I just remembered today this incident on the way back from See Red on the Saturday. Thought it was worth a mention for our records. I had to stop at one of the services on the M1 for my mate to relieve himself. When we got back to the car I pressed the button on my key fob, opened the door, jumped in, turned the key and everything was dead. No amount if pressing the key fob would sort the problem. Of course I've heard of many stories where this has happened and sometimes it's due to maybe mobile phone masts and radio waves. There was a great big one within view in front of us and possibly one behind us. After 10 mins my mate was getting fed up but I thought there was a chance this would fix itself and to my relief it finally did. It may be a coincidence but my friend was desperately flicking all the switches (like the central locking switch) while I pressed the key fob button. As we pulled out of the services I assured my mate it is "not a fault, it's a feature"
I have experienced this too - once when I popped in to town to get cash from the machine. People walking by looking at me, and I'm trying to sit there looking like there's nothing wrong... It didn't lock when I pressed the button so I just locked it with the key. I didn't think hard enough and realize that the immobiliser would kick in while I was gone... It took me about 3 minutes of fiddling to work out that holding the key fob at the far left of the dashboard by the passenger air vent (RHD car) and then pressing the button did the trick. I imagine it's a case of getting it as close to the receiver as possible. I don't actually know whether the receiver is in that place, but holding the key fob there worked for me. Having locked it with the key I was inside the car, but I've also done it from outside the car since and that also worked. Might depend a lot on strength of remote batteries. It also does it at my office if I park outside one of our buildings directly behind a comms room - loads of electrical equipment the other side of the wall (and I mean LOADS!). Ric.
Ric - nice tip re getting closer to the receiver. I will remember that for next time and maybe change the key fob battery.
I've had this happen to me many times. My alarm really does not like the Earls Court side of Chelsey. Anyway, it is prudent to find out your alarm override code which you need to input using the key in the ignition (instructions in the manual). If you don't know your code you need to ring Ferrari UK, prove that it is your car and then they will give it to you.
I've had it once or twice too. Very common by the sounds of it, but easy enough to get around. After a few attempts of 'massaging' the transmitter it has worked for me.. Ade
