Wrx not starting

Robbeck666 · Post by **Robbeck666** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:28 pm

Hi all I have a 01 Subaru wrx with a 07 motor and when I bought it the pervious owner had lost the key and Subaru ordered another key off the vin number only to find the motor was different was actually the 07 motor. The key I have will make the car turn over but it won't start. I have contacted Subaru and gave them all the immobiliser numbers to get a new key in which their response was I can get you a new key for $300+ but can't assure you it will work. They told me my only option other than buying the key with no chance of it working was to get a new ecu, ignition barrel, immobiliser ect and get it installed in the car which is $1000+. Is there anyone that has a bit of knowledge with this sort of thing that can help me out? Can I bypass the immobiliser in any way to make it start without spend hundreds with no guarantee of results?
Cheers

Post by **TOONGA** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:53 pm

ecutek makers of aftermarket ECUs

http://www.ecutek.com.au/

TOONGA

Robbeck666 · Post by **Robbeck666** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 8:04 pm

So I would just have to get a new ecu and put in the car or can I get mine reprogrammed?

Brumby Kid · Post by **Brumby Kid** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 8:12 pm

This engine/ecu isnt expecting a 4 digit pin is it?
Dads 02 STi wants:
A keyless entry button thing to open it (not just the key in barrel otherwise alarm goes off)
Then it wants the key to be programmed to the barrel (otherwise alarm goes off)
Then it wants a 4 digit pin before tuning it over (simple fuel cut imoboliser)

The more recent Imprezes all need a pin, or at least from wrx up.

Cheers Cam

Robbeck666 · Post by **Robbeck666** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 9:10 pm

It has no pin keypad only a key for central locking and ignition in 1

Post by **TOONGA** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 10:18 pm

APEXI is another brand that has aftermarket plug and play ECUs

http://www.nengun.com/apexi/power-fc-ne ... controller

TOONGA

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:41 am

Of no use to you, but I think I will stick to my old EA stuff, born before all this crap surfaced

You may need to do your own research in car to find the part number of the ECU, if there is a separate body control module BCM that likely controls the key transponder stuff and the BCMs part number to make sure its numbers relate to 01 parts or maybe 07.

A good locksmith should be able to suggest a good auto electrician to chase this stuff up, but as soon as you say modified could scare a few away.
I have no idea where either the ECU or BCM is located, or if Subaru even call it a BCM

Post by **TOONGA** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 10:13 am

As I understand it the problem is tied to the transponder key that syncs with this ignition and the ECU installing an aftermarket ECU removes the transponder issue and gives you way more programmable horsepower

RSR555 would be the one to chime in here, as his "L" series offroader had a similar problem. That was solved with an aftermarket ECU but I can't remember which brand it was.

TOONGA

TOONGA

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Sun Apr 21, 2013 8:57 am

Hi and Welcome Robbeck666

Hope this site can sort out your issues.

For starters I need to ask some questions..

1) Who fitted the 07 motor? and how long ago?
2) How do you know it's an 07 motor?
3) How much of the 07 motor was fitted? manifolds, turbo, wiring, etc...
4) Do you still have the 01 motor?

My first thoughts are that these are 2 completely different engines. The 07 has VVT on both inlet and exhaust, where the 01 onlly has it on the inlet.

If (and it's a big IF) both motors were identical, then the immobiliser would have nothing to do with it, as the immobiliser works off the ECU (unless the ECU and wiring have been changed), so just a motor swap would mean it's more likely a sensor or spocket on the new motor which is different to the original motor.

If the motor swap included all the wiring and ECU from the 07 model, then you'd need all the electrical stuff from the 07. The immobiliser key would require the matching 07 immobiliser brain to allow the correct signal to the engine ECU, if you don't have these, you'll need to either buy the complete wiring system (with all the control boxes attached) or buy an aftermarket ECU.

I brought an aftermarket ECU to run my 99 STi engine in my L.Series, due to this same immobiliser issue. I found that I didn't have all the immobiliser brains (plus other key bits) to make the ECU know to run. Unless you have all the stuff, it won't work. I don't do wiring, so I had Dave (Subarino) come round and work his magic. I'm sure you would have someone over there like Dave that would be able to get this working.

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Sun Apr 21, 2013 10:51 pm

Al at AMauto (amauto.com I think) should be able to find a solution for you. Will most likely cost some coin but his work is done in such a way that it looks factory by the time he's finished with it!

Cheers

Bennie

Davidov · Post by **Davidov** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 2:14 am

I second the work Al at AMautos does. Got my loom he spliced back for the JDM WRX swap into my outback and started putting it in 2 days ago. Plugged it all in easy as and she fired up first time Friday night and runs. All the wiring is well done and very stock looking.

He should be able to help you out.

Robbeck666 · Post by **Robbeck666** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 8:15 pm

It was all running and the previous owners lost the key and that's when they found that the motor was different and that's where the problems started. Paid Subaru $910 to get a new key and program it but the key they got didn't work. The key is activated but was told that the central locking might not be activating and it's the reason why the cars not starting. It has a 2.5 sti engine in it. Can take photos if that helps

pezimm · Post by **pezimm** » Fri Apr 26, 2013 8:31 pm

El_Freddo wrote:(amauto.com I think)

amauto.com.au in fact...

littlewhiteute · Post by **littlewhiteute** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 7:32 am

The central locking is operated from the remote and is "owner programmable" if you know how to do it.

Your problem has nothing to do with central locking.

The immobiliser problem you are having is most likely engine ecu/immobiliser/key transponder mismatch.

ALL 3 have to be from the same model/year.