Engine won't crank

[Gazbo]

Any suggestions welcome. Seems battery is OK (been disconnected for a while due to illness), getting power to the dash, seem to be able to turn the alarm/immobiliser off OK, fuses seem to be fine. Engine refuses to crank at all (even with a jump) and no whirring/clicking before trying the key to turn it over. '98 Elise S1. Stumped now.

[Rich H]

If the fuel pump isn't whirring when you put the key in the immobilizer doesn't like you. Try the bypass fob thingy.

[Gazbo]

Well, took the battery off again and tried once more, exactly as last time and it starts first turn of the key! I guess the immobiliser must have freaked out last time?! Ah the joys of Lotus. Bizarre!

[robin]

The immobilisers are dodgy; is your car early enough to have the master override key under the dash? If so I would be digging out the key ... even so this may not be enough to get the car working next time this happens. If you can be bothered, I would get ready with the right tools to bypass the immobiliser completely when the time comes that it dies on you.

Cheers,
Robin

[Gazbo]

Not early enough for the key. I think I did something amiss to freak it out. Have to be more careful next time.

[Corranga]

I *think* my car has the bypass key thing (i'm sure I remember there being a bit on the steering column for it, it's not a key hole, but like a metal contact point right?)

I know I don't have the actual key though... Where/how'd I go about getting a replacement ?

[robin]

The bypass key is the thing under the passenger side dash board (you need to bend down and look up to see it). It has a normal key, similar size to the fuel cap key.

The touch fob that fits in the receptacle on the instrument binnacle is used to disarm the immobiliser when the remote has been lost or has no battery. If you don't have the fob, you're probably screwed - find your alarm installation certificate and then call Cobra and ask them whether it's possible to get code-matched spares - you might be lucky ...

Cheers,
Robin