Vehicle Immobilizer System -- can I reset this?

[ntwrkguy1]

Hi all,

We're babysitting my father-in-law's '06 M45 Sport for the next two months or so. Today, my wife called me in a panic because she somehow set off the Vehicle Immobilizer System. She said she did what she's done for the last month, which is get in the car, put her foot on the brake, and press the start button. For some reason, the tell-tale flashing security light was what ;happened next. By the time I drove to where she was to rescue her, the car was basically shut down.

There are two key fobs for the car, and both of them have been used since my FIL bought the car back in '08. The car has never done this before, but I do know that the car's battery is approaching 5 years old. Is it possible to reset the system by replacing the battery? Or will that make matters worse?

The owner's manual recommends towing the car to the nearest dealer, of course, but unfortunately they closed an hour ago and won't reopen until Monday. I just want to make sure I don't do more harm than good if I replace the car battery.

[sergio1987]

just replace the battery...what kind of damage could it do?!!?Its not a starship:)

[ntwrkguy1]

Haha.....yeah, that's kinda what I figured. Fortunately, it could stand a new batter anyway (the old one was purchased on 1/10, so it's over 5 years old now).

I thought the VIS was supposed to kick in when you were attempting to use a key that wasn't programmed yet -- or do I have that wrong?

[Six_Legs]

You should put a new batt in. It's an easy install and may save a trip to the stealership. Worst comes to worst, your FIL will have a new battery which he prob needed anyway.

[ntwrkguy1]

I'm going to pick up a new battery in the morning and install it. Will update my status after that!

[ntwrkguy1]

New battery seemed to do the trick as far as the VIS issue is concerned!

[Six_Legs]

Nice! Glad that worked out for you.