Chris2711

Hi I have a Ford Galaxy Zetec 1.8tdci 57 plate. Two weeks ago I stalled the car and then on the engine would not start, with the information screen returning a message ‘immobiliser active’ subsequently followed by ‘engine malfunction’. I have had the AA check the car over trying to connect to the ECU (unsuccessfully) and physically checking the engine, fuses etc. The result of the AA visit ruled out many problems, no problem with the ECU, the car was trying to turn over when he did something within the engine, battery life not fantastic but adequate. A tow home was required. Since then I have started the engine a few times, others not and last week even managed to drive only to need a tow home as once I turned the engine off, it will not start again and the same messages as above return. This morning rather than moving the car I started the engine and turned off a few times – with no problem. We have connected to the ECU with an ODBC and it has returned no problems (this has only be possible with the engine running). I then took the car for a small run (less than 1 mile) and returned home and tried starting and stopping again – no problems. Following this I have extended the run to 8 miles and returned home, and switched off. The engine again will not start and returns the above messages. With the ODBC returning no errors, I am not sure what Ford or anyone else could determine – but then I am no mechanic. Look forward to hearing from you.

Hi. Can anybody advise to how I can disable the alarm on the Galaxy. It is constantly going off and draining the battery. I have been told in the past that this is a common complaint with the Galaxy alarm by a Ford dealer. The alarm service light is always coming on. Anyone else have this problem and can suggest an alternative to disconnection that won't cost the earth? Thanks.

I have recently had my car mot'd and serviced following a year off the road. The car has run fine for two weeks until yesterday. I pulled into a tyre garage for a repair, and when I came to start my engine to move my Galaxy into the work area, the engine would not crank. Instead I received a message "engine malfunction" follow by "immobiliser active" then the "engine malfunction" again. After a few minutes, I tried again and it started. I had the tyres sorted and went about my business. A few hours later I had the same problem only this time there was no moving away from tge messages and no cranking. I had the AA out who tried disconnecting the battery to reboot, used an odb connector to try and talk to the car, but it would not communicate. The AA mentioned checking that there were 5v and 12v being produced to suggest that the ECU is ok, and he confirmed this was fine. He also confirmed that the starter was working fine. I have tried again today and initially received the same error messages and then a chance to start the car but for some reason now, my battery has given up? And then, all the messages returned. Any suggestions to help me not have to go to Ford?