Car doesn't start anymore

135,000 MILES
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PCDJ64
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  • 127 POSTS
had to replace speedometer cluster because the check engine light burned out on the old one, now the light works but car runs for 1 second and dies like the immobilizer is on, i tried unlocking the door with the key and same thing happens.
i disconnected the negative wire on the battery about an hour ago, will that fix the issue? i have the battery disconnected to reset the TCM because i do not have a vag-com, my OBD 2 scanner has a section for transmission and i di derase the codes but want to be sure it is wiped out.
Oct 9, 2012 at 9:47 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
If there is a problem, disconnecting the battery is not going to reset everything, maybe temporarily but the problem is going to come back. Since you have the battery disconnected, reconnect and test if it works.
Oct 9, 2012 at 10:06 AM
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EXOVCDS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,882 POSTS
The immobilizer is part of the instrument cluster... your keys do
not match what is in the "new" cluster memory, that's why it is not
letting run the engine.

You need to adapt your keys to the new instrument cluster.

Thomas
Oct 9, 2012 at 12:19 PM
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PCDJ64
  • MEMBER
  • 127 POSTS
i took both speedometer clusters apart and made one good from the two using the original circuit board, now everything works in the cluster and the car runs.
thank you for the help :)

now all i have left to do is get a rebuilt valve body and he will be drivable.
Oct 9, 2012 at 12:48 PM
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EXOVCDS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,882 POSTS
Good job, thanks for the update!

Thomas
Oct 9, 2012 at 1:10 PM
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