Nobody has had any advice for how to tell if the immobilizer is keeping my car from starting versus something else, like a crank position sensor. I'm getting an ODB2 code scanner. Will that be able to tell me if the immobilizer is keeping my car from starting?

I believe it does not have fuel or spark, but does crank. It is a 2006 S Convertible (R52).

 

Likely not EWS (immobilizer system) then. Also rules out the clutch switch.

From the Bentley book:

"If the key code and EWS control module code do not match, the engine management control module and the starter are disabled."

 

I've heard people say that. But others have said that they had the same symptoms as me (with cranking), replaced their EWS and got it working, so I just don't know. I've heard it suggested that the system may work differently on different models. Mine is an R52. Is that an R52 manual?

Does the manual indicate if there would be any code from the immobilizer?

 

You need to check to following.
pull a pug an check for spark
after cranking a couple times. Check fuel pressure at the end of the fuel rail.
If you have both. Then unhook one of your injector leads. Check for voltage while someone tries to crank. If you have voltage. This means the ews is working correctly.
At time the ews can go out if alignment with your key. You can use inpa to resync your key to ews.

 

Thanks. I will run additional tests to see if there is spark or fuel.

I don't have inpa, so I would like to find a way to determine if I need to take the car to a dealer or get a new EWS (the problem is the immobilzier) or take the car to a mechanic (the problem isn't the immobilzier).

 

If you have a laptop in good working order. You can order the d-can cable from Amazon an I can install the for you.

 

It includes all models from 2002-2006. Good thing to pick up if you plan on keeping the car.
Also available on Evilbay and used book sites, used copies are usually cheaper. They also turn up on the market section of this site (NAM) from time to time.

Could not find one in the book. Just what I posted above.

Also dumb questions I know but have you tried the other key (if you have it) and also checked to make sure the car has gas?

Another suggestion: when you turn the key to the "ON" position ('position 2' or 'second position'), dash lights should come on and you should hear the fuel pump kick on, spool up for a couple second and shut off automatically. This is how it pressurizes the fuel rail so it starts when you crank it.

Finally (or actually first) have you checked battery voltage? Should be 12.6 V or better with the key off and removed. If it isn't, battery could be too weak to make things run right.These cars hate hate HATE low battery voltage, so it also causes other issues: electric fuel pump, computers, convertible pump etc on top of the starter.

 

See link
AntiBreak DCAN K+ INPA Ediabas Interface OBD2 Diagnostic USB Cable Car Diagnostic for R56 E87 E93 E70 https://a.co/d/ccCvAgr

 

OK, I ordered the cable.

 

Actually it is time to sell it. After it sitting for months I realized it just isn't getting enough of my time so someone else should enjoy it.

Yes, I tried both keys, and yes, I made sure there is gas, and even tried starting spray.

 

Well, the code scanner was a bust. Wouldn't even power up. Next I'll try inpa, I guess.

 

So when you plugged it into the car and turned the key to ON it just sat there, right out of the box? What kind was it?

 

It is a FIXD brand bluetooth unit. I tried it on my other cars and it worked fine.