Can I bypass the immobiliser on VW beetle

[tonyinfrance]

Hi

I have a 2003 beetle convertible 2.0 l

The car will not start (turns over but does not catch) ihave been told there is possibly a problem with the immobiliser chip in the key and it may need re-programming. Read on internet this can be done with using keys but I only have one, and can't take it to VW garage as it won't start

Any ideas

 

[Ricardus]

EDIT : getting ahead of myself!
If theres a problem with the immobiliser and keys you ought to see an error light on the dash that indicates so. My 2003 Golf shows an orange key if I try it with an unprogrammed key - the Beetle is basically a Mk4 Golf in a fat suit and likely to have the same lights in a different shaped cluster. Check the owners manual.

If it is the key/immobiliser, then re-programming the immobiliser chip (or more specifically re-programming the car to match the chip in your key(s)) is not something that can be done without A) Specialist software and a laptop or B) a VW main dealer.

What you need is the SKC (secret key code) which on some models came with the original keys, and the right bit of software that will let a computer talk to the cars instrument cluster and tell it to accept new key codes.
If you dont have the SKC then it can be extracted from the instrument cluster with specialist software, or it's a trip into the VW dealer who can hook the car up and talk to VW themselves to have it done.

If you were in the UK I'd suggest the UKMKIVS.com forum as there are enthusiasts with laptops and the right kit to try it for a fistful of beer tokens.
I dont know if theres a French VW owners club but it might be worth a look.

 

[tonyinfrance]

Thanks Ricardus

The immobiliser light is a small orange light (car shaped with key) This stays on when i am trying to start the car.

I have a vag.com cable and software from ross tech so I can "talk" to the car, but don't know if I can use this to re-program car to accept the key.
Will try to email Ross Tech for more info, but if you have any ideas i would be grateful

Thanks again

 

[Belle427]

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/Immobilizer

See if the info you need is here.

 

[Ricardus]

In an 03 Beetle you've probably got the Immo3 series clock cluster, and as far as I remember Vag-com can't read the SKC, there is another bit of software that can but its name escapes me at the moment.