Smartlock Immobiliser (EF onwards)
Symptoms
Engine cranks but won't start. An exclamation mark appears below the handbrake warning light on the dash. The fuel pump may prime (whine for 2 seconds) but the injectors won't fire.
Cause
The Smartlock system prevents fuel delivery unless the key transponder matches the BEM. When the BEM, ECU, or key loses synchronisation, from a flat battery, engine swap, or ECU replacement, the car won't start. This is confusing because the car cranks normally and may even fire briefly if starting fluid is sprayed into the intake.
Fix
An auto electrician or Ford dealer can reprogram the Smartlock.
For modified or project cars, a Smartlock bypass module ($50-100) permanently disables the system.
When swapping engines between models (e.g., EL motor into EF), use the original car's ECU and BEM, don't mix components from different vehicles unless you're prepared to deal with Smartlock issues.
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