P38A Occasional "Engine Disabled Press Remote" message on dash.

As above really.

I unlock the car with the remote, put the key in the ignition and start the car no problems. The next day I can do exactly the same thing, but it gives me the message, I press unlock on the remote (usually with the key still in the ignition), the locks bounce, the indicators flash and the engine will start. Next day no problems, day after that no problems, day after that Engine Disabled Press Remote....

It happend once in a while, but it's getting more frequent as if something is slowly failing. It's not a key sync thing because both keys lock and unlock the vehicle no problem. I'm pretty sure it's the passive immobilisation playing up. Maybe the coil in the steering column? Maybe the recieving coil in the key handset? The problem happens with both keys though, so it's either both going at the same time, or the steering column coil. I thought I'd see if anyone else has had this intermittent problem....?

Also, has anyone changed the passive immobilisation coil before? I know I can switch it off with the Nanocom, but I'd rather not if I dont have to.

MY1998 Gems 4.6. Key fob batteries are new. No other problems.

Could be the coil connector need cleaning, or the contacts loose on the pins ?

Hang on...

Where is the damn thing? Is it integral to the ignition barrel?

Haven't looked in a while, but they are usually clipped to the barrel. The green ring is to barrel illumination.

Personally I'd turn it off until you get it fixed, then you're not stuck