flat battery episode. Sigh.

[xsport]

The attempts at trying to start the car on a drained battery will indeed scramble the transponder code in some cases. Once the headlights flicker when your trying ,i think thats when its done . You will need a new chip i think as they cannot be re written ... so im told ... others may know more ..

[WillyHeckaslike]

If a key and the immobliser fall out and stop speaking to each other I believe that they can become friends again with the help of a forum guru such as Brian or Russ. I think they will need access to both of the items mentioned but they will advise you.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by xsport

Once the headlights flicker when you're trying, I think that's when it's done.

Just to clarify, flickering headlamps (and fascia warning lamps) occurs when a discharged battery tries to turn the starter motor. In this scenario the heavy current drawn by the starter motor results in the battery's voltage rapidly reducing to a low value. It's very likely that this reduced voltage causes the electronics in the ECUs to malfunction and the result is random flashing of various lamps. I doubt that it has anything to do with the transponder.

RAVE confirms that the transponder's programming cannot be overwritten so that would also hold true for the effects of a discharged battery. It also confirms that there's a rolling code between the transponder and the immobiliser ECU. I suspect that it is the synchronisation of these that has been upset by the low battery voltage but I could be wrong. As has been said, Big Russ, cb750Chris or JamieWelch are best placed to help with this. Hopefully one of them will look in.

Simon

[T16]

If thats the case how come one key works and the other doesnt?
Maybe the Immobiliser gets corrupted?
Or does it just block a key after repeated attempts to start?
I only recall trying to start it once, maybe twice, so its a bit strange how the original key is now non functional.
Im lost as to what to do now. I need to get it fixed up to sell it!

[xsport]

I think post 3 is your best way forward, if the problem still remains , after trying a resync. To do anything with the E.W.S (immobiliser ) it will need removing from the car to be re- programmed , probably with a new transponder into a new key slot. If you can locate a T4 or someone with a good knowledge of Toaf in your part of the world , it will at least help in the diagnosis. There are members on here who can sort this for you , either by post , or maybe you have someone locally with facilities. No one likes a car with just one key !! ...

[T16]

I thought Brian was no longer on the forums?

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by SD1too

As has been said, Big Russ, cb750Chris or JamieWelch are best placed to help with this. Hopefully one of them will look in.

Ross,

Is it worth a P.M. to one of these three members?

Simon

[WillyHeckaslike]

Originally Posted by T16

I thought Brian was no longer on the forums?

Oh yes he is ... Which reminds me, I must take my Christmas tree down.

Just tell Brian that you hail from Sunderland ... he is an honorary Mackem.

[T16]

I tried to PM him, but it says not accepting private messages!