Immobilizer Issue
 

Sorry to double post but I was worried this would get lost.

First question - what holds the verification of the key chip - the NATS unit in the steering column or the ECU. In other words what says ah yes this is the right key chip you are good to proceed and what ultimately gets reprogrammed if you have an issue.

Second - I've run into an immobilizer issue with a trans swap. I got everything back together today. I swapped the MT ECU in for the Auto ECU. I had a key cut for the original tumbler and inserted a chip from the MT donor car keys. I accidently left my orginal key in the in the ignition when I connected the battery. Ugh. I didnt try to start it or turn it on though. I quickly realized and removed but when I tried to start it now with the new key with the MT chip in it for the swapped ECU I get a solid red security light. It cranks which is great but nothing else. I have code P1610 an P1650.
Is this because the key chip actually verifies with the NATS unit on the steering column vs. the ECU


Please let me know if there is a way to reset the ECU so that I can start this thing without having to take to the dealer?

The keys are "registered" into both the ECU and the NATS unit in the steering column. So unless you can get the corresponding IMMU unit from the donor car, you're stuck.

The bad news is that no one has ever found a way to "reset" the car after it has been immobilized. So you're kinda screwed.

You can take the car (tow) to the dealer or call a local locksmith and have them come out and do it. The local locksmith will probably be cheaper but call and get quotes from the dealer as well as several locksmiths.

If you don't have a spare key or need some extras, this would be the time to do it.

i posted a solution in the other swap thread

Thanks Dennis. I do have the corresponding immobilizer unit for the steering column that matches the MT ECU. Do you think its likely too late to swap it and have things work if I'm already locked out? If its too late I might as well bite it and just call a locksmith.

Fixed - do you know if the NDSII app for Android has this reset feature?

nope i wish it did,i have both versions pc and android

It's alive!!!

Ok problem solved with no call to locksmith.

What I did was swap out the NATS IMMU unit in the steering column so that I had both the MT ECU and IMMU. There is a sequence to escape from Lock Mode of turning ignition on - wait 5 seconds - turn ignition off - repeat 2 more times - then start the car. When I turned the key to start it fired right up.

Thanks for the help. I'll update my swap thread as well for future reference.