Immobiliser Starting Fault New Passat

[mel@tinystaxis.]

Hi any one had any success with repairing or bypassing the steering lock/ immobiliser being the little black box bolted to the bottom of the steering column.

To do this repair properly requires a NEW steering column and a NEW convenience control unit then they must be re programmed at the Vw main dealer, retail cost of parts is £573 including vat, add Labour to this and reprogramming charge and you can see why I am looking for alternatives.

This is a known fault though Vw probably won’t admit it but I have now personally had seven out of 16 on my current fleet go wrong and Volkswagen technicians say they are starting to see them more frequently now on 2005/06 3C Models that have done over 100 k, None of my 2007 or later cars have suffered yet but only one has done over 100k so don’t know if later cars will still suffer this problem which actually shows up as an immobiliser steering lock fault being that the orange steering wheel warning light flashes and engine may or may not start but if it starts it stops immediately or you get no warning lights whatsoever and it will not even attempt to start.

I understand that Vw agents may soon be able to reprogram the convenience control unit which will save buying one of those at £250 but what we really need is a way of repairing or replacing the steering lock unit as it seems that’s where the problem lies, by rights Volkswagen should have sorted this under a recall but since the cars are normally out of warranty when the fault shows they are getting away with it.

Would be more acceptable if they supplied the steering lock unit as a replacement part because there is nothing wrong with the steering column you just can’t buy the lock without the column (do not confuse the steering lock with the ignition key unit as they are different parts and only connected eclectically).
The unit is made by MARQUARDT Germany and the Vw part number is 3C0 905 861 G but unfortunately Vw do not supply it without the steering column.

Punch line being does any one know how to repair the unit, modify it so the system sees an acceptable signal to start and run or better still can this unit be sourced anywhere else without having to buy the column.
Many thanks, Melvyn.

[Eshrules]

I've edited the nasty colours, but there's not a chance of me beginning to punctuate that.

If you can re-write your paragraph so it can actually be read, you may be offered some help.

[mel@tinystaxis.]

Does this finally mean that Volkswagen has got the software fix for this design fault (see post copied below) and if so why is it not yet available to all main dealers.

I have worked out from experimenting with seven of eleven early Passats all suffering same fault plus two fixed in warranty and two not gone wrong YET!

That the problem seems to be the motor in the steering lock winds just short of fully depressing the micro switch that sends the signal to the system confirming the lock has been disengaged, if switch is not fully depressed then no signal so vehicle will not start and simply trying dozens of times tends to do the trick because eventually the motor winds on far enough to activate the switch.

I do think Volkswagens lack of honour regarding sorting this minor fault causing major hassle just unbelievable and they deserve all the bad publicity possible. Melvyn.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...258021839.html
The Irish Times - Wednesday, November 4, 2009
MICHAEL McALEER
HELPDESK: Answering all your motoring queries
From P Murphy: My 2007 VW Passat has 47,000km on it, and it has been stalling recently. I took it to the garage and they tell me the steering column lock will have to be replaced (this is connected to the steering column itself, including a control module) at a cost of approximately €1,500 and it is not covered by warranty.
I was a little upset at the cost and typed in “Passat” and “steering lock” on the web. Now I am wondering is there a defect or design fault with this, as there appear to be thousands of posts and blogs about this problem on discussion forums.
They all seem to point to there being a problem or defect with this part. The garage insists it has never heard of the problem before.
According to a spokesman for VW, the problem concerns software on the control unit of a limited number of the current Passat models. VW Ireland now has updated diagnostic software that can rectify the problem on affected vehicles.
VW has added the complaint to the “goodwill list” for its warranty team. Those who believe they might have a problem or who have already paid to have the problem fixed should contact VW customer care on 01-8989700. The spokesman says a full recall has not been considered, as it is not necessarily a safety issue.

[mel@tinystaxis.]

GOOD NEWS Volkswagen have finally brought out a much cheaper fix for this faulty unit“JUST like I have been saying they should” Part number 3C0 905 861 H, this is a new lock unit, you will also need some new bolts, the unit cost £52.13 plus vat plus bolts and about 2 hours labour so the whole job should now cost less than £300 including vat at a Main dealer or should you do it yourself or take it elsewhere it will still have to visit a main agent after to have the new lock coded to the vehicle but you can leave the old lock plugged into the system to avoid having to have it towed there.

BUT I RECON if you have good service history and not mega high mileage it should be still be worth while challenging Volkswagen Customer Services as they may be more willing to assist now they have a much cheaper fix

Wishing everybody the best of Luck, Melvyn

[sugar311078]

hi melvyn just seen your thread as i am now having this problem, one of many on it to be honest. So do i need another key as that was suggested at the time and could be the actual fault?....
appreciate your time as i also could do without the cost.

cheers

dan

[mel@tinystaxis.]

Hi Dan, in my experience of at least seven vehicles with this fault it has ALWAYS been the steering column lock and also to my knowledge all the others with this problem have also found the lock to be the cure, as for the keys they have to be reprogrammed when the new lock is fitted.

I have had to replace a couple of keys to date but the fault with them was that the remote central locking function would not work so the car had to be unlocked manually but this was a different problem to the problem discussed in this immobiliser thread AND these cars always started without problems on the key.

So to sum up I think if you are just having problems with the remote on ONE key then it could be just that the keys require reprogramming, but if it’s starting problems with both keys then it’s almost certainly the steering lock, hope this helps but if I have waffled off along the wrong lines and you would like a chat then drop me a email and I will let you have my phone number. Best regards, Mel.

[mel@tinystaxis.]

DANGEROUSE BE WARNED I have been informed that messing about removing or loosening the black plastic cover on the steering lock could be very dangerous as there is an anti tamper spring that may be dislodged and the lock could then engage POSSIBLY EVEN WHEN ON THE MOVE.

I would therefore recommend that you have the lock changed just to be SAFE the spray is still an option but only if you do not disturb the cover or you actually remove the lock from the column, sorry to give you this sort of news but I would in no way wish to encourage any one to take risks with the possibility of the lock engaging while on the move.

Do Take Care,

Mel.