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Car simply won't start - Rover 414 (1998) - any ideas please

rog2
rog2 Posts: 11,650 Forumite
10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
I have a 1998 Rover 414, which was given to me by a friend a month ago.

I drove it home (250 miles) with no problems whatsoever. Used it for three days, then went to start it - nothing.
I have tried 'jump leads' - charged the battery - even bought a new battery for the key, on advice - still nothing. :mad: :mad:
To clarify:
  • Car will not even unlock via remote.
  • When I turn the ignition key, the only lights that come on are the 'Oil' and 'Battery' lights.
  • There is no power to any other component - lights, windows etc.
  • The key will turn to the 'ignition' position, but nothing happens - there is not even a 'click' indicating that the starter motor has engaged.
I believe it 'may' be something to do with the immobiliser system :confused: and, having read the handbook, thought I might need to re-set the vehicle security code. Unfortunately, although I have all of the original documentation, the card (supplied by Rover) on which the security codes should be, is blank.

Any ideas - please. :confused:
I am NOT, nor do I profess to be, a Qualified Debt Adviser. I have made MANY mistakes and have OFTEN been the unwitting victim of the the shamefull tactics of the Financial Industry.
If any of my experiences, or the knowledge that I have gained from those experiences, can help anyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances, then my experiences have not been in vain.

HMRC Bankruptcy Statistic - 26th October 2006 - 23rd April 2007 BCSC Member No. 7

DFW Nerd # 166 PROUD TO BE DEALING WITH MY DEBTS
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Comments

  • uktyler
    uktyler Posts: 872 Forumite
    edited 13 April 2009 at 12:57PM
    Possible flat battery in the remote, remove the battery, press all the buttons at least five times, put a new battery in, and press lock/unlock for at least five times.

    This worked on my Rover.

    EDIT, sorry you already said you have a new battery, take it out and press the buttons ten times.

    Then replace the battery and repeatedly press lock/unlock next to the car. This works when the link between the remote and the car drops out.
  • rog2
    rog2 Posts: 11,650 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    uktyler wrote: »
    Possible flat battery in the remote, remove the battery, press all the buttons at least five times, put a new battery in, and press lock/unlock for at least five times.

    This worked on my Rover.

    Okay - will try - I DID purchase new batteries (twin pack) for the remote.

    Will let you know. :beer:
    I am NOT, nor do I profess to be, a Qualified Debt Adviser. I have made MANY mistakes and have OFTEN been the unwitting victim of the the shamefull tactics of the Financial Industry.
    If any of my experiences, or the knowledge that I have gained from those experiences, can help anyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances, then my experiences have not been in vain.

    HMRC Bankruptcy Statistic - 26th October 2006 - 23rd April 2007 BCSC Member No. 7

    DFW Nerd # 166 PROUD TO BE DEALING WITH MY DEBTS
  • uktyler
    uktyler Posts: 872 Forumite
    An alternative guide:
    Rover 400/200/100/600/800 (2 Button Plip)
    Procedure
    Unlock the car using the key, then operate the lock button on the handset at least 4 times.
    Alternative Method
    Procedure
    Unlock the car using the key, then press lock & unlock buttons alternately several times
    Alternative Method
    Procedure
    1. Lock car by using key in lock
    2. Move out of range and press button on fob for 5 secs.
    3. Unlock car door with key but do not open door
    4. Standing near the vehicle, press the dotted button 4 times very quickly, the door should lock
    5. Then press the unlock button and door should unlock.

    Taken from here: http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Rover-Key-Keyfob-Programming-Reprogramming_W0QQugidZ10000000007277376
  • with the key in the ignition and ignition on, does the immobiliser light flash or stay constantly on? (centre of dash?)
  • rog2
    rog2 Posts: 11,650 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    mrdave wrote: »
    with the key in the ignition and ignition on, does the immobiliser light flash or stay constantly on? (centre of dash?)

    It flashes (but will double check now :o).
    I am NOT, nor do I profess to be, a Qualified Debt Adviser. I have made MANY mistakes and have OFTEN been the unwitting victim of the the shamefull tactics of the Financial Industry.
    If any of my experiences, or the knowledge that I have gained from those experiences, can help anyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances, then my experiences have not been in vain.

    HMRC Bankruptcy Statistic - 26th October 2006 - 23rd April 2007 BCSC Member No. 7

    DFW Nerd # 166 PROUD TO BE DEALING WITH MY DEBTS
  • rog2
    rog2 Posts: 11,650 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    rog2 wrote: »
    It flashes (but will double check now :o).

    Sorry - wrong info. Have just checked and should read as follows:
    • Light is flashing with door closed
    • Light continuously on with door open
    • Light goes OFF when I put the key into ignition
    I am NOT, nor do I profess to be, a Qualified Debt Adviser. I have made MANY mistakes and have OFTEN been the unwitting victim of the the shamefull tactics of the Financial Industry.
    If any of my experiences, or the knowledge that I have gained from those experiences, can help anyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances, then my experiences have not been in vain.

    HMRC Bankruptcy Statistic - 26th October 2006 - 23rd April 2007 BCSC Member No. 7

    DFW Nerd # 166 PROUD TO BE DEALING WITH MY DEBTS
  • rog2
    rog2 Posts: 11,650 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    uktyler wrote: »
    An alternative guide:
    Rover 400/200/100/600/800 (2 Button Plip)
    Procedure
    Unlock the car using the key, then operate the lock button on the handset at least 4 times.
    Alternative Method
    Procedure
    Unlock the car using the key, then press lock & unlock buttons alternately several times
    Alternative Method
    Procedure
    1. Lock car by using key in lock
    2. Move out of range and press button on fob for 5 secs.
    3. Unlock car door with key but do not open door
    4. Standing near the vehicle, press the dotted button 4 times very quickly, the door should lock
    5. Then press the unlock button and door should unlock.

    Taken from here: http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Rover-Key-Keyfob-Programming-Reprogramming_W0QQugidZ10000000007277376

    Have tried all of the above, but still no luck - thanks anyway.
    I am NOT, nor do I profess to be, a Qualified Debt Adviser. I have made MANY mistakes and have OFTEN been the unwitting victim of the the shamefull tactics of the Financial Industry.
    If any of my experiences, or the knowledge that I have gained from those experiences, can help anyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances, then my experiences have not been in vain.

    HMRC Bankruptcy Statistic - 26th October 2006 - 23rd April 2007 BCSC Member No. 7

    DFW Nerd # 166 PROUD TO BE DEALING WITH MY DEBTS
  • posted_2
    posted_2 Posts: 514 Forumite
    edited 13 April 2009 at 2:46PM
    If headlights/sidelights (ie things that don't run through the ignition switch) etc won't come on, it's either a dead battery, or faulty earth connection/wiring/fusebox.
    .
  • goldspanners
    goldspanners Posts: 5,910 Forumite
    fuses anyone?
    check all fuses in cabin and under bonnet, usually behind glove box or under steering column. fuses under bonnet will be in a black box possibly bolted on to the bulkhead.
    if all test ok then it could be the battery or maybe even a wire has come off the starter motor.
    ...work permit granted!
  • chnelomi
    chnelomi Posts: 462 Forumite
    had the same problem with my old car except it wasn't a rover. put the key in the ignition and turn till the lights etc come on. then hold button on key for 5 seconds then take key fully out re insert and try to start engine. hope it works
    Good luck
    slowly going nuts at the world:T
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