Immobiliser problem? 2000 W 1.9 SDI

[beardo]

I drove 160 miles yesterday morning, came back to the car after a couple of hours to do the return journey and it would not start! It was turning over then immediately stalling. After 5 or 6 goes it started and stayed running. I drove home all ok!

This morning I drove 20 miles, parked up, came back drove home - no bother.

Lunchtime, I go to move the car - it won't start again, same as yesterday (turns over then cuts out immediately). I called the RAC out and the guy reckoned it is most likely an immobiliser problem and said that the dealer will need to recode the keys. I have tried the spare key and it is the same with that. The orange car symbol with a key underneath is coming on and then going out after a few seconds (I was not even aware it had an immobiliser).

I just wanted to check that his diagnosis sounds right as I like to know as much as possible so that the dealer can't baffle me with science! Dealers can't fit me in till Thursday so the RAC will be towing me there then.

[mw05]

I expect you have either fixed the problem or set fire to the car by now...
My last car was one of these. LOVED IT! when it started...
I eventually rigged a live wire from the battery terminal into the car to an illuminated switch which I fixed into the plastic cowling beneath the handbrake handle. From the switch I then took a second wire which I attached to the fuel shutoff solenoid.
This meant that if the engine stopped whilst driving, or failed to start when I got in, I could press the switch, fuel would be switch on and the car would then fire up on the key. A couple of times I forgot to switch the solenoid off. When I had the old battery on, this would usually mean a flat battery when I came out to start it. I intended to replace the switch with a relay and use the ignition to operate the coil windings, but due to needing a new clutch and I wanted to replace the cam belt at the same time, I was advised to scrap it and put the money towards another car.
I have done the same thing on my Land Rover Discovery...
There was a Polish guy on ebay selling modified immobiliser ecus. I felt a switch was much cheaper :)