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Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - Ex Alfa mail

Good morning again, I have a 1992 MR2 that I have owned from new. As was common in those days, it is fitted with a Vecta immobiliser. The car was stored carefully for a number of years, as the children grew up, with the engine run to temperature at least monthly. We (my trusted local garage actually) have just completed a recommissioning, with all fluids changed, new plugs, HT leads, coil, distributor cap, etc. The fuel pump has also been replaced and tank flushed out. All was well until it has suddenly started cutting out and the engine stops slowly (in other words as though a fuelling problem rather than electrical). The garage has tested everything and, although the Vecta wiring appears intact, they now suspect this is the cause. My mechanics know I seek advice here and have asked me to see if anyone has first hand experience of the Vecta and whether this could be the cause? (I was thinking of you doc!) Thank you in advance.

Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - elekie&a/c doctor
Oh yes . Remember these 30 years ago . Black plastic tube filled with electronics and filled with resin . Loads of all black wires sprouting out the end . Usually fitted In ignition, fuel pump and starter circuit. It certainly could be the issue, but you would need someone to remove it . Not a difficult job , but all the cut points would need to be located and the original wiring reinstated.
Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - Ex Alfa mail

Thanks Doc. I have always meant to ask you where your work, as in area, and whether you would cover Surrey? If so, would this be something up your street?

Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - Andrew-T

I know nothing of this particular device, but I would guess that most 30-year-old cars will have lost their immobilisers long ago because of problems and because they are no longer needed. With simple ones there are usually bits like bonnet switches still present, and strands of redundant wire. As the Doc says, it sounds as if your car would benefit from an immobiliserectomy.

Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - Ex Alfa mail

An "immobiliserectomy"? Love the term.

Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - elekie&a/c doctor
Sadly I’m the other side of the river . Further down the Thames . Any competent auto sparks should be able to remove it without any problem.
Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - Ex Alfa mail

Thanks Andrew and thanks Doc. I'll let you know if an "immobiliserectomy" is the solution.

Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - medview

Prehaps rather than romoving it all just remove the bits affecting the fuel system, which should be a simpler and cheaper task?

Joe

Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - Ex Alfa mail

Now that's an idea. It would provide a useful diagnosis. But it begs the question of why not simply remove it all and save time and money? I'll sleep on that. Thanks Joe

Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - elekie&a/c doctor
An issue you may have here , is that the vecta is a 3 circuit immobiliser. Until you start unraveling all the cables , you don’t actually know how many circuits have been used . Just to compound the problem, the system uses a number of dummy cables that don’t connect to anything. Remove it all , or leave it alone .
Toyota MR2 - Vecta immobiliser - Ex Alfa mail

Thanks doc. That's good advice.