Request for Help for Immobilised Passat
Discussion
My first message in the forum
My car (2006) VW Passat TDI) appears to have become imobilised five mile away from home and have dispensed with AA cover in December when we bought this newer Passat believing tht we would have no problems compared with our 1999 Passat!
I parked the car this afternoon and it wouldn't lock and then noticed that it also wouldn't start. All the electrics appeared to working. Thought it might have been the the battery in the key. Halfords thought it was unlikely to be the battery, and suggested that it had probably lost its codes either through sharp bang or magnetic field! Obtained spare from home via £9 taxi (wife returned home with Taxi £8!), made no difference. In desparation (4pm on Saturday - everything closing)asked the Kwik Fit garage accross the road, he tested battery = strong charge. Linked it to a diagnostic monitor (?) and despite typing in the car he couldn't make any link.
Discovered plastic key in fob which I was hoping to secure the car with but it only locked the boot, and front doors. When I checked the back door it was open, the lights then began flashing and the alarm sounded. The alarm and lights timed out. So I have had to leave the car unsecure.
Since I bought the Passat in December and during the bad whether, particularly damp conditions the locking of the drivers door (only) has been erratic, which I was going to address but have been more or less house bound following an operation.
If I rejoined the AA I presume they wouldn't have the cars computor codes and would only tow it? Can I do anything to secure/repair the car? Will it need towing? I understand that the main dealers don't give all the updated codes to independent VW garages (the one I have used for last 20 years isn't open until Monday and is twenty miles away!) Am I going to have to bite the bullet and get it towed to the VW Dealers?
I would be very grateful for any helpful suggestions.
Cheers,
Frank
My car (2006) VW Passat TDI) appears to have become imobilised five mile away from home and have dispensed with AA cover in December when we bought this newer Passat believing tht we would have no problems compared with our 1999 Passat!
I parked the car this afternoon and it wouldn't lock and then noticed that it also wouldn't start. All the electrics appeared to working. Thought it might have been the the battery in the key. Halfords thought it was unlikely to be the battery, and suggested that it had probably lost its codes either through sharp bang or magnetic field! Obtained spare from home via £9 taxi (wife returned home with Taxi £8!), made no difference. In desparation (4pm on Saturday - everything closing)asked the Kwik Fit garage accross the road, he tested battery = strong charge. Linked it to a diagnostic monitor (?) and despite typing in the car he couldn't make any link.
Discovered plastic key in fob which I was hoping to secure the car with but it only locked the boot, and front doors. When I checked the back door it was open, the lights then began flashing and the alarm sounded. The alarm and lights timed out. So I have had to leave the car unsecure.
Since I bought the Passat in December and during the bad whether, particularly damp conditions the locking of the drivers door (only) has been erratic, which I was going to address but have been more or less house bound following an operation.
If I rejoined the AA I presume they wouldn't have the cars computor codes and would only tow it? Can I do anything to secure/repair the car? Will it need towing? I understand that the main dealers don't give all the updated codes to independent VW garages (the one I have used for last 20 years isn't open until Monday and is twenty miles away!) Am I going to have to bite the bullet and get it towed to the VW Dealers?
I would be very grateful for any helpful suggestions.
Cheers,
Frank
I've experienced this one myself.
The AA solved the problem by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes, effectively 'rebooting' the car.
Found out on a very cold Good Friday when I parked up at a services and couldn't re-start my car.
It was a new model at the time, so the AA didn't have a clue what to do - think he did the battery thing out of desperation - and it worked.
The AA solved the problem by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes, effectively 'rebooting' the car.
Found out on a very cold Good Friday when I parked up at a services and couldn't re-start my car.
It was a new model at the time, so the AA didn't have a clue what to do - think he did the battery thing out of desperation - and it worked.
Could possibly be the receiver ring somewhere on the steering column/shroud? This doesn't help you but i owned a 2006 VW Passat 2.0 TDi(LED rear light model) and hated the bloody thing.Watch out for failing injectors (Between £500-£800 each) oil pump shaft recall (kills the bottom end) and steering column fault of which you really don't want to know the cost! This i hope isn't your problem? Not to mention the electronic handbrake faults!Sold mine and have never been so relieved! Good luck.
There is also a small chance that there is a radio transmitter in the area which is blocking your keys signal to the car. Happens in certian car parks and some petrol stations sometimes.
I'd try disconnecting the cars battery for 10 mins first, but if that doesn't work and your out of other options then try pushing the car to a safe place away from where it is now. Then try to start it again.
I'd try disconnecting the cars battery for 10 mins first, but if that doesn't work and your out of other options then try pushing the car to a safe place away from where it is now. Then try to start it again.
Edited by Liamsaid on Sunday 9th January 20:43
Liamsaid said:
There is also a small chance that there is a radio transmitter in the area which is blocking your keys signal to the car. Happens in certian car parks and some petrol stations sometimes.
I'd try disconnecting the cars battery for 10 mins first, but if that doesn't work and your out of other options then try pushing the car to a safe place away from where it is now. Then try to start it again.
+1 there is alot of truth in this, even as strange as it sounds!I'd try disconnecting the cars battery for 10 mins first, but if that doesn't work and your out of other options then try pushing the car to a safe place away from where it is now. Then try to start it again.
Edited by Liamsaid on Sunday 9th January 20:43
Disconnect the battery for 10-15 mins, reconnect and it will work again.
BUT
It WILL fail again. It's the Electronic Steering Control Lock (ESCL) at fault and it requires replacing. Common problem. Couple hours labour + parts. Used to be the whole column and convienince ECU which wasn't cheap ('VWP1' Campaign btw) now it's just the lock itself. Essentially the car thinks the igntions on, so it won't lock or unlock itself. And as it won't do that the immobiliser and ESCL is still activated. If you can avoid using the park brake as well when you park that will help.
BUT
It WILL fail again. It's the Electronic Steering Control Lock (ESCL) at fault and it requires replacing. Common problem. Couple hours labour + parts. Used to be the whole column and convienince ECU which wasn't cheap ('VWP1' Campaign btw) now it's just the lock itself. Essentially the car thinks the igntions on, so it won't lock or unlock itself. And as it won't do that the immobiliser and ESCL is still activated. If you can avoid using the park brake as well when you park that will help.
Edited by Rich_W on Monday 10th January 23:31
Dear All,
Many, many thanks to you all for the brilliant, yet scary advice.
My regular independent VW garage arranged for the car to recovered for £35. I fortunately went with the recovery guys armed with your advice. They had no idea how to release the brake or unlock the steering (wheels not pointing straight to be winched onto recovery lorry). As a last resort they said that if they had their tools with them they would have dismantled the steering arms! I suggested disconecting the battery for ten minutes, they waited five and the brake, doors, and steering released for them to winch it.
The garage did a computor diagnostic (£35)five intermitant problems (1) central locking thermal protection, (2) Trunk lock unit immobiliser (3)locking steering column (4) elec window motor. They said that this is all commonly resolved by replacing worn - off side front outer door handle cable (£75, total £132.54). Apparently the computor believed the door to be open all the time which caused all the problems (problems errased on second diagnostic!).
One of the mechanics himself had resisted getting a more modern VW with CPU because of all the potential problems and the fact that VW remain reluctant to share the codes on newer models and when they do they have to pay a fortune for the software.
He also said his wife had a problem with parking and locking her car in one spot, which he thought was due a local transmitor.
Regarding your comment about potential problems with injectors he said that this is a problem but mainly on the 2.0 not the 1.9.
I must confess that its great this problem seems to be resolved, but its all a bit worrying if something as simple as this could recur in another form and my wife and kids find themselves immobilised in the middle of nowhere, and the breakdown service can't access the computor, and can potentially only be resolved by greedy VW dealers. I guess there is no escape because most car makers are going down the same road. Thinking of downsizing to a Golf Plus 1.9 TDI bluemotion, at least I can use the money saved on fuel and road tax, on software repairs!
Anyway, many thanks for all your help it was very much appreciated.
All the best,
Frank
Many, many thanks to you all for the brilliant, yet scary advice.
My regular independent VW garage arranged for the car to recovered for £35. I fortunately went with the recovery guys armed with your advice. They had no idea how to release the brake or unlock the steering (wheels not pointing straight to be winched onto recovery lorry). As a last resort they said that if they had their tools with them they would have dismantled the steering arms! I suggested disconecting the battery for ten minutes, they waited five and the brake, doors, and steering released for them to winch it.
The garage did a computor diagnostic (£35)five intermitant problems (1) central locking thermal protection, (2) Trunk lock unit immobiliser (3)locking steering column (4) elec window motor. They said that this is all commonly resolved by replacing worn - off side front outer door handle cable (£75, total £132.54). Apparently the computor believed the door to be open all the time which caused all the problems (problems errased on second diagnostic!).
One of the mechanics himself had resisted getting a more modern VW with CPU because of all the potential problems and the fact that VW remain reluctant to share the codes on newer models and when they do they have to pay a fortune for the software.
He also said his wife had a problem with parking and locking her car in one spot, which he thought was due a local transmitor.
Regarding your comment about potential problems with injectors he said that this is a problem but mainly on the 2.0 not the 1.9.
I must confess that its great this problem seems to be resolved, but its all a bit worrying if something as simple as this could recur in another form and my wife and kids find themselves immobilised in the middle of nowhere, and the breakdown service can't access the computor, and can potentially only be resolved by greedy VW dealers. I guess there is no escape because most car makers are going down the same road. Thinking of downsizing to a Golf Plus 1.9 TDI bluemotion, at least I can use the money saved on fuel and road tax, on software repairs!
Anyway, many thanks for all your help it was very much appreciated.
All the best,
Frank
Frank7777 said:
Dear All,
Many, many thanks to you all for the brilliant, yet scary advice.
My regular independent VW garage arranged for the car to recovered for £35. I fortunately went with the recovery guys armed with your advice. They had no idea how to release the brake or unlock the steering (wheels not pointing straight to be winched onto recovery lorry). As a last resort they said that if they had their tools with them they would have dismantled the steering arms! I suggested disconecting the battery for ten minutes, they waited five and the brake, doors, and steering released for them to winch it.
The garage did a computor diagnostic (£35)five intermitant problems (1) central locking thermal protection, (2) Trunk lock unit immobiliser (3)locking steering column (4) elec window motor. They said that this is all commonly resolved by replacing worn - off side front outer door handle cable (£75, total £132.54). Apparently the computor believed the door to be open all the time which caused all the problems (problems errased on second diagnostic!).
One of the mechanics himself had resisted getting a more modern VW with CPU because of all the potential problems and the fact that VW remain reluctant to share the codes on newer models and when they do they have to pay a fortune for the software.
He also said his wife had a problem with parking and locking her car in one spot, which he thought was due a local transmitor.
Regarding your comment about potential problems with injectors he said that this is a problem but mainly on the 2.0 not the 1.9.
I must confess that its great this problem seems to be resolved, but its all a bit worrying if something as simple as this could recur in another form and my wife and kids find themselves immobilised in the middle of nowhere, and the breakdown service can't access the computor, and can potentially only be resolved by greedy VW dealers. I guess there is no escape because most car makers are going down the same road. Thinking of downsizing to a Golf Plus 1.9 TDI bluemotion, at least I can use the money saved on fuel and road tax, on software repairs!
Anyway, many thanks for all your help it was very much appreciated.
All the best,
Frank
Sorry mate, but that's NOT the case. Shame on me for actually knowing my job and not fobbing you off with a faulty door lock excuse....Many, many thanks to you all for the brilliant, yet scary advice.
My regular independent VW garage arranged for the car to recovered for £35. I fortunately went with the recovery guys armed with your advice. They had no idea how to release the brake or unlock the steering (wheels not pointing straight to be winched onto recovery lorry). As a last resort they said that if they had their tools with them they would have dismantled the steering arms! I suggested disconecting the battery for ten minutes, they waited five and the brake, doors, and steering released for them to winch it.
The garage did a computor diagnostic (£35)five intermitant problems (1) central locking thermal protection, (2) Trunk lock unit immobiliser (3)locking steering column (4) elec window motor. They said that this is all commonly resolved by replacing worn - off side front outer door handle cable (£75, total £132.54). Apparently the computor believed the door to be open all the time which caused all the problems (problems errased on second diagnostic!).
One of the mechanics himself had resisted getting a more modern VW with CPU because of all the potential problems and the fact that VW remain reluctant to share the codes on newer models and when they do they have to pay a fortune for the software.
He also said his wife had a problem with parking and locking her car in one spot, which he thought was due a local transmitor.
Regarding your comment about potential problems with injectors he said that this is a problem but mainly on the 2.0 not the 1.9.
I must confess that its great this problem seems to be resolved, but its all a bit worrying if something as simple as this could recur in another form and my wife and kids find themselves immobilised in the middle of nowhere, and the breakdown service can't access the computor, and can potentially only be resolved by greedy VW dealers. I guess there is no escape because most car makers are going down the same road. Thinking of downsizing to a Golf Plus 1.9 TDI bluemotion, at least I can use the money saved on fuel and road tax, on software repairs!
Anyway, many thanks for all your help it was very much appreciated.
All the best,
Frank
Oh and unless you do big motorway miles IGNORE Bluemotion or you'll be back and forward for a DPF in no time at all.
Hi,
After the garage replaced the cable as extracted below I have had absolutely no further problems.
'They said that this is all commonly resolved by replacing worn - off side front outer door handle cable (£75, total £132.54). Apparently the computor believed the door to be open all the time which caused all the problems (problems errased on second diagnostic!)'.
However, Rich seemed adament that this problem was to do with the ESCL as extracted below
'It WILL fail again. It's the Electronic Steering Control Lock (ESCL) at fault and it requires replacing. Common problem. Couple hours labour + parts. Used to be the whole column and convienince ECU which wasn't cheap ('VWP1' Campaign btw) now it's just the lock itself. Essentially the car thinks the igntions on, so it won't lock or unlock itself. And as it won't do that the immobiliser and ESCL is still activated. If you can avoid using the park brake as well when you park that will help'.
Although the ESCL warning light came on a couple of weeks ago for about two minutes, but still no problems to worry about.
I hope this is of some help. All the best,
Frank
After the garage replaced the cable as extracted below I have had absolutely no further problems.
'They said that this is all commonly resolved by replacing worn - off side front outer door handle cable (£75, total £132.54). Apparently the computor believed the door to be open all the time which caused all the problems (problems errased on second diagnostic!)'.
However, Rich seemed adament that this problem was to do with the ESCL as extracted below
'It WILL fail again. It's the Electronic Steering Control Lock (ESCL) at fault and it requires replacing. Common problem. Couple hours labour + parts. Used to be the whole column and convienince ECU which wasn't cheap ('VWP1' Campaign btw) now it's just the lock itself. Essentially the car thinks the igntions on, so it won't lock or unlock itself. And as it won't do that the immobiliser and ESCL is still activated. If you can avoid using the park brake as well when you park that will help'.
Although the ESCL warning light came on a couple of weeks ago for about two minutes, but still no problems to worry about.
I hope this is of some help. All the best,
Frank
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