Taxi Driver Online

Hi everyone, this is my first post here. I have just bought a METROCAB MK111 1999. My wife and myself are both disabled,my wife has M.S. and is permanently in a wheelchair.

We have had taxi's for about 10 years now, as they are ideal for wheelchairs.
the first one we had was a FX4S which was a complete disaster, so this had to go after about a year.

We then bought a 1989 fairway, which was fantastic, it was like a ROLLS ROYCE after the fx4s. it was reliable with the great NISSAN 2.7 engine.
but eventually the rust and the leaks through the sun roof and windscreen got to much for us, so it had to go.

We wanted another cab, so we decided to buy a METROCAB as they are fibreglass we thought no more rust problems, ok we had to compromise on not having the nissan engine, but you can't have everything.

What i am concerned about is, we only have one of the little key chip thing for the immobiliser, can anyone please tell us where we could get another one, as we are worried that if it breaks, or gets lost, we may end
up being stranded somewhere if we could not start the cab.

If it is not possible to get a duplicate, can we have a switch fitted to the
immobiliser instead of this little plastic key.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, sorry it's a bit long.

any help and advice would be much appreciated thank you

The Immobiliser can be deactivated, by any Ford or Toyota dealer depending on what engine you have, or any auto electrician, and should not take any more than 15 mins to do, then just get a spear key cut

You could even try any taxi repair gararge

Don't inform your insurance though

The series 3 has a Ford engine and immobiliser. A ford dealer should be able to obtain a duplicate fob for you or as Skippy says bypass it.
If you do, don't forget to inform your insurance company.

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Thank you skippy, it has a Ford engine in it, i would think Fords would be expensive, to do this so i will try and get an auto electrician to do it,
hopefully.

Thank you very much for your help.

No Problem Woody, If you like the metro that much try for the Toyota engine one next time, you wont need the ear defenders, correction if the wife's in the back you might just need them

Let us all know how you got on

Thank you Gusmac, i did not know,that fords could get me a duplicate, as i would still like to have an immobiliser if possible. That was why i was wondering if i could have it put on a switch somewhere, rather than have a key.
Many thanks for your help.

Skippy if he doesn't tell the insurance, they will refuse any subsequent claim

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He bought it second hand Guss and its not actually used as a taxi, and could have been disarmed in the past without his knowledge

Skippy, i was thinking about getting one with the TOYOTA engine, but people were putting me off them, saying that they overheat, and you have a long wait for parts for them.

Ideally i would like to have the NISSAN 2.7 engine put in it, but i would think that is out of the question.

With the wife, i can close the partition and turn the intercom off, but the noise from the engine, i don't know that's as easily resolved.

That can easily be done at an auto electrician

I forgot to mention the steering column lock /ignition key is from a Rover, door and boot locks are Ford. Welcome to metrocab world!

Skippy he has to state whether it has an immobiliser when he insures it. They give a discount on the strength of the answer. Its like changing your alloy wheels and not telling them, they refuse to pay up.

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My insurance company did not ask me whether it had an immobiliser, when i insured it, but they probably know that they are factory fitted.

I think i will try Fords and see if i can get a duplicate first, before i have it disconnected, as i would not want it to affect my insurance.

Gusmac, this METROCAB world sounds a funny place,a cab of many parts!!!

I just hope i have done the right thing, or should i have bought another FAIRWAY ?

Gaint Skippy link made shorter by admin

Another giant Skippy link shortened

You have done the right thing Woody, at least you will not have rust problems, parts can be found on E Bay

Half the battle with a Metrocab is figuring out where the various parts come from. Apart from the bodywork which is unique to Metrocab, most of the rest was sourced from other vehicle suppliers. If your unsure just ask here.
Most of the fairways are now well past their best. Old taxis by their nature have mostly had a hard working life. Did you consider any of the WAV vehicles such as VW Sharan which are far more common second hand now than they were a few years ago?

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