VW Jetta engine immobilizer problems
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- 2002 VW Jetta that wasn't starting properly. I would crank, start, then die. Turned out the keys needed to be recoded. We charged the battery and did a lot of other things trying to go a cheaper route but that ended up not being the solution. Bummer.
![Audi, VW, Seat and Skoda IMMOBILISER explanation and repair [immo emulator install]](/img/n.gif)
Thank u sooooo much! It worked and saved me money
Leo, I wish I would have found your video sooner. Had the exact same issues and began replacing everything I could thing of, Fuel pump, plugs, crank sensor, the works. Car is doing the exact same thing yours did down to the little weird noise after it tries to start. I'll try to follow up, but thank you for posting this.
Thanks for your time and effort to make the video. My daughters boyfriends car died in my front yard and been stuck their for like 6 months and he doesn't have the money to deal with it.. I used to fix all kinds of weird computer car issues and been out of the business for quite awhile. I had checked the basics but didn't have time for more and finally couldn't take it anymore and didn't even think about the immobilizer or that there are issue with them on VW's. The leave the key on for 10 minutes fixed it now I can get this car out of my front yard. Thank You So Much! :)
wait what, in passing at the end you mentioned leaving the key on with a charger on the battery for 10 minutes: that worked for me!!! I was going to have to tow the car into VW dealer as the local locksmiths had no idea what i was talking about. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
started the car. immobilizer shut it off after a second. left the key on until the immobilizer icon on the dash went out (about 12 minutes). turned the key and It started right up.
many thanks for the video. very helpful.
You're welcome!
Thank you Leo. My car started doing this this morning. I found this video a couple minutes later and I'm back on the road. I live out of this car and have about 20 bucks right now. I appreciate you
Everyone should stand up and demand the right to have no immobilizer on their new car if they choose. Now instead of your car getting hot wired and stolen they break in and shoot you and take the key. Also they significantly increase the likelihood of your car being taken straight to the scrap yard. Wish i could buy a new car without one. These immobilizers are being forced on us and it's not cool at all.
Agreed.....the junk yards have alot of decent looking cars in their before their time. At the very least their has to be away for the legit owner to overide the stupid thing.....like a door keypad but inside the car.
I think it potentially dangerous....imagine 400 miles from home in a blizzard and it shuts you down ! Mine went nuts after I changed the alternator....old one caught fire....yea real flames !
The wire of the instrument, which regognizes the key is loosen from the ignition lock barrel; bad connection Take the cover around the steering wheel tube out and you'll see the wire. Clean the connection and put it back.
Thank you for posting the video. My mk4 golf would start and die!!! I tried the battery charger and left key turned on for 10 mins...light went out and car started and ran!!! Whooo hoooo...thank you again, Colleen
NO RECODE REQUIRED. PUT KEY IN IGNITION, TURN ON, LEAVE ON FOR 15 MIN....START! WORKED FOR US!
Eyzonsky you saved my day - it works! Had the problem with VW Beetle 1999.
Great to hear that trick works on other models ...hope others do too! Saved our day as well(=
Eyzonsky, ty for the imfo, It work for my Jetta too, Ty very much.
Eyzonsky if that's true then that sucks because it means anyone can steal ur car
Thank you!
outstanding! i had my car sitting for about a month and the battery drain. I tried starting the car and it wouldn't start. It had the same problem that your car had.I did notices the blinking of the key but I never thought it was the problem.Anyway I fully charge my battery and put the key in the ignition and left on for about 15 minutes. I made sure my remote can open and close the doors. Then I just started my car IT WORK!!! Thank you Leo and thank you people for sharing your wisdom...: D
la1negrita
Allah senden razı olsun birader.. 2 gündür VW Polo aracımı yerinden oynayamadık. Çalmadığım servis kapısı kalmadı. Sayende sadece 10 dakika kontak açık halde bekledim. Immobilizer uyarı lambası söndü ve her şey yeniden normale döndü.
Thank You Very Much !!! God bless you and help you for every time. I got out of the immobilizer problem by your advice . I had waited for only ten minutes while the key was turned on then everything was changed normal conditions and problem was gone…
Abi selamün aleyküm bu ne diyor nasıl yapıcaz anlamadım?
Kardeşim marşa basmadan kontağı açık konumda en az 10 dakika açık bırak. Aracın beyni anahtar kumandasını yeniden tanıyacak. Immobiliser alarmı kalkacak ve her şey normale dönecektir. Allah kolaylık versin…
The 15 minute disconnect trick works if the computer needs to be reset.
A friend brought in his '02 Jetta GL 5sp because of no response to start at the key. The fuses were all conducting, there was no engine/key light, but no response to turning the key in the ignition switch. The key was straight, it was the stock key, battery voltage was 12.25, it just would not respond to the key. They were able to push start the car, so the ignition system and fuel pump worked properly with the key on.
After reading all these comments, I disconnected the ground cable from the battery negative terminal and connected the ground cable to the positive cable to short circuit the electrical system with the object of discharging all capacitors and residual capacitance in the electrical system (this is equivalent to leaving the ground cable off for 15 minutes. An option is to disconnect the ground cable and then press the brake pedal to discharge the electrical system - the brake lights short the system).
I chose to disconnect the negative cable because it is easier to remove than that junction box from the positive terminal.
So, conclusion, if the solution is to reset the computer, disconnecting the negative cable and discharging the car electrical system will work.
The Jetta started fine about twenty times in a row after that and my friend drove away.
We ran into this today in an '02 TDI -- The battery was half dead from sitting for a long time, and the starter just clicked when I turned the key. After hooking up a booster pack, the amber lockout light would flash and not allow the car to run for more than a few seconds, just like in this video.
Another VW driver came by and had me *disconnect the battery completely*, then touch the black and red cables *from the car ONLY* together for 15 seconds. It reset the computer and after re-attaching the battery, the car started right up.
Thank you for your help. Turns out my battery just didn’t have quite enough power for the immobilizer to be off. Gotta figure out where the jump box in the car turned over just fine, but the immobilizer was on so with your information I was able to figure it out.
Thanks LeoMy VW Golf had been immobile for 3 months and had the same problem. I did as you described and it started first go. Saves me a call out charge. Thanks
+Christina Dempster I'm glad it helped!
what did u do exactly Christina?
2003 Volkswagen Jetta - moisture inside car. Car not start - low battery voltage. #1 removed and checked all fuses. Jetta immobilizer triggered now. #2 like this video suggests, put key in ignition in "on" position for twelve minutes. Key off. Key on, and the car started thank God : )
or you just disconnect the positive from the battery for 20 seconds, reconnect, and off you go!!
Katie Speed your comments stupid when he just explained what he did dumb fuck
I can confirm the 10 minutes method works. Thanks a lot that can save you a lot of money.
Thanks, my son's car was doing this....you saved me some cash!!
Removing the positive battery terminal like this is not recommended....Always remove the negative (ground) terminal; that way, if your socket wrench or spanner hits a metal body part, it will not do any damage.
Sincèrement, je vous remercie pour cette astuce, qui a fonctionner pour ma VW golf IV 1.2L v16 année 2002. Vous m'avais fait faire une économie de 300 euro environ .
(ma traduction Française de votre astuce) :
J'ai trouvé un moyen de contourner l'immobilisateur...
J'ai essayé de débrancher ma batterie pendant un moment mais cela n'a pas fonctionné.
Donc j'ai juste laissez la clé dans la position 'On' pendant environ 10 min,
Jusqu'à ce que le symbole d'immobilisation disparaisse.
Lorsqu'il disparais, tournez la clé sur la position 'OFF'.
Puis de nouveau sur «ON» et normalement vous pourriez démarrer ;)
P.S Encore une fois MERCI ;) ;) ;)
I have a 2012 Jetta 2.5 SL and the car auto shut off when started. Just bought the car and when i usedd the 2nd key, thats when it happened. Once it happened my other key that did work also stopped working. Had a "No Key" message when cranking and started right up but dies almost instantly. After putting the once working key in the on position, not cranked all the way, and then left it in on position for 15 minutes the car started right up. Tried using the 2nd that caused the whole problem, but it is not recognizing it. But one key still works. Looks like some how it tripped the immo on car and had all keys not work. Hope this helps for anyone with similar problem. Thanks for the video
put the switchblade key in the ignition to the on position then take your extra key and put it in the drivers door lock and turn to the lock position and hold for 10 seconds the open the door take for fob out and check that it locks and unlocks...viola your key is programmed
^^^This method worked right away after key fob battery replaced thanks man - '03 Mk4 jetta
Thank you this helped me so much!! Was checking relays and stuff for no reason and it was so simple lol
One thing that could of cause the immo problems is all the key together on one ring. The Immo ring around the ignition will pick up all the key and confuse itself.
thank you very much, your video helped a lot, it's cool that there are people who make such videos.
I recharged the battery and it started fine after that.
Thanks to your video.
Thank you. I tried both of your suggestions. It was disconnecting the battery that really worked. This video saved me a ton of $.
Thank you SO much for this Leo! I was having this problem and yikes. I’m guessing you sold the car?
Ok for one bro, do not undermine yourself M8. you were correct about the engine immobilizer, and the key fob and the battery! this issue with the Jetta, mainly is the Immobilizer!!!!! which disconnecting it from the positive to reset the relay in the immobilizer is safe and unsafe!!!!
If you're Jetta starts then just shuts off 1-2 seconds later, look at you're dash with ACC on. (1 more click from start)and If you see a yellow car symbol with a key under it, blinking, it is the Immobilizer, or....or the Key Fob. if it is the battery then you would notice a hard start.
The main reason removing total power is unsafe and safe is If you have any aftermarket parts that do not have a memory bank? and if you take total power away from the after market parts, then you will have to reset them or tune the part again!!!! but if you do not have after market parts then it is safe to undo the positive and let it sit for no longer the 20 seconds, no more then that needed. the relay i believe it is called? which most of the time immediately resets after total power disconnection.
From there! reconnect and start your bad ass Jetta!!!!!!!!!
My 2002 Jetta does the same thing when the outside temperature is below 55 degrees. oddly the valet key works fine, so we have to keep both keys on the ring at all times. As far as we can track it down, it is due to the door switch, if one of the switches doesn't make, the alarm immobilizes it. We had our key recoded three times. Yes it was a new key from the dealership
2002 Beetle, would fire up just fine but then just die. Start, run for 1 sec, die. Repeat. Car had been running just fine! It now acted like the immobilizer issue I found all over the internet-BUT my "car w/ a key in it" symbol was not flashing. Therefore I thought it must be something else??
-Tried replacing the fuel pump (easy to do, btw)....Not the problem
-Tried the 15 mins with key to on position....Not the fix
-Tried resetting the keys per owner manual instructions...Still not working
-Tried disconnecting the battery cables.....SUCCESS!!!!!! WOOT! WORKED LIKE A CHAMP!!!
(One comment said to touch the cables together. I found they weren't long enough to do so. Just disconnected the positive cable (red) completely and loosened the negative as much as I could)
welp! i figured out a way to bypass the embolism.. i tried disconnecting my batt. for a while but that didnt work. So what i did was, just leave the key in the on position for about 10m, till the emoblizer symbol goes away. once it goes away turn the key to the off pos. then back to on and then u should be good to go, u just might need a jump
+scardy jacques That's awesome! I'll keep that in mind if I ever come across this again.
+scardy jacques Immobilizer symbol did not go away for me within twelve minutes, but I turned off the key with the dashboard immobilizer symbol still flashing after the twelve minutes, and tried to start the car - it started : )
+Lance Foss 👍
If that works I will buy you lunch. Mine's been sitting for 5 days
did it work?
Thanks for the info it did help me I had the same issue after I changed the plastics and forgot to put the little pill shaped coder in it DUH
12 Volts DC about 40 amp...
I use a trickle charger in the home guarage. Plugged into one of those very cheap clockwork timers. It comes on for a while then goes off. Guarantees that the battery does not over charge. And simply refills that charge the alarm takes out. Especialy in winter time.
And the info I give is FREE.
:-)
%99.9 of the time it's the ignition switch that is causing all these crazy abnormal things to happen on the VW.
I would absolutely always change the ignition switch even if you do get it going, These cars are Notorious for having a faulty ignition switch over time
Tom S. Could that be what’s going on with mine??? It’s acting nuts! And I just bought it and start work Monday! I just went to unlock it about 15 minutes ago and the horn just started honking on it’s own I don’t know what the hell is going on with this this but it’s making a clicking noise as well and all the lights on the dash are flashing no that key light thing isn’t coming on and it’s also making a light Humming noise someone please help me I don’t know shit about cars
If the battery has only 6 volts I think that the central locking don't even work or the lights in the dash. If your car actually works and than shuts off your battery have at least 10 volts minimum, and you wouldn't be able to crank the car more than 2 or 3 times. And the immobilizer don't shut off the fuel pump. It shuts off EVERYTHING in the motor. The ECU is connected in network with the immobilizer. The car starts, and then the ECU will look for authorization by the immobilizer. That's it.
I had issues with the electrical immobilizer and leaving the key in the on position for 10 mins worked for me, too! thanks a lot, Leo W!
Some times the chip in the key will have a small crack and reset will work half the time but the keys are fragile. You can take someones vw key and just slam it on the ground and the chip will crack and the car wont start
Thanks a lot this works on 2003 passat wagon, car was seated for too long.
I just have a question. Did you always have more than one chip Everytime you tried to start it? Just curious?
Always take off the negative not positive yeah!
Wrong in electrical you disconnect positive first so you dont be the ground or neutral
You can also purchase another ECU unit that has been de-immolblized delete unit defeat immobolizer
@PyR0Star no volt meter on dash. they don't make em how they used to. i think i've seen voltmeters at walmart for around $10. =)
Sounds like your starter motor needs some grease too - made that typical VW start-up squeal.
Are you being serious? Mine makes the same sound but I didnt kbow what it was. And it doesn't happen every time.
Hello thank you very much as everybody else is telling you it really is a great video 100% helpful
great information thanks i liked and subscribed i own a 2006 Mercedes Sprinter, and i am having a Start Error on my Dash, i just read allot of information on the matter on Sprinter forums, but i also make videos to help people Diagnose and fix there car problems, now time for me to fix this one, but looks to me that no one really knows whats wrong when it comes to Start Error there is allot of information out there and lots of ways of doing it, but i am starting with the basics like you did i disconnected my battery will see if that help tomorow
proven method helped me. I recommend this film ;)
disconnecting the + terminal worked on my audi a4 thanks
I have a 2003 Passat with the same issue and I am having the dash and other items sent to a guy in Penn. that will disable it for around $200.00
My total cost will be around $350.00 to get rid of the problem for good
The immobilizer occurs only when someone tries to steal the car?
At 1:57 is where the key goes all the back into the 'shut the engine off' position. The point you're talking about is the difference between the 'on' position and the 'start/crank' position. Funny you should say I'm bullshitting because we have a bill from a locksmith who ended up fixing this issue. ;-)
Hey he is having the same issue with my Jetta. His starter engages for too long and grinds for a second. I replaced my starter and starter relay and it fixed the issue for a while now it's doing it again. Note: it seems to only happen in winter. I would really appreciate some help!
I know this works if battery died or something, but what if i broken my chip when i was trying to change key cover? And now immobilaizer activated
You can also get your immo defeated I'm sending mine off to do just that
Isn’t there an immobilizer light on the dash??
Guys he’s right!!! He’s not lying!!!
How do u take the battery out of a 03 vw passat 1.8bt? Mine is doing the same thing after I lost my keys and got another pair made for $420 and I just disconnected the battery but it's hitting the back plastic piece that has the windshield wipes on them. Any help be very grateful.
Worked for me! Thanks for sharing
I have an 08 Jetta, mechanics tell me it’s the immobilizer key but only the epc light and battery light comes on. I unplugged the battery but didn’t charge it and still got no start. Should I try to get the keys reprogrammed ?
Can the immobilizer happen at any time? Cause the other day I rear ended some one n it wasnt even serious at all. No smoke came out of my car n the other guys car was just fine my bumper was alittle smashed n then I drove away fine then the car turned off on me. N I didnt check if the light was blinking. But I took it to some mechanic n he was telling me it was the timing belt n that thale motor was blown. I highly doubt that could of happen from such a small accident.
Ah that sucks I seen a video on you tube of a girl fixing this same problem I had the same problem on a friend's car but never got to try it now I need to find the video again lol
I went out to try the key trick, but found the problem just sorted itself out after rolling the car outside of the garage. Perhaps pushing it in neutral for 20 feet does something to reset the sensor? All I know is it works now.
That's awesome! Maybe the neutral safety switch played a role in it not starting. Either way glad it's running again!
It was definitely the immobilizer acting up, the dashboard was doing some wonky stuff too and there was a low buzzing sound coming out of the dash for quite some time, even if I disconnected, then reconnected the battery. Also no immobilizer light. Weird, but as you said, glad it fixed itself!
My battery died in the key ..so I go to change battery and the Jetta runs then shuts off someone says the key needs to be recode..how long should I keep the battery in the car disconnected for?
I tried this and it still didn't work... disconnected the battery for 15 minutes too and still it just cranks and no start... not sure what it is at this point...
I had mine towed to the dealership. They charged me 150 to reset/recode key. That worked for about 3 starts then it happened again. I am thinking of drastic measures. No way to bypass all the immobilizer crap?
i THINK YOU CAN HAVE THE 'IMMOBILIZER' DELETED FROM THE ECM It cost about $100 The theft light will still be on the dash, but just block it with some tape.
I have a 99 jetta which does not have the immobilizer I am thinking it is a faulty battery because I have it connected to a charger and it is saying bad battery would that cause it to do the same thing? it starts just fine but won't allow it to run? please help it's been like this for a couple weeks now!
How we trip the immobilizer please?
Thank you. You are the best
What is that noise when u start the car
Can I use this option on my audi a4 b5 2001.?my old tacho have problem with pixels temperature...
I took another, but I need to unlock it. That's expensive here.when I connect it, the car turn off.
I spent a lot of money for repairs..
Can I decode it without diagnostics?.
Please help me.
Thanks
i had the problem with the lock of the driver side and when the temp drop the door will not lock or unlock to fix the problem put some lubricant in the laches to all doors plus trunk and the gas door i didnt have no problem now
Mine does the same thing but the locksmith I called checked it out and I guess when it asks on his computer if the key in the ignition is a dealer key , it say N/A and it’s supposed to say either yes or no from what he told me. Idk what to do now
It isn't the fuel pump that is being disabled. It is the coil pack. It is getting getting fuel, but no fire.
On a TDI?
i see your problem it is cause the clip that keeps the key straight so when you push the silver button on the key fob the key bit pops up and stays straight looking at the video your key is not staying straight so the info from the electric parrt of the key is not getting fed through and not telling the car it is the right key get
Dash board is off but still cracking
What if i cant get the key in at all ? Not even a little bit. I have the original key too.
This video was made 10 years ago doubt hes going to reply to my comment . anyone else can help me ?
Great video much appreciated witll try battery first
thanks for sharing it wasn't working on wifey vdub beetle cool :)
The fuses with a car and a lightning across
I'm really interested by the comments, have the same problem today, I'll try ur suggestions and let you know :)
It works for me :) thank you Leo
this just happened, I think it's the battery in the Key fob
I think it disables the injectors.
great informative video thank you..needed that #VW4LIFE
A touareg 2006/2007 won't start or show any lights In the dashboard.
Immobilizer active.
How do I solve?
Wilson Macharia did you find the solution??? I’m having the same problem
Hey my abs,seatbelt,windshield whipper fluid lights are on and now my car shuts down randomly
Great Video
Thanks
thanks for the info!.. im fucked!
It disables injection not the fuel pump
First buy a Battery charger ! then sell your house and move down south !!! The cold sucks and so does the North !!! Good luck with the VW
Also now I think the battiery is jst dead n nothing turns on
Do anyone know where the relay is for the ECM on a 2012 Volkswagen cc sport
I have the same problem with my golf mk4 tdi 1999 but the only difference is that dont show the immobilizer light on dash pls help!!
jetta 2001 same issue as your mk4, have you found any solution?
If this works I'm buying you some beers
when oil is too low, it will trip the engine immobilizer...dealership resets it...
Unfortunately with these German cars the expensive route is usually the solution.
Either that or a lot of time.or bboth
Thanks, it worked and saved me a lot of money.
ya dont have a voltage meter on your dash? Also you can go to a cheap china store for a micrometer to test your actual voltage. Right now with any 10 dollar purchase at Harbor Freight you get a free micrometer =)
Frend thank You, gracias por esta información me salvo de pagar us 100, muchas gracias aunque mi carro es skoda octavia.
Hola que hay que hacer para desbloquear el auto
Thanks a lot I'll try it
Dont pay $90. Hook up a jump starter battery, turn key on. Alarm may or may not sound, doesn't matter. Take key out ho to trunk and open with key. That will turn off alarm and car now knows it ok to start. Start car. Disconnect jumper. Wait 5 minutes for battery charge so you can we start the car if it happens to die on. Now happy driving. actonel knowledgeable to if your spouse is with you when you do this. Make up some words and sentences like how you re-triangulated the nacro static l generator for optimum performance. If askls what that means what that is... send ITS tactical and roll your eyes like you're so smart there's no point explaining cuz one will understand because there's no such thing as natural static generator.