Hi,

My car was at a shop for a timing chain tensioner replacement.
They dropped the subframe, replaced everything, including spark plugs, put the subframe back up and according to them started the engine.
According to them it ran for a bit and shut itself off.
Since then they could not start it again.
Does immobilizer do that - starts, runs, shuts off and no restart?

 

Why do you think it could be immobilizer related?

 

I am asking, not thinking.

 

Wouldn't using the actual key bypass the immobilizer?

I also don't think the immobilizer would cause the car to turn itself off while it was running. That would be a huge liability issue if it ever malfunctioned.

 

I thought I read in the FSM that if the car starts but immediately shuts off, then the immobilizer might be not recognizing the key.

 

It wouldn't start at all if it didn't recognize the key. So you're saying your mechanic did major repair to the car but now can't figure out how to start it?

 

Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. They have no idea what is going on and I am suing them for breach of contract, but that is a different story.

 

Oh, damn! So who has custody of the vehicle now?

 

Comparing your problem to my 08 Max, had some work done where they removed the bottom pan. The crankshaft sensors has to be removed to do this. Maybe they damaged it.