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Starting about 2 weeks ago I noticed that on occasion the Cayenne will start then die after about 3 seconds it shuts the motor off and I get an "immobilizer active" message on the dash. I can typically turn the key over again and it starts up with no issues. I replaced the key fob battery about 4 months ago and it operates the locks with no issues. The battery is staying around the 14 on the dash. Anyone else encounter this?
How old is your battery? My symptoms weren't quite the same -- the dash trouble lights would come onwhen I turned the key and then then the car would just cut out. (But it would immediately start on the second try) It started on the first try every time I put it on the maintainer though. Installing a new AGM battery solved those problems, and a number of other small ones you wouldn't think were related.
The fact that it's on 14 doesn't mean it's not on the way out. Mine was always on 14 as well before I changed it.
Last edited by tomhartzell; 03-09-2023 at 09:42 PM.
I would have it tested; a lot of auto parts stores will do it as a goodwill gesture. My previous battery was acid flooded and only two years old. Cold weather and numerous use of the lift gate without the engine running probably sent it south.
One easy test is to see if your Cayenne will raise and lower the lift gate three times without the engine running. If it can't do that, it's an indication that the battery is failing.
Doesn't sound like your battery then. My understanding of how these cars work is that it might be the RFID chip in the key fob, or something in the immobilizer. Given that it started and then died, I suspect something with the immobilizer -- but really can't offer much more than that -- sorry :-(
What is occasional? Every other morning, evening, every other fill up at the gas station. Is it totally random? Does it ever crank for several seconds before starting up?
What is occasional? Every other morning, evening, every other fill up at the gas station. Is it totally random? Does it ever crank for several seconds before starting up?
Totally random. It cranks right over with no hesitation at any point. Sometimes I can start it 3-4 times on the first try and it stays running. Other times it will die twice every time I start the vehicle that day. Each time it turns it’s self off it always gives me the immobilizer active message.
Update - I opened up the carpet tonight and checked on the wiring. All the connections appear to be in good shape and I couldn't find any corrosion. Now the immobilizers kicking in for 5-7 start ups in a row instead of the 1-2 before. I guess I'm at the point of taking it to the dealership.
03-09-2023, 09:03 PM
Odd Startups
