ClusterII Swap and resetting immobiliser help needed.

[Bigzed]

Hi All,
I have an A4Q 1998 pre-facelift which has a dodgey LCD display and I was thinking about doing a swap.
I have read with interest : http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...58#post6050358 (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/405961-Understanding-differences-between-Audi-A4-clusters-and-the-compatibility-issues?p=6050358#post6050358)

I have cluster II, and I found the exact same cluster ( same part no.) and bought it to swap out. I have both original and donor cluster pin codes.
The original cluster has a 3 digit pin, The donor has a 4 digit pin. The value in Vag-com requires a 5 digit pin. Preceeding 0's to make up 5 digits are accepted as correct.

I have visited alot of forums to research the swap, and have followed many an article to swap out the cluster.
I followed the instructions from the Ross-tech website,
I have read and recorded the data from the original cluster, and loaded it to the donor cluster.
I have matched the donor cluster to the ecu.
I have also been able to correct the mileage of the donor cluster to match the original cluster.

I have tested and am able to restore the donor cluster to its stock state.

My issue is with the immobilzer.
I thought by loading the data from original cluster to donor cluster, this should recognise the key.
In the ODB software there is an option to learn keys, but I have not seen this being used for a cluster swap, but used for blank keys.

Have I missed a step in the procedure, does anyone know were I have gone wrong, or what I have missed.

Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

[PaulF2.5TDi]

If you have put in a different cluster, you will have to use the SKC to reprogram the keys to the cluster.
This data is not transferred onto the new cluster.

VCDS will do this if you have the SKC.

[Doctle Odd]

So could I simply put in a different cluster and code the key to it?
If you have put in a different cluster, you will have to use the SKC to reprogram the keys to the cluster.
This data is not transferred onto the new cluster.

VCDS will do this if you have the SKC.

[Bigzed]

I have access to vag-com 409.1, vcds-lite and vagk only.
So can I use either of these to reprogram the key to the new cluster.
And if so how do I do it. I know the pin codes of both, is this the SKC?
I cant seem to find any info on it.

[PaulF2.5TDi]

Doctle, essentially yes - plug in the replacement cluster, find the SKC of the new cluster and code your keys using the SKC.
This is what I did on my 1999 MY Avant.

However, I believe it is not so easy with the higher level immobilisers as the pump has an input too.

Bigzed, vag-com409 is a cracked copy that has limited functionality. I doubt VCDS Lite will allow you to code the keys and I don't know anything about the other one.

[Doctle Odd]

Thanks Paul I'm bad on anything you can't hit with a hammer to loosen them. I am changing the cluster on an 02 Ibiza the car starts and drives fine, no lights come on not even illumination lights it's getting on my wick because it stopped working when I was resealing the sump. I assume they are immo 2 and old style?

[Bigzed]

Hi Paul,
Thanks for your comments
The Vag-com and vcds-lite says it is registered, it allows me to log in to channel 17 (instruments) on both original and donor clusters.
Using option 10 ( adaptation), I can read channel 21, the stored value is "0" and if a new value is entered and tested it returns an error.
If I login first with pin ( option 11), I can read channel 21 (key adaptation), the stored value on the donor cluster is "0". If I enter a new value (2) and test it holds the new value showing 2, when I hit save the stored value and the new value revert back to "0".


So I am
a) assuming I have access to the cluster and permission to adapt key by the pin being accepted. ( btw, I note that vag-com and vcds-lite unregistered copies, throw up an error message to say you cant access these funtions in the controllers, unless its registered.
Is this scenario the limitation you are refering to in vagcom &vcds-lite.)
b) a little stumped as why its not storing, the new key adaptation value to the cluster.:banghead:

[adamss24]

log in with pin from new immo then go to ch 21 then when prompted insert each key one by one Then press save,done/go back ! That should adapt each key assuming the clocks are not immo3 !

[Bigzed]

Hi Adam,Can you clarify,
"log in with pin from new immo" -with the 5 digit pin?
"then go to ch 21" - check/ok
then when prompted- there is no prompt after going to ch21 only read is an option, after reading you can enter a new value to test and save. The only prompt I get is when you save and it asked to confirm.
insert each key one by one- The key is already in the ignition and turned "ON", Should I save before removing the first key, or remove the key after testing, and insert and turn ON the ignition with the second key then remove and then press save. Wont the VCDS-lite disconnect when the ignition is off?. During this the immobiliser light is continually flashing, I read somewhere it was only supposed to flash twice , then go off when the key is recognised.
Then press save,done/go back !
That should adapt each key assuming the clocks are not immo3 ! - I dont believe the clocks are immo3, as the ID is only 14 digit and not a VIN style no.

Thanks for your suggestions.

[adamss24]

Google is your friend, go to rosstech wiki and see immo2 key matching procedure...

[Doctle Odd]

So this Ibiza can I simply fit a similar cluster and code the key (assuming I can find the code)
Google is your friend, go to rosstech wiki and see immo2 key matching procedure...

[Bigzed]

Hi Adam,
I have already used the ross-tech site and followed the instructions, so many times I've lost track.
Everything is as expected upto the save . Prior to this the immobilizer light is flashing slowly . You hit save and it goes off then comes back on flashing twice as fast. And then stays like that. When it is in this state, when you read ch21 it gives a value of "0", and as described above in the op, cannot save the changed value.

I have to restore the donor cluster by re-installing the data file.
Then when I read ch 21 it shows a value of "4". As soon as you make a change and save. The immobilise light flashes in double time and the read value on ch21 is "0".

I installed my old cluster, and now the key/ keys are not recognised by that immobiliser either. :1zhelp: :aargh4: :banghead:

For some reason, channel 21 wont store any number, with vcds-lite and then defaults to ( btw is ross-techs registered software for 3rd party ODB cables.) Maybe channel 21 can only be really accessed with their cable and vcds. (which I dont have access too)

[mjhamilton]

If I recall certain functions cannot be auctioned or set using lite - I think this is one of ones that cannot be done

You need to find someone with the full version to get this done

[Bigzed]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all your suggestions and help.
The issue is solved. :biglaugh: :banana::biggthump
However I feel a real D***head, There wasnt an issue with VCDS or Vagcom. The problem was with one of the plugs in the back of the cluster.
There are 3 plugs, green, red, and blue. The green and blue plugs have a swing over locking mechanism to secure into the cluster. These plugs should go easily into the cluster and when near seated the swing mechanism will filp and lock into the cluster and plug. If you have to swing it manually with any force, its not plugged in right. Take your time here folks, its a little fiddly due to the limited access. The red plug clips in when seated.

It was the green plug.

I have mark this as solved.:beerchug: