Bypass immobilizer

2008 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
150,000 MILES • 1.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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LKLEYN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Please help, I drove my car listed above (City Golf) home and the next day it won't start, it start and shut off again and then the immobilizer light come on on the dashboard. I tried everything; disconnect the car battery and reconnect, replaced the key battery, tried to reset the immobilizer with key in ignition. do I have to buy a new key (don't have a spare) and re-code it? How can I bypass the immobilizer?

Thanks
Feb 25, 2020 at 1:31 AM
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SCGRANTURISMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Unfortunately there is no way to bypass the immobilizer. You will need to have your keys reprogrammed by either a locksmith or the dealership. These are your only two options and it is intentionally done so to keep thieves from stealing your vehicle.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Feb 25, 2020 at 1:41 AM
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LKLEYN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I don't say you are wrong but you probably don't live in South Africa, thief's steal a City Golf in 1 minute, how do they do it without the key?
Mar 6, 2020 at 3:41 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,542 POSTS
It's hard to say how they do it, I would like to know as well. Is the security light flashing when you try to crank the car over?
Mar 9, 2020 at 6:33 AM
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LKLEYN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes.
Mar 9, 2020 at 2:07 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,542 POSTS
Lets try a hard reboot of the system to reset the security. here is a guide to help you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Please run down this guide and report back.
Mar 10, 2020 at 5:18 AM
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LKLEYN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi, I ordered a key with a transponder key chip on aliexpress, can I program it without my old transponder myself or must it be programmed with a computer?
Mar 14, 2020 at 8:20 PM
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SCGRANTURISMO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

You are going to have them programmed to the PCM by either the dealership or a locksmith. Please get back to us with how everything turns out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Mar 16, 2020 at 10:26 PM
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LKLEYN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks, I will update.
Mar 17, 2020 at 3:20 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,542 POSTS
Please let us know what happens.
Mar 17, 2020 at 4:10 AM
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