Electrical Issue or immobilizer?

[jedismithy]

Hi, forgive me if this is obvious, but cars are not my strong point! The car alarm was going off on Christmas Day - seems battery was the issue as the car had been idle for a while. A neighbor jumped it for me and the car started fine. Drove it for an hour or two, stopped, filled the tank etc. Restarted fine. Went to start it this morning, but it wont start. Remote locking isn't working - not sure if it's related. When I out the key in and turn the ignition, the wipers come on (despite being off), the headlights come on and the speedo needles "flick" as if they have a pulse. The STOP light flashes as do one or two other lights. The display is dim. The engine is turning over but wont catch. Any help or advice appreciated!

[IanL]

Probably the battery is near end-of-life; alternatively, the alternator is not charging it properly, or a bad earth connection (battery or alternator).

Check the earthing points first - bright metal-to-metal contact with no corrosion is what you need.

[jedismithy]

I've just been to Halfords and bought a new battery. Connected it up but nothing has changed. I turn the ignition on and the windscreen wipers start up. Car will turn over but not catch. I had the key checked out and the fob is transmitting for remote locking (but it doesn't work) and the chip is registering with the key so that doesn't seem to be the issue either. im a little lost.....

[IanL]

Did you follow the correct drill for disconnecting and reconnecting the battery? If not, the BSI software may be scrambled and you would need to do a BSI reboot.

Try it - it's free!

[jedismithy]

unfortunately, I cannot open the window to try it!

[IanL]

In that case, keep the door open, but "trip" the lock so the BSI thinks it is closed (the door open switch is in the lock, not a button on the door frame).