Picasso immobiliser fault & Economy mode

[Cath46]

Hi all,

I have a Picasso 1.6 petrol 2004.
All been done until yesterday! Tried to start the car and immobiliser fault flashed up. So bought a new key battery (just in case!) tried it again a few hours later and it started.
Next day same problem after about 20 tries it went drive it to get fuel, it started fine. But this morning nothing, tried for about 10 mins and now the cars gone into economy mode and won’t do anything?? Put the battery on charge and still nothing!

Worst of all is It’s been in the garage for a cracked spring and I’ve just paid to have that done and now can’t drive it

Any advice greatly received as I’m now car less

[Hell Razor5543]

Hi, and to the forum. I am sorry it is because you have a problem.

I cannot help with the immobiliser issue, but economy mode is a way to make sure there is enough power left in the battery to start the car. Until the engine has started again the majority of the ECUs will remain in economy mode (for example, the radio won't work). Once the engine has started the systems will come back to life.

Normally economy mode kicks in (if there is something active, such as the radio) half an hour after the engine is turned off.

[Cath46]

Thanks Hellrazor and hello! Can’t start eh car because if the immobiliser failure to get rid of ecenomy mode. Nothing had been running just trying to start the car. Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

The car may have gone into anti-scanning mode / or if too many atempts are made at starting the engine without the key being recognised it will lock the engine ECU for a few minutes. The result of a poor battery and probably not following the correct procedure for connecting the battery up after disconnection may also be to blame.

I've modified this procedure for the Xsara Picasso as the battery is under the passenger seat - but give it a go:

• Put the driver's window down and ensure all equipment is switched off.
• Sitting in the back - get access to the battery negative terminal.
• Ensure all doors are closed and remove key from the ignition.
• Wait for 3 minutes, disconnect the vehicle battery and wait for 5 minutes.
• Reconnect the vehicle battery, wait a further 2 minutes (do not open doors).
• Switch on the ignition only and check system's functionality.
• Remove key and lock / unlock the car a few times.
• Insert the key in the ignition, turn ignition on and hold the lock button for 5 seconds.
• Remove key open & close door test central locking system again.
• Start the engine.

If the battery is quite old - charging it up may not be sufficient if it is at the end of its duty cycle. Consider getting a new battery if it is older than 5-6 years as that is the usual life of a standard battery - depending on use of course. Older batteries will not be able to hold a full charge and will drain quicker. The Picasso, like most newer cars have a lot of electrical systems that require a good battery.

[Cath46]

@GiveMeABreak

Thanks for the info have tried that and it didn’t do anything.