The immobilizer was active and the car shut down?

JAMESHYNES

MEMBER
2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
2.5L
5 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
98,000 MILES

My instrument cluster was severely damaged (burned) but still worked. I decided to get a used one and swap it. I swapped it and as soon as I started the car, I got a notice the immobilizer was active, and the car shut down. Fortunately, I can (and did) put the old one back in so I can drive it. Any advice on how to get the replacement cluster to work? Or maybe how to disable the immobilizer?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,648 POSTS

The instrument cluster must be programed to the car, here is what is said:

Instrument Cluster (K), Replacing

Work procedure "replace Instrument Cluster" contains the following scope of work:

If a new Instrument Cluster is installed, the Instrument Cluster Control Module (J285) must be set for the various equipment characteristics, coding and service data.

To adapt the integrated Anti-Theft, Immobilize Control Module (J362) with the Engine Control Module (J623), it is necessary to save the data from the Engine Control Module (J623) in the new replacement Instrument Cluster.

Also, all ignition keys must be adapted after the installation of a new Instrument Cluster.

The procedure "replace the Instrument Cluster" can only be performed in "Guided Fault Finding" using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

Procedure

- Connect the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

- Select Guided Fault Finding.

- Use the GO TO button to select the "function/component selection" and the following menu options one after the other:

Body

Electrical Equipment

01 - On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capable systems

17 - Instrument cluster

Instrument cluster functions

Instrument Cluster, Removal and Installation

, So much for plug and play huh? Home computers have been doing this for years, but car manufacturers make it a pain, so you bring your car to them.