Ign.key problem vs vagcom fault found

[kjellz]

Hi
Have had some problems with the car refusing to recognise the ignition key and thus the immobiliser will not disable. This problem is followed by a yellow key symbol warning lamp in the dash flashing. Using a Vagcom I got the following error code which I do believe is connected with this problem :
-------------------------------------------------------------
1 Fault Found:

01176 - Key

07-10 - Signal too Low - Intermittent
-------------------------------------------------------------

Does anyone have an idea as to which replaceable sparepart this points to?
i.e key signal coil / some sort of RF system ?????

Thanks
Kjell

[smokey0123]

If the problem is only 1 key try changing the batterys, what model/year is the car?

[kjellz]

'97 A3 1,9TDI
The problem shows up on both keys.
Did bot know there is a replaceable battery in the keys ?

Kjell

[elPaulio]

Hey Kjell,

Have a look here http://wiki.ross-tech.com/index.php/01176 and see if any of these fixes help

Paul

[ziko]

Check wiring and resodler connector of antena coil (on dash connector), also check antena coil.
Battery not affect immo key reading


wbr

Ziko

[kjellz]

Just thought I'd let you know.
I removed the stearing wheel and surrounding cowlings, to access the ignition coil. Seems that the wiring to immobilizer coil indeed was a little short. Had to unwrap som of the wiring sheething/taping and checked the contacts/plug for the immobilizer coil. Local Audi-shop told me they usually bent the springs of the small female contacts a little to make a good connection before reassembling again. Voila! and the problem is gone. A bad/intermittent connection to the immobilizer coil was the problem.

And by the way, there is no battery in the key as far as I know. The key seems to be magnetically excited by the immobilizer coil if I have got it right...

Thanks for all the help guys.

[NickPicks]

It's like an RFID transponder tag in the key. The immobiliser coil gives it enough energy wirelessly to respond.

It's a bit like the tags that the supermarkets use to stop you from nicking bacardi or razor blades.

[TurramurraGuy]

Hi same problem this morning on my B5 A4 waggon.

Both keys failed to undo the immobiliser. Hence why i am here.
I have aHayes wshop manual, but any quick thioughts on getting to the immob sensor coil to check these contacts.

Any fast help appreciated. its currently stuck in my driveway !

[kjellz]

Well, on the A3 you have to remove the airbag and steeringwheel, before accessing the cowling and screws that encapsulates the ignition lock unit. I would assume the A4 is similarly built. The Haynes will tell you how to do all these things. The operation requires some attention regarding airbag removal and risk of static discharges. Further you will need som torx drivers to remove the comwling and a rather large (12 toothed torx preferably, but 6 tooths will work. Don' t remeber the size nr) torx for the steering wheel nut. Remember to make aligning marks for the steeringwheel vs axle, to get it all back toghether again.And specially if you have steering wheel angle sencor (ESP system), make sure the sensor aligns back up. Haynes is your fiend.

Good luck
Kjell

[ecmbuster]

If the keys belong to that vehicle, follow this:

Test and ensure the battery is perfect.
Add a good power supply to the vehicle battery.
Turn the key ON and leave it ON for a few hours.
Scan the entire computer network and save that file while waiting.
Repair ALL faults.
With a VAG style scan tool, look at address 17 block 024 and notice the fields. They should display 0.0.
With a VAG style scan tool, look at address 17 block 022 and notice the fields. The first field should display 1.
If not, the key is not aligned.

Go to the dealer with all keys and have them adapted.