a6 immobiliser problems

hi ive searched and searched and can't really find the answer im looking for. my 98 a6 1.8t is firing then cutting out, due to the immobiliser, ive plugged my crappy vag-com lead in and all i can do is check engine codes and clear them, it comes up with engine start stopped by immobiliser, or something along those lines. main thing im asking is does the clocks contain the immobiliser? as i removed them to check for faulty bulbs but found there led's so just replaced it and then the fun began. if i try clicking on instruments or immobiliser on vag-com it comes up with error: cant sync baud rate? any help would be appreciated. thanks in advance

Firsly check the green 32 pin connector on the the back of the insert as that is the connector handlin the immobiliser pick up antenna. Di you disconnect the battery when you removed the insert, and did you download the Dta block form the insert before disconnenting.

You may need a one day PIN and a working Vag Com to start it and take it to a good indi or the Audi main dealer.

Regards Peter

Immobilizer self-diagnosis - immobilizer I
General information
[IMG]file:///I:/ElsaWin/graphics/wi/A96-0279.png[/IMG]→ With immobilizer I, the keys were originally not marked. Since the introduction of newer versions, the keys have been marked with a "W" and an "F".
Function
The electronic immobilizer consists of the following:

• ◆ Immobilizer control unit
• ◆ Warning lamp in dash panel insert
• ◆ Reader coil at ignition lock and
• ◆ Matched ignition keys with electronics (transponder)

The electronic immobilizer control unit is an integral part of the dash panel insert, i.e. the dash panel insert has to be replaced in the event of a defective control unit.
Immobilizer acts on engine-management system by way of an adapted engine control unit.
Reader coil for immobilizer reads response code of transponder each time ignition is switched on.
Warning lamp lights briefly if an authorized vehicle key is being used.
The warning lamp flashes continuously when the ignition is switched on if an unauthorized vehicle key is used or in the event of a system fault.
The electronic immobilizer is provided with comprehensive self-diagnosis. Fault codes are stored in the fault memory of the immobilizer if faults occur in system components. Faults can be determined using the vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051.
Immobilizer self-diagnosis can now only be implemented using the vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051
For security reasons, the immobilizer PIN is coded. The coded number (PIN = Personal Identification Number) is made up of 7 digits.
The PIN can only be used with the vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051 as of basic CD version V02.00.
The 7-digit PIN must be obtained by way of the appropriate Regional Sales Centre/importer on the basis of the 14-digit immobilizer/engine control unit identification number.
The 14-digit immobilizer/engine control unit identification number can be read out with the self-diagnostic function.
The PIN is only valid for one day, after which a new number has to be requested. The PIN is of no use to the customer or other dealerships.
The 4- digit PIN can no longer be requested in countries in which the online and fax call procedure has been switched to the 7-digit PIN.
Attention:

• ◆ Check data of vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051 with regard to Sales Centre/importer and dealership number as well as date and time.
• ◆ Immobilizer adaption function cannot be implemented with incorrect data.

Notes on use/matching of vehicle keys
The engine will only start if use is made of an authorized key, i.e. of a key matched to the immobilizer.
Vehicle key matching => Page 01-270 involves matching all vehicle keys, i.e. including spare and emergency keys, to the immobilizer.
Matching must be performed for all vehicle keys if new or additional keys are required.
If, for any reason, e.g. loss of keys en route, it is not possible to perform matching for all vehicle keys, customers are to be informed of the necessity of subsequent matching for all keys.
It is particularly important to re-match all the remaining vehicle keys if any have been lost to ensure that the lost key is no longer authorized to start the vehicle.

didnt disconect battery or log any codes etc :( used to 80s and 90s not this new fangled stuff lol whats the 1 day PIN? i have vagcom but its not up to much. thanks

Assuming there is not a connector problem and the system has lost the codes then a one day PIN has to be obtained a gainst the VIN and proof of ownership and ID, for a fee. I suggest you locate an Audi Indi to recode you car using th PIN, it only last one day and you would have to pay again if you can not crack the Vag-Com. Disconnecting the Insert with power on was not a good idea at all, lets hope everthing still works when you crack the immobiliser problem. Regards Peter

:( just checked on the rosstech website and i have an aftermarket radio installed, so i will pull that out and try again. thanks for the advice unfortunately due to been made redundant the car wil probably end up on ebay or in bits lol cheers