Removed/Reinstalled Instrument Cluster - Now Immobilizer Will Not Let Car Start

rocketeer928

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Location
Enfield, Connecticut
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
I removed my instrument cluster two weeks ago, had some LED work done on it, and have reinstalled. Now the Immobilizer-3 light blinks, and when I try to start the car, it does the typical running for 2 seconds and dies.

I followed the troubleshooting found here: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/multi/immobilizer.htm

Specifically, I've done the following with no success:

- Charged up my battery and checked voltage is greater than 12.5 V (I still have the original OEM battery with 86,000+ miles and 6+ years on it)

- Tried to start the car with both of my keys/fob

- Leaving the key in the ignition to "ON" but not start for a few minutes to see if the immobilizer light would stop flashing

- Disconnecting BOTH negative and positive terminals of the battery, and then touched the cables to each other for about 1 minute, while not attached to the battery

- Ran VCDS, which gave me plenty of faults related to the immobilizer

Here is my scan:

Sunday,31,January,2010,14:59:53:24789
VCDS Version: Release 908.1
Data version: 20091018
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chassis Type: 1J - VW Golf/Bora IV
Scan: 01 02 03 08 15 16 17 19 22 29 35 36 37 39 46 47 55 56 57 75
76

VIN: 3VWSP69M23M###### Mileage: 138830km/86264miles
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: 038-906-012-AGR.lbl
Part No: 038 906 012 GN
Component: RC s04c EDC G520SG 4308
Coding: 00002
Shop #: WSC 00066
3VWSP69M23M###### VWZ7Z0C7554168

2 Faults Found:
18058 - Powertrain Data Bus: Missing Message from Instrument Cluster
P1650 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
17978 - Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer
P1570 - 35-00 - -
Readiness: 1 1 0 1 1

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 1C0-907-37x-ESP-F.lbl
Part No: 1C0 907 379 M
Component: ESP FRONT MK60 0102
Coding: 0019458
Shop #: WSC 00028 000 00000

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags Labels: 6Q0-909-605-VW5.lbl
Part No: 1C0 909 605 F
Component: 04 AIRBAG VW61 0202 0003
Coding: 12340
Shop #: WSC 00066

1 Fault Found:
01299 - Diagnostic Interface for Data Bus (J533)
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel Labels: 1J0-907-487-A.lbl
Part No: 1J0 907 487 A
Component: Lenkradelektronik 0005
Coding: 00118
Shop #: WSC 00028

2 Faults Found:
01341 - Control Module in Instrument Panel On Comfort CAN (J285)
27-10 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
01341 - Control Module in Instrument Panel On Comfort CAN (J285)
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments Labels: 1J0-920-xx5-17.lbl
Part No: 1J0 920 906 L
Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRSP VDO V65
Coding: 07432
Shop #: WSC 00000
3VWSP69M23M###### VWZ7Z0C7554168

7 Faults Found:
01128 - Immobilizer Pickup Coil (D2)
35-00 - -
01176 - Key
07-00 - Signal too Low
01312 - Powertrain Data Bus
37-10 - Faulty - Intermittent
01314 - Engine Control Module
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01316 - ABS Control Module
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01321 - Control Module for Airbags (J234)
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01336 - Data Bus for Comfort System
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 19: CAN Gateway Labels: 6N0-909-901-19.lbl
Part No: 6N0 909 901
Component: Gateway K<->CAN 0001
Coding: 00006
Shop #: WSC 00028

6 Faults Found:
01312 - Powertrain Data Bus
37-10 - Faulty - Intermittent
01314 - Engine Control Module
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01316 - ABS Control Module
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01321 - Control Module for Airbags (J234)
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01336 - Data Bus for Comfort System
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv. Labels: 1C0-959-799.lbl
Part No: 1C0 959 799 C
Component: 1H Komfortger·t HLO 0003
Coding: 00259
Shop #: WSC 00028

Part No: 1C1959801A
Component: 1H Tırsteuer.FS KLO 0010

Part No: 1C1959802A
Component: 1H Tırsteuer.BF KLO 0010

Part No: 1C0959811A
Component: 1H Tırsteuer.HL KLO 0202

Part No: 1C0959812A
Component: 1H Tırsteuer.HR KLO 0202

1 Fault Found:
01299 - Diagnostic Interface for Data Bus (J533)
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio Labels: 3B7-035-1xx-56.lbl
Part No: 3B7 035 180 D
Component: Radio ZSW 0010
Coding: 04401
Shop #: WSC 00028

5 Faults Found:
00879 - Connection to Speaker Front Right
44-10 - Short Circuit - Intermittent
00849 - S-contact at Ignition/Starter Switch (D)
78-10 - Missing Messages - Intermittent
01326 - Control Module for Multi-Function Steering Wheel (J453)
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01064 - Terminal 58d; Interior Dimming
78-10 - Missing Messages - Intermittent
00625 - Vehicle Speed Signal
78-10 - Missing Messages - Intermittent

End ---------------------------------------------------------------------

At this point, I have no idea what to do to get my Jetta started. All the searching that I have done tells me to do what I described above.

Can someone help, please!!
 

rocketeer928

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Location
Enfield, Connecticut
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
I re-scaned and cleared all my codes, then touched the two battery ends for another minutes. Still does not start! Here's my latest scan (only including where fault codes found):

Sunday,31,January,2010,17:08:28:24789
VCDS Version: Release 908.1
Data version: 20091018
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chassis Type: 1J - VW Golf/Bora IV
Scan: 01 02 03 08 15 16 17 19 22 29 35 36 37 39 46 47 55 56 57 75
76

VIN: 3VWSP69M23M###### Mileage: 138830km/86264miles
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: 038-906-012-AGR.lbl
Part No: 038 906 012 GN
Component: RC s04c EDC G520SG 4308
Coding: 00002
Shop #: WSC 00066
3VWSP69M23M###### VWZ7Z0C7554168

1 Fault Found:
17978 - Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer
P1570 - 35-00 - -
Readiness: 0 0 1 1 1

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments Labels: 1J0-920-xx5-17.lbl
Part No: 1J0 920 906 L
Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRSP VDO V65
Coding: 07432
Shop #: WSC 00000
3VWSP69M23M192730 VWZ7Z0C7554168

2 Faults Found:
01128 - Immobilizer Pickup Coil (D2)
35-00 - -
01176 - Key
07-00 - Signal too Low

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv. Labels: 1C0-959-799.lbl
Part No: 1C0 959 799 C
Component: 1H Komfortger·t HLO 0003
Coding: 00259
Shop #: WSC 00028

Part No: 1C1959801A
Component: 1H Tırsteuer.FS KLO 0010

Part No: 1C1959802A
Component: 1H Tırsteuer.BF KLO 0010

Part No: 1C0959811A
Component: 1H Tırsteuer.HL KLO 0202

Part No: 1C0959812A
Component: 1H Tırsteuer.HR KLO 0202

1 Fault Found:
01299 - Diagnostic Interface for Data Bus (J533)
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent

End ---------------------------------------------------------------------


I'm starting to wonder if I will need to buy a new programmed key and fob...
 

rocketeer928

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Location
Enfield, Connecticut
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
Ordered VAG Tacho 2.5

I just ordered a VAG Tacho 2.5 shipped from Northeastern U.S.

For my problem, I'm not sure which of the procedures in the following link I must follow: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/multi/immo3.htm

Choices are:

- Procedure for matching keys to vehicles with Immobilizer in the Instrument Cluster

- Procedure for adding keys to vehicles with separate Immobilizer

- BRAND NEW ECU (doubt this one, since I did not swap my ECU)

- Used ECU (doubt this one, since I did not swap my ECU)

- Procedure for installing a NEW Instrument Cluster in vehicles with Immobilizer III (doubt this one, since I did not swap my instrument cluster)

Can anyone help, PLEASE!!!
 

dzcad90

Rolex & gin
Joined
Mar 15, 1999
Location
Joliet, IL USA
TDI
Jetta - 97 (RIP), '03 (Sold), '09
The original codes were probably stored as a result of turning the car on when the instrument cluster was not in the vehicle or not properly installed, as the CAN gateway and the Immobilizer are all physically present in the instrument cluster.

Clearing the codes and trying it again seems to have pointed to the issue : The immobilzer donut (black circular thing around ignition key slot) has having an issue reading the key. The donut cannot read the RFID key tag, therefore it can't compare that value to the values stored in the EEPROM as authorized keys.

Easy stuff: I'd verify that the connectors on the instrument cluster are plugged in properly for starters. I'm assuming they are, they are pretty hard not to get correct.

Second, I'd look for damaged pins in the cluster housing and damaged pins or wires on the connectors going to the cluster. I gave up my MkIV Bentley, so I have no wiring diagrams, however the donut has a connection to the cluster.

If neither of those work, I'd see if you can get your hands on another Immo3 instrument cluster, even temporarily. Your car will likely not start, but it would tell you if the donut that reads the keys are still having issues. (You'd get a code about unauthorised key if the donut can read a key when connected to a different cluster, not a signal too low from key.) This will determine if you have a cluster problem or an immo donut problem. Any 1J0 920 xx6 cluster or 1J5 920 xx6 cluster will suffice for this test, gas or diesel, etc..

I say try a new instrument cluster first as I'm assuming you did nothing while the cluster was down and out to the wiring or connections to the immo donut or anything else in the steering column. Depending on what resources are available to you, it might be easier for you to trace down the wiring from the cluster to the immo donut than get your hands on another instrument cluster.

If you did happen to be poking around in the steering column, ensure that all the grounds are good. There's a grounding post in there that has a bunch of brown wires connected to it. Make sure it's not tarnished / corroded and that the screw/bolts are tightened.

This is a crappy situation.

BTW: Do you happen to know your 4 digit Immo SKC?
 
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rocketeer928

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Location
Enfield, Connecticut
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
Crappy is putting it mildly. I'm certainly not thrilled about what you're telling me, but I do appreciate the response. I do not know my 4 digit Immo SKC, which is why I just ordered a VAG Tacho 2.5.

If all the pins and wiring are OK and I get my SKC via the VAG Tacho, then would the "procedure for matching keys to vehicles with Immobilizer in the Instrument Cluster" be worth a try before trying to get a second instrument cluster?
 

dzcad90

Rolex & gin
Joined
Mar 15, 1999
Location
Joliet, IL USA
TDI
Jetta - 97 (RIP), '03 (Sold), '09
As for your proposed solution, I don't think this is going to be the smoking gun fix.

The cluster isn't saying the key isn't authorized, it's saying that the signal from the key is too low to get a reading. Re-Matching keys isn't going to do you much good if the immo donut / cluster can't get the ID number from the key. See where I'm going with this? If the keys had become unmatched you would get a fault indicating "Unauthorized key". This means that it successfully read the ID from the key, however it did not match one of the key IDs that were in the EEPROM as adapted.

If the ground for the Immo donut is weak or bad, it would cause this issue. Broken wiring as well as a bad donut would also cause this fault.

The Immo donuts have been known to go bad on occasion, and there was an issue in early NBs with Immo with some kind of a loose connection or bad immo reader causing the same conditions you are seeing.


It could be coincidence that your Immo donut went bad at this time, however it's pretty unlikely. Thats why my first suggestion would be to get a new cluster, then to trace wiring. If no other cluster is available, check wiring.
 

dzcad90

Rolex & gin
Joined
Mar 15, 1999
Location
Joliet, IL USA
TDI
Jetta - 97 (RIP), '03 (Sold), '09
BTW.. IIRC you don't need to take the steering wheel off to remove the plastic shroud around the steering column to check the ground connection. Removing the steering wheel isn't that big of a deal though, it's about a 15 minute process if you have the proper triple square bit (Hint: a T55 bit works just as well for this procedure.)
 

jetta 97

Vendor
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Location
Dallas (McKinney) ,TX ,USA
TDI
2 X Jatta MK5 2006
This is very unusual when you work on same cluster. I think either you have damage D2 coil reader (one in cluster) or the pins on cluster are bent or damage. Immobilizer can't lost programing . You can unplug cluster for 1 year and put it back and it will work with key. Something went wrong when you did LEDs on that cluster. You may unsolder something. I doubt with SCK you will be able to do anything.
As Dzcad90 said You are getting code for low signal from key not for Unauthorized key.
 
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thebigarniedog

Master of the Obvious
Joined
Oct 14, 2007
Location
Fail Command (Central Ohio)
TDI
1998 Jetta tdi
dzcad90 said:
BTW.. IIRC you don't need to take the steering wheel off to remove the plastic shroud around the steering column to check the ground connection. Removing the steering wheel isn't that big of a deal though, it's about a 15 minute process if you have the proper triple square bit (Hint: a T55 bit works just as well for this procedure.)
disconnect the battery neg side; insert key to unlock wheel; spin wheel all the way to one side; insert small flat head screw driver in the rear slot & pop airbag hold-down latch; spin all the way to the opposite side and do the same; pull airbag slightly out (little cable needs disconnected then airbag can be removed); use torx 55 to undo the center nut; remove wheel.
 

rocketeer928

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Location
Enfield, Connecticut
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
I checked the pins in the cluster (both green and blue), and everything looks straight. The guy who did the LED work for me suggested that I reinstall the cluster and try pushing the key in further than normal so that the immo coil can read the chip in the fob easy. Any thoughts on that?

I guess I'll be buying the Torx 55 tomorrow.

Edit: Just discovered that I need a 12-mm triple square, which I already have, so no trip to AutoZone. Good!
 
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dzcad90

Rolex & gin
Joined
Mar 15, 1999
Location
Joliet, IL USA
TDI
Jetta - 97 (RIP), '03 (Sold), '09
Pushing the key in is kind of BS. The key only needs to be in the vicinity of the reader. To give you an idea, the TSB on Immobilizer keymatching states that the other VW keys should be on the passenger seat while you are doing the key matching process. (i.e. Don't leave other keys in your lap) As long as the key is in the lock cyilinder, it's close enough.

IMO, that's just an answer to try and get you off his back.
 

IndigoBlueWagon

TDIClub Enthusiast, Principal IDParts, Vendor , w/
Joined
Aug 16, 2004
Location
South of Boston
TDI
'97 Passat, '99.5 Golf, '02 Jetta Wagon, '15 GSW
I know that when Jeff tunes car the immo number can change. I wonder if somehow your cluster is looking for one immo code and your ecu is looking for another, maybe as a result of the LED install.

I suggest you call Jeff and see what he thinks.
 

rocketeer928

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Location
Enfield, Connecticut
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
IndigoBlueWagon said:
I know that when Jeff tunes car the immo number can change. I wonder if somehow your cluster is looking for one immo code and your ecu is looking for another, maybe as a result of the LED install.

I suggest you call Jeff and see what he thinks.
That would really suck! After I get the steering wheel off and look for loose wires and connectors, if it still will not work then I'll call Jeff.

I'm kicking myself for wanting to do a modification to my instrument cluster. I had no idea I was going to run into these problems and essentially have a huge 4-wheel paper weight in my garage. And, I have not even revealed what the mod is on my main thread yet.
 

dzcad90

Rolex & gin
Joined
Mar 15, 1999
Location
Joliet, IL USA
TDI
Jetta - 97 (RIP), '03 (Sold), '09
IndigoBlueWagon said:
I know that when Jeff tunes car the immo number can change. I wonder if somehow your cluster is looking for one immo code and your ecu is looking for another, maybe as a result of the LED install.

I suggest you call Jeff and see what he thinks.
He's not dealing with an immobilizer authorization issue. He's not getting an unauthorized key or ECU DTC, so there's really no Immo authorization issue.

The cluster has the immobilizer module in it, and everything is matched to it. ECU matches to cluster and keys match to cluster. The only way the immobilizer can deauthorize is when one component changes it's immo ID. The only way this can happen is when there's a flash or when the component is physically swapped for a different one.
 

IndigoBlueWagon

TDIClub Enthusiast, Principal IDParts, Vendor , w/
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Location
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'97 Passat, '99.5 Golf, '02 Jetta Wagon, '15 GSW
Thanks for the clarification, Don. I know Jeff will give you the new immo code when you get tuned. I guess it's in case you get a new key.
 

jsrmonster

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Your immo doesnt change unless you change hw or reprogram it. Your fault says the pick up coil. It may be a loose or unplugged connector. It is attached on the ignition switch. I helped a dead car on the highway the other day that just needed plug wiggled. Weak batteries also can kick in the immo lockout. It times out for max 255 min or 4hours. Let car sit with battery charger with ignition on to time out. You can also check instruments field 22 or 24 (I forget) and it tells you the lockout minutes. Call me if you like. I'm still on the road though.

Jeff
 

rocketeer928

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Location
Enfield, Connecticut
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
Thanks Jeff. I'll try your suggestion today. I supposed I need the instrument cluster in and hooked up to perform your battery charger / key "ON" suggestion.

Question for you all: Is it OK to have the cluster temporarily installed and the key in the "ON" position while the steering wheel and airbag are removed?
 

thebigarniedog

Master of the Obvious
Joined
Oct 14, 2007
Location
Fail Command (Central Ohio)
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1998 Jetta tdi
rocketeer928 said:
.....
Question for you all: Is it OK to have the cluster temporarily installed and the key in the "ON" position while the steering wheel and airbag are removed?
Should be okay. All it will do is throw a code. I just would not be a fan of installing it or uninstalling it with the battery on.
 

rocketeer928

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Location
Enfield, Connecticut
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
thebigarniedog said:
I just would not be a fan of installing it or uninstalling it with the battery on.
I know better, but thanks for the reminder.

It's going to be hard to work today knowing that I have a dead car back home.:(
 

jetta 97

Vendor
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2 X Jatta MK5 2006
Lock out time will be only if you put wrong SCK. It will start with 10 min and could end up 255.
In your case that is impossible because you did not mess with it.
Here is how you can check is your key adapted or not and see lock out time.But like I said before and dzcad90 you have problem wit D2 coil reader. That guy who did leds on your cluster he did something to it.

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/cars/Immo3-measuring-blocks.html
 

rocketeer928

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Location
Enfield, Connecticut
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2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
I AM SO TICKED OFF! I'm trying in vain to get the airbag off of my multi-function steering wheel (the one with cruise and radio controls), and it will not budge. I get the screwdriver in the rear holes, I hear the clicking as pull up on the screwdriver, but the stinkin' airbag won't budge.
 
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dzcad90

Rolex & gin
Joined
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Location
Joliet, IL USA
TDI
Jetta - 97 (RIP), '03 (Sold), '09
rocketeer928 said:
I AM SO F-ING PISSED OFF! I'm trying in vain to get the airbag off of my multi-function steering wheel (the one with cruise and radio controls), and it will not budge. I get the screwdriver in the rear holes, I hear the clicking as pull up on the screwdriver, but the stinkin' airbag won't budge.
First step.. Calm down :) Nothing works when your're frustrated. (I know.. This is my biggest fault..)

Second step: Just stick the screwdriver in and pry up. It goes in farther than you think and you will need to push in with more force than you think. Don't use a precision screwdriver, use one with a decent handle. You won't blow the airbag, you'll see this once you get the airbag module out.

It's only going to come out a little bit, then rotate the wheel 180 degrees and to the same to the other side, then you can pull the airbag assy out.
 

rocketeer928

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Location
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2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
dzcad90 said:
First step.. Calm down :) Nothing works when your're frustrated. (I know.. This is my biggest fault..)

Second step: Just stick the screwdriver in and pry up. It goes in farther than you think and you will need to push in with more force than you think. Don't use a precision screwdriver, use one with a decent handle. You won't blow the airbag, you'll see this once you get the airbag module out.

It's only going to come out a little bit, then rotate the wheel 180 degrees and to the same to the other side, then you can pull the airbag assy out.
Yeah, that's one of my biggest faults too, which I can't stand about myself. And I was rather irate...

Force - Now there's an understatement. I went at it with a lot of muscle, literal sweat, and tears (not really), and I finally got the airbag out.
 
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rocketeer928

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Location
Enfield, Connecticut
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2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
My Jetta is now running

I removed the airbag, steering wheel, and lower steering column trim piece. I checked all the wires and connections; nothing appeared loose to me. Reinstalled the green and blue connectors to the back of the instrument cluster, pushing them in harder then usual to make sure they were well seated. Reconnected the battery and put the charger on it to get ready for the overnight charging with the key at the "ON" position.

When I went to turn the key to the "ON" position, the immobilizer light came on and then WENT OUT! NO BLINKING! I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!

The car turned on right away. Tried the other key/fob, and that worked too.

I do not understand why it suddenly worked. The only things I can think of is either I didn't have those blue and green connectors in correctly (doubt that) or I giggled something at or near the ignition switch. Perhaps the immo donut?

Should I do or change out anything before I put everything back together. I sure hope once everything is reinstalled that the car will continue to start consistently.
 

tothemax

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TDIs: 2003 Jetta, 2016 Q5 3.0
Glad you got it back together Chris

rocketeer928 said:
I removed the airbag, steering wheel, and lower steering column trim piece. I checked all the wires and connections; nothing appeared loose to me. Reinstalled the green and blue connectors to the back of the instrument cluster, pushing them in harder then usual to make sure they were well seated. Reconnected the battery and put the charger on it to get ready for the overnight charging with the key at the "ON" position.

When I went to turn the key to the "ON" position, the immobilizer light came on and then WENT OUT! NO BLINKING! I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!

The car turned on right away. Tried the other key/fob, and that worked too.

I do not understand why it suddenly worked. The only things I can think of is either I didn't have those blue and green connectors in correctly (doubt that) or I giggled something at or near the ignition switch. Perhaps the immo donut?

Should I do or change out anything before I put everything back together. I sure hope once everything is reinstalled that the car will continue to start consistently.
 

jetta 97

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Dallas (McKinney) ,TX ,USA
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2 X Jatta MK5 2006
I know what happened. I bet you the guy with cluster LED repair was trying to logon in cluster or mess with it somehow and locked cluster out. You left key on with more then 4 hr and BOOM ,cluster is unlocked and working.
That is what Jeff was telling you.
 

rocketeer928

Veteran Member
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Jan 24, 2008
Location
Enfield, Connecticut
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed
No, that's not what happened at all.

I was preparing to do the 4 hour thing. As stated above, I installed the cluster after finally getting the steering wheel off, reconnected the battery, put it on the charger, and when I went to turn the key to the "ON" position for the overnight (4+ hours) stint, the immo light turned on as is usual and then went completely off. No flashing whatsoever. I was shocked. Car started right up for me with both keys.

I don't know why, beyond a miracle. Maybe I giggled something back into place when removing the steering wheel and lower steering column trim????

My fear is that I'll get everything back together and I'll run into the same immo problem. I'll know later this week.
 
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