A4 1.8 Avant Starting and Alarm Problem

[tuscan440]

Hi Guys I would be very grateful for your advice on the following:
A couple of years ago we acquired an A4 Avant 1.8 on an X reg with one key and the fob not working (please don't ask how/why but just consider the wife was involved and it came from a relative).

The car has always been opened by the key opening the drivers door and then put in the ignition and turned to 1-2 to open the remaining locks. Turning the key further always started the car and it runs as smooth as any car I have driven - immaculate. Just recently, after opening the drivers door the alarms all went off and any attempt to start the car ended in the car the engine starting and then stopping after a second or two. I have had a similar problem with my last A4 when I replaced the coil reader on a 1.9 Diesel and it cured the proble. However, this time it has happened instantly unlike before where it took time to develop and there is the added complication of the fob not working and the alarms playing up.

My query is - the car is not worth a great deal so is it worth replacing the immobiliser and new ignition/key/fob or can you advise if there is a simple answer.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks

[niall campbell]

could be the ignition barrel or the key or the alarm. Why don't you buy another key and fob and tune the old & new in at same time ?

[niall campbell]

Try syncing the key.
Put the key in the ignition turn it on but do not start, press the lock/unlock buttons on the key..

[tuscan440]

Try syncing the key.
Put the key in the ignition turn it on but do not start, press the lock/unlock buttons on the key..

Thanks Niall. I have tried re-syncing the key several times without success. Maybe a new key and fob might be the answer or at least eliminating them from the equation. Is it just main dealers that provide this service?

[tuscan440]

Hi Guys,
You can probably see from my thread that I have not been able to resolve my problem with my A4. The situation is that the car starts and then immediately stops (immobiliser ?) Can you advise what is the strategy for identifying the problem. Bearing in mind the car is not worth much is it :
1. Replace key and ignition and try and resync with immobiliser
2. Replace coil reader
3. Replace immobiliser
4. Scrap it

Your educated advice would be welcome