Vehicle immobilizer

Tiny
FOREST NICHOLAS BLACK
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 280,666 MILES
How do I reset the vehicle immobilizer?
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 6:35 AM

42 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Here is a guide that talks about this and has some tips from the dealer on how to reset this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

If this doesn't work, try putting the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position and let it sit there for up to 30 minutes or until the theft light turns off. This is assuming the theft light remains on.

Let us know if any of this is successful. If not, we need to check for codes and see if there is something pointing us in the direction of the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing
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Wednesday, June 10th, 2020 AT 3:41 PM
Tiny
JON LYONS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 164,000 MILES
How do you reset the immobilizer?
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Are you trying to reset the door locks anti theft or the no start immobilizer? this guide will help you reset the security system in your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TOGATOWN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
Window was smashed in some years ago. If you lock the doors via remote or manually, alarm goes off when entry is attempted. Cant get alarm to stop without resetting the battery. Like to keep the system and get the doors locking again. Also dont want to take to dealer, too much $$$$.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
Unfortunately it'll be almost impossible to know the extent of the damage caused by your "Smash", even if you attempt to tell me. If you're handy with a voltmeter and can read a diagram, you may be able to trace your issue. But keep in mind, the module that controls your alarm could've also been damaged. I know you want to save money, but having the system disabled and just purchasing an off the shelf alarm may be your best bet, as they are cheaper than factory systems and MUCH better as long as they're installed correctly.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TOGATOWN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Great, thanks for the info and quick response. Also, can you have it removed at a local shop instead of a dealer? Thanks.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
Yes. They may not even remove it but disable it. The sensors and wires could be used by another system, or they may just replace the sensors and use the wires since they're already routed. It depends on the install shop. But they're most certainly going to be less expensive than a dealer.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TOGATOWN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Great! Thanks for all of your help!
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ERNEST CLARK
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,730 POSTS
No problem. Write back if you have any more problems.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HEATHERANNSPICER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.0L
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,689 MILES
Trying to find away to disable the alarm do not have key-less just key.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
This to the best of my understanding cannot be done. Alarm systems apart from after market units are built in so they cannot be tampered with, if they could it would undermine the whole idea of having a security system.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HEATHERANNSPICER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Is there any way to bypass the alarm? The only way I can turn it off is to disconnect the battery cable then it will start.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,883 POSTS
Did this car originally have remote door locks and you do not have the remotes? Most of the VW's of that year should have remotes that deactivate the alarm when you unlocked the doors. The system should also disable if you unlock the drivers door with the correct key. If you have a bad key or one that is not programmed into the system it may mechanically unlock the door but not disable the alarm. If disconnecting the battery works then it is likely a faulty key. For that you can have an automotive locksmith check the key or make and program in a good one. VW integrates the alarm into multiple parts of the system (on that car it is part of the stereo, the security module, the ECU and even the instrument panel) which makes it very difficult to defeat for the reason MHP stated.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JEREMYD242
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 89,000 MILES
I have one of the earlier models of 1999 VW Jetta, the other day I got in the car and went to start the car and the alarm went off.I tried to shut off the alarm by unlocking the driverside door, but it didn't help. The only was I could get the alarm to stop was by unhooking the main battery terminal and now because the alarm is constantly on I can't start the car. Any ideas. Is it possible to disable the car alarm all together?
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PABIRD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had this problem last summer with my 99 Jetta (old style). At the same time the alarm went off, all of my doors would lock too. So I was able to turn it off by opening the window and unlocking the car manually. The alarm continued to go off randomly over a few more weeks until I had an electrician come out and disarm it completely. It was very cheap to fix, but now there's no alarm.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CBARRY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 70,000 MILES
Our Jetta's alarm and keyless entry is giving us a problem. Sometimes the key fobs work and open the locks/disarming the alarm and sometimes they do nothing. We have brand new batteries in both key fobs. When the fobs do nothing, we can use the key to unlock the door, but then the alarm goes off and there is no way to stop it. All we can do is wait it out.
We would like to either: Fix this problem or disconnect the alarm, preferably disconnect.
Can we do this without spending a fortune at the dealer?
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,395 POSTS
You can try disconnecting the alarm module. It is located under the driver's side of the dash above the fuse block. ALSO, you may just need to have your keyless system re-programed to your remote buttons. I would call VW on this first.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ICY_MIST
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 300,000 MILES
The alarm system in my car will go off for no particular reason, and the dome light will not shut off unless switched off, I check all the wiring in the black tubes between the doors and the frame, I recently replace the ignition switch in the car, But when the car alarm goes off the car is able to start and the horn doesnt go off
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EXOVCDS
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,883 POSTS
The door lock actuator has a faulty micro switch. You need to remove the door panel to remove
the lock assembly.

There is a switch that tells the alarm that you are locking/unlocking the door and there is a
switch that tells the alarm that the door is open or closed.

Thomas
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:43 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AMACEDOJR93
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 171,000 MILES
Well apparently my fuse or something shorted out so my passenger side window and sunroof will not close. Had to disconnect the battery because the alarm goes off when I try to start the car. I've tried turning the key in my door to turn the alarm off but that doesn't work. The only way it turns off is if I undo the battery terminals. Any ideas on how I can get this alarm to stay off and get my car running again? It's a 1997 volkswagen jetta gls, 2.0L automatic.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 AT 12:43 PM (Merged)

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