Nuclear Option Not Excluded

[cdprice]

So, I recently purchased this project in motion from a neighbor who had "issues' then bought a Corvette. Well, not my neighbor but close enough to entice my ownership dream to come out of the closet with wallets blazing. I am its third owner and committed to finishing the project but will obviously need a little help. The wiring was majority (90%) complete when I purchased but I've completed the remaining engine wiring, and cab wiring I thought necessary and made SURE I had excellent ground contacts. When I connect to the battery the odometer comes alive and I know the hazards work but other than that nothing, turn the key to on...nothing. Initially I was getting a security warning but have removed the immobilizer, that's gone but situaiton did NOT change. I will take any advice. I've gone through fuse panel and nothing appears blown. Thanks in Advance. 142414

[Jetfuel]

..there's a reason why they call it the "immobilizer"...
what's the donor car ??

jet

[cdprice]

2007 Impreza WRX STI

[Hobby Racer]

Yep, the immobilizer must be wired in or your not going to get anywhere. Unfortunately since your the 3rd owner there is no telling whats been done electrically. Your most likely going to have to get the Factory Service Manual (available free online if you look around) and trace down all the wiring.

Its a big job but you need to know its done right or you will be chasing electrical gremlins for ever!

[cdprice]

07 impreza wrx
63K miles....
I just disconnected the immobilizer to stop the red light from flashing. I did, however, see online a Subaru with immobilizer disconnected and still ran.

CD

[Ajzride]

Nope. I have an 06 and it will not start without the immobilize, although the starter should turn, so that is a separate issue. The ECU will not fire the fuel injectors or spark plugs without the immobilizer.

[Jetfuel]

Is the key FOB battery any good??

jet

[fletch]

I'll pile on... we have a 2006 WRX donor. I was told by a tuner friend that he could defeat any immobilizer so I didn't wire it in. Turned out he was wrong. After a little time trying to troubleshoot lack of spark, I dug it out of the parts bin and wired it up. Works great now! For WRX 06 and onward, you'll need the immobilizer wired in. I can send wiring info for the 06 immobilizer if you need it. PM if so. It may not be perfectly correct for your model year, but if you can find a service manual/wiring diagram for 2007 it should help you out. Cheers!

[AZPete]

As others said, get a wiring diagram. Also, this thread of the wiring on an 06 WRX may be helpful. When I did my wiring, it saved my butt!
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?11880-Wiring-Guide-06-WRX-Sedan-with-Auto-AC-HVAC

[cdprice]

Hey Jet...

No, the fob was not part of the sale and contact with previous owner was no luck either. Good news is a little perserverance and I was able to figure out a couple wire glitches and got the dash powered and engine to turn over. I am still, however, getting the security code on the dash. The wiring harness has already had a good going through and with no fob I am left trying to identify the drivers side door lock wires in the original harness to reset immobilizer. (right??) previous owners have removed the drivers door connection already. or...should i try buying a used ECM, iginition switch and immobilizer?? Thanks again.man.

CD

[cdprice]

hey Fletch...
Not sure how you send but YES...I would be interested in tracing back wires.
Appreciate the help.

CD

[Ajzride]

For everything to work you need the factory paired key (not remote, just key), Immobilizer box, and ECU. If you don't have the factory key, then your options are to buy a new ECU/Immobilizer/Key off of eBay (I had to to this after I fried my ECU) or see if you can talk a dealer into programming you a new key, which is a tough thing to do on a project car like this because you will have to tow it to them, and then convince them to program a key for a car that is not a Subaru anymore.

If you have the key but are still getting a security light, you need to check and make sure the antenna is still in place around the key cylinder and properly wired back to the Immobilizer. After that, start checking grounds. I had a lot of trouble with my immobilizer locking me out randomly and it seems to be cleaned up after redoing all of my under dash grounds.

The only way you can ditch the immobilizer is to swap the ECU with a 2004 Forrester XT or 2006 STi, those two ECUs will control your engine without an immobilizer. The caveat to that is the pinouts on the ECU are different, so you would have rewire the entire engine bay to make the swap.

[cdprice]

Antenna....perhaps that is my issue. I know the key, immobilizer and ECU came from the same car but I don't remember seeing anythig resembling an antenna off the key cylinder. -4 here now but will run out and check as soon as I can.
Thanks AJ

[Ajzride]

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru__/Ignition-Immobilizer-Antenna/49301019/88215AG000.html

142563

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Some people have zip tied the key(with chip) to the antenna and tucked it up under the dash.
When you do this you can get multiple non-chipped keys to use every day. You don't have to worry about losing your only chipped key.
Bob