Car is in "SAFE" mode, original key won't even work...

[J0HN_R1]

Dash reads "safe" under the trip-meter. Starts then dies immediately.

The key-fob won't keep the car running now.

I searched, but couldn't find anything & I am a bit frazzled.

It must have happened last nite when I was trying to get the valet key programmed/working...

How do I get it back to normal..?



* this is the only thread I could find... http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...r+in+safe+mode

** found this one too, but no info... http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...r+in+safe+mode

[rollerton]

So--what exactly did you do? What procedure were you following and what interface were you using?
IF you have more than one key try one that you know worked, and hope it still works.
*SAFE* means the immobilizer is active, preventing the car from running because the cluster is not seeing a valid relationship from the key you're using.
You don't mention what anything about you did to cause this- so it could be as simple as clearing the ECU of errors and hoping it's OK, but if you were experimenting with a OBD cable you might even need a new cluster.

[J0HN_R1]

No cables involved. The only thing I did last nite was insert the valet key & turn to "ON", 5 times...

Keyfob still unlocks doors remotely, but even when inserted into ignition the "SAFE" mode doesn't go away.

[Slobo7x]

I would try to reset the battery, see if that helps. Do you have VAG cable?

[J0HN_R1]

Thanx for the suggestion, but that's not really what I want right now. I need a solid answer...

And yes I have a cable, but no laptop...

[AudiLVR]

Thanx for the suggestion, but that's not really what I want right now. I need a solid answer...

Dude, he's trying to help...and since youre in a world of hurt, what do you have to lose since you obviously don't know how to reverse what you've done.

[Renegade5]

^X2

[J0HN_R1]

...what do you have to lose since you obviously don't know how to reverse what you've done.

I know he's trying to help. I politely declined the suggestion because I don't want to screw it up even more.

Funny how two people can put in their 2 pennies worth concerning their misconception of my response, but can't help the situation at hand.

I just need some 1st hand knowledge, not "suggestions". IMO, I don't think disconnecting the battery will "reset" the immobolizer (it might make it harder to correct)...

[Slobo7x]

You cannot possible screw it up more by disconnecting the battery for a few hours.
As the first reply to your thread mentioned, clearing the ECU may help. I don't know any way of getting car out of "safe" mode besides using laptop and vag cable.

I think you should take it to audi dealer and pay their hourly charge, sorry i couldn't help more.. Someone else may have better suggestions.

[J0HN_R1]

Will disconnecting the battery clear the ECU though...?

And I'm in the process of acquiring a laptop, or someone with one, to VAG it.

Thanks again bro, I wasn't being rude...

* dealer wants $135 flat-rate to pull it out of "SAFE". Plus I'd have to get it towed in ($75-$100)...

[rollerton]

1.Disconnect battery, both cable!, and touch the cables toegther for a second. Let it sit disconnected for a few minutes.
This will disharge any remaining current in the system and possibly clear your ECU error, if there is one. Possibly not.
Reconnect battery and Insert key and turn to ON, if SAFE no longer appears then OK. Try to start.
If it doesn't start:
2. Leave known working key into ignition and leave ignition ON for 20 minutes. See if SAFE goes away.
If that doesn't work have then car towed to the dealer- unless you have the SKC and VCDS you can't match the Immo system yourself, don't even ever try at all ever no matter what anyone tells you. You'll get a bunch of different ideas about doing this or that with the Immo- it won't work. B7 RB8 crypto Immo is very secure and messing with it with the wrong tools can create some trouble.
If your car is a B7 (2005.5 **>) then the dealer is the only one who can help with the Bosch RB8 B7 Immo.

[J0HN_R1]

B6 S4...

And thanx to you too, Rollerton...

* tried disconnecting the battery. The odometer showed initially when I opened the door, but when I started the car it died & went back to "SAFE" mode.

Trying it agian, except I'll try the key-reprogramming sequence instead of starting... And you say VAG-com won't work...?

[J0HN_R1]

Fixed it...

1. Disconnect battery & connect leads with a jumper wire. Wait 5-10 minutes.
2. Reconnect battery, place key in ignition & initiate reprogramming sequence.
3. Sequence = turn key to "ON" position only, wait 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

* I also pressed the unlock buttons, both on the fob while in the ignition & the door button.
Held each for 5-10 seconds while key was "ON", both individually & together during each "on-off" sequence.

** and again, thanks for the suggestions. I just didn't want it to get worse...

[Slobo7x]

Aweseome man, glad you got it working! :)

[J0HN_R1]

I did notice my Traction-control "off indicator" is constantly on now though.

Not worried about it, I hate it anyway. I usually turn it off by the time my tires hit the street...

Even the preset seat memories were still intact, as was preset radio stations...

* called the dealer, he said he check with the lead-tech to see if any other major 'resetting" was done that might cause issues. Said he'll call back if so...

[Slobo7x]

It will go away, try pressing the ESP button a few times.

[chichum]

Actually - I had the issue where the ESP wouldn't go off and after about 14 hours of troubleshooting, it turned out it was actually a blown fuse. Forgive me for not remembering which one it was, but check your fuses, you may have blown one with the shorting out process.

[J0HN_R1]

Everything is back to normal...

[duzeco]

Fixed it...

1. Disconnect battery & connect leads with a jumper wire. Wait 5-10 minutes.
2. Reconnect battery, place key in ignition & initiate reprogramming sequence.
3. Sequence = turn key to "ON" position only, wait 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

* I also pressed the unlock buttons, both on the fob while in the ignition & the door button.
Held each for 5-10 seconds while key was "ON", both individually & together during each "on-off" sequence.

** and again, thanks for the suggestions. I just didn't want it to get worse...

Just did this tonight after my spare key threw the car into SAFE.
Worked like a charm! My traction off light is on too, but I'm assuming it'll shut off eventually...

Big thanks for posting the steps up!!

[JimmyBones]

I did notice my Traction-control "off indicator" is constantly on now though.

The steering angle sensor loses it calibration whenever you disconnect the battery. It relearns the setting by driving forwards and backwards in a straight line. It is great that you got it working again.

[65vetteC6]

Has anyone successfully done this in a B7? Got my tune back from JHM who supposedly gave me a new one and swapped the immobilizer code on to it. Now my car is stuck in safe mode...

[tussilo]

* I also pressed the unlock buttons, both on the fob while in the ignition & the door button.
Held each for 5-10 seconds while key was "ON", both individually & together during each "on-off" sequence.


[/QUOTE]

Hey. Can you explain this steps a little clearer for me? Thax.

[IbisMe]

Old thread, I know, but some advice that may help someone else:

Took out my instrument cluster to clean and had this SAFE issue. Tried the steps above with the battery, reprogram, etc, but couldn't fix. Ended up that one of the two instrument panel connectors wasn't seated all of the way. Once they both seated properly I was good to go. Hard to tell if the battery and reprogram fixed it since I did that first, or ultimately the connectors, but being able to start your car though after having SAFE is a HUGE relief.

[scorpioS4]

Resurrecting this thread, My car has been doing this to me for the last month. had it at my local Indy shop that has done all the work to my car and they were a little baffled. They were getting an ignition reader coil error so i got that replaced.. the car ran fine for all about 18 hrs before it went back into Safe mode.

I have tried the sequencing above and it works every time, however, the will inevitably go back into SAFE mode!!! either a day later or a few days later...

It cost me 350 for 3 weeks of troubleshooting (they couldn't get the car to replicate the Safe mode at first) and replacing the ignition reader coil in my steering wheel. not too bad but i'm dreading taking it into an Audi Stealership!

i did have my spare key taken apart in order to install an auto start 3 years back.. but I don't think it will have an issue with it 3 years later. maybe the current key fob is bad? ughh idk

ANY SUGGESTIONS OR INPUT WILL HELP.

thanks everyone

[Banzai_Rasta]

i just did this:

"1. Disconnect battery & connect leads with a jumper wire. Wait 5-10 minutes.
2. Reconnect battery, place key in ignition & initiate reprogramming sequence.
3. Sequence = turn key to "ON" position only, wait 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

* I also pressed the unlock buttons, both on the fob while in the ignition & the door button.
Held each for 5-10 seconds while key was "ON", both individually & together during each "on-off" sequence."

and it worked like a charm for my situation: i changed the Key FOB casing without moving the transponder chip and the car went into SAFE mode. Was about to call the Dealership on Monday and pay close to $300US to get my key reprogrammed.

Thanks!!

[RHawk]

Bringing this back one more time, but in this case for a b7 s4. My normal fob works fine, but my valet key will only start the car for a second or two. I'm not seeing a safe mode, it just cranks and idles up for a moment and dies. I can repeat this until the battery dies. I'm wondering if the immobilizer is bad in this valet key? Can I relearn this key with my snap on scanner? Can I relearn it without any tools? I have thought about getting a vagcom set up, so if I need that any suggestions where to buy?

Sent from my HTC U11 using Audizine mobile app

[RHawk]

[QUOTE=RHawk;13138040]Bringing this back one more time, but in this case for a b7 s4. My normal fob works fine, but my valet key will only start the car for a second or two. I'm not seeing a safe mode, it just cranks and idles up for a moment and dies. I can repeat this until the battery dies. I'm wondering if the immobilizer is bad in this valet key? Can I relearn this key with my snap on scanner? Can I relearn it without any tools? I have thought about getting a vagcom set up, so if I need that any suggestions where to buy?

Update: I just tried it again, it started the car like normal but my Hazard lights continuously blink. No safe warning or anything. I also have the normal fob in the car with me, so maybe it's reading that immobilizer and letting the car start? I thought the immobilizer had to be about an inch away from the ignition to read? I'll try again and see if this continues or if it goes back to start for a second and die. Again, normal key fob continues to work as it should.


Sent from my HTC U11 using Audizine mobile app