Engine fires up immediately on turning key, then in 1 second cuts off clean, as if key was turned off.

No previous symptoms or problems.

I would appreciate any advice.

What model of Polo is it?

1.4litre 16 valve. Polo Match

That is the classic symptoms of the immobiliser cutting in and stopping the engine. Have you tried another key if you have one ? also have you dropped the key ? as that might of broken the immobiliser chip in the key also make sure that you don’t have too many other keys on the same keyring as that can shield the signal between the key and the reader

12 hours ago, ChrisFR said:

1.4litre 16 valve. Polo Match

I meant what year and body shape, (eg. 1991 2F), but i think you've got a bit to be going on above.

9 hours ago, mr brightside said:

I meant what year and body shape, (eg. 1991 2F), but i think you've got a bit to be going on above.

Year 2001 Mk3 3door

21 hours ago, nige8021 said:

That is the classic symptoms of the immobiliser cutting in and stopping the engine. Have you tried another key if you have one ? also have you dropped the key ? as that might of broken the immobiliser chip in the key also make sure that you don’t have too many other keys on the same keyring as that can shield the signal between the key and the reader

Thanks for your reply.

I think you are probably spot on with your reply.

No known damage to the key, but I will check anything that could be preventing the communication between key chip and the other part of the immobiliser system.

Thanks again for your reply.

You might want to get one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202326441953?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=DRZFY_UCTMy&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=RyIgQzMwRFC&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY. It will tell you if the read coil around the ignition switch is working ok and if the chip in the key is ok

Thanks for this information❤️

Did you fix the problem? If so how did you fix it? Thanks