Non Starting 2005 Ibiza 1.4

[Dazza3636]

Only had a quick chance to look at the car today before the celebrations start, as it's actually my brothers. The history I know about this problem is this, and started about 4 months ago:-

Intermittent power steering fault that was registered on the instrument panel, and also found an ABS fault stored on there. (Can't remember exact description and codes as it was so long ago).

After clearing these faults there was no evidence of them returning. These maybe unrelated but thought I'd mention it.

Then about 2 months ago my brother started having problems starting the car. It would turnover normally but not start. Often, from what I gather, the car would be left all day, or until the next day, and would normally start fine and not give any problems for a week or two, before the problem would come back. This has gone on for a couple of months, that is until Christmas. He hasn't been able to start it for the last five days.

I've had a quick look today and found there are no lights on the instrument cluster at all, all other equipment has power and functions normally. The fuel pump primes when the key is turned to the ignition on position, and the engine turns over normally. It will try to fire once per starting attempt. I've also quickly checked the fuses and relays and they seem fine. So I've come to the conclusion that the instrument cluster is faulty causing the immobiliser to stay on.

Before I rip the cluster out has anyone got any other ideas, or can confirm my suspicions.

Thanks.

[turpal]

I`ve seen a few with instrument cluster problem.You can try reconnecting it if the connection is loose.

[Dazza3636]

Well had another look today double checked the fuses and relay all good. Took the cluster out, and when i reconnected it all the warning lights came back on, the petrol gauge sprung into life and the engine started on the button! I've checked and tested for loose pins on the two plugs, but everything seems spot on. Have since tried starting it about 30 times, all with no problems. Leaves me with a dilemma, as too whether to send the clocks off or not??? My brother has said it would normally be fine for a couple of weeks before happening again, but obviously this time it wouldn't start at all.

[Crasher]

What do you hope to find after ripping the cluster out? It is a sealed unit with a micro computer inside that if you screw it up means the car WILL NOT start no matter what the problem was....As in all good instructions it should say "no user serviceable parts inside", that is unless you are a micro computer circuit board and software specialist!

When you try to start it, does it fire for a second or so and then stop with a key symbol flashing on the dash board saying "immobiliser inactive" or just turn over? If no such message is shown, for Gods sake stay away from the dash! Even if it did come up as such, you need specialist diagnostic equipment to determine what is wrong and no a £20 Amazon fault code reader is not good enough.