Instrument cluster stuck in "SAFE" mode

[Spike00513]

Everything was working fine.

Then I removed the cluster to clean it. I plugged it back in and went to start the car. The engine ran for about a second and then cut off (due to immobilizer I assume).

It now reads "SAFE" on the instrument cluster, where total mileage is normally shown.

The car is stock. Original cluster. Original keys.


No matter what I do, it stays in "SAFE" mode.

Things I've tried to no avail:
-disconnect battery for 10min, connect leads to drain residual power
-turn key to on position, with battery connected, for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times
-check cluster connectors for bent prongs. All OK.
-made sure both cluster connectors are pushed in tight
-scan and clear DTCs
-checked 10amp fuse in drivers side fuse box, position 15



It doesn't look like I can connect to 25-Immobilizer via VCDS

Any ideas?

[imnuts]

AFAIK, we don't have a #25 module for Immobilizer. From the sound of it, you need to re-adapt your keys to your car/cluster. If that doesn't work, then dealership would be your only option unless you wanted to send it to someplace such as SpeedoSolutions, which may be able to help you out.

[Spike00513]

Victory.

I disconnected the battery, and connected the leads. I left it this way for 2 hours. Then, I re-connected the battery, and left the key in the "ON" position for 10 minutes. "SAFE" mode went away, and the car works now.


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Side note:

I'm not sure what you mean by re-adapt. I understand that when the battery is disconnected, or remote batteries are replaced, the key fob buttons will not function, and the key fob must be adapted to the cluster again, which can be done via VCDS, or via a procedure that requires 2 keys. One in the door holding in unlocked position, with the other in the ignition. Or something like that, I forget.

Whereas with the immobilizer chips, AFAIK, they can't be re-adapted because the chips inside are one-time use.

[old guy]

To reset the key all you need to do is to put the key in the ignition, turn the key to the on position, wait 5 seconds and turn the key off. That will reset it.

As to the safe mode. I think you would have been OK if you would have waited for two minutes with the key in the on position instead of only 10 seconds. It takes more than 10 seconds for everything to adapt.

[imnuts]

I'm not sure what you mean by re-adapt. I understand that when the battery is disconnected, or remote batteries are replaced, the key fob buttons will not function, and the key fob must be adapted to the cluster again, which can be done via VCDS, or via a procedure that requires 2 keys. One in the door holding in unlocked position, with the other in the ignition. Or something like that, I forget.

Whereas with the immobilizer chips, AFAIK, they can't be re-adapted because the chips inside are one-time use.

You don't need two keys to re-pair them with the car for the key fob buttons. Also, the immobilizer chips can be reprogrammed to the same car until they fail. They cannot be paired with more than one car though.

[Rcasey]

Hi, I am new to the forum, I’ve learned so much from everyone here over the years. Thank you! I realize this is an old post, but I have this same issue. I have a 2004 A4 3.0L Quattro cabriolet. I’ve owned it since 2006 and love it. Safe mode appeared on my cluster after the battery died during COVID. I replaced the battery. I have 3 codes 18043,18107 and 18058 that I can’t delete with my MD-808. So far, I have to disconnect the battery, use the jumper wire to the cables to drain everything...all night. I reconnect the battery, put the key in and turn it to the on position and leave it for several minutes and it will start and run great. I can drive around all day. The Next day or minutes later...Safe Mode is back. Now the disconnect procedure won’t work at all. Can anyone help me?