Instrument Cluster/Immobilizer Issue

[kwilson]

My son's 2005 1.8T Tiptronic developed an issue today that has me stumped.

Car ran great a couple of days ago. Today, I jumped in it to move it to a different part of the driveway and could not get it running. Instrument cluster seems dead with the exception of the airbag and traction control lights (no warning lights or CEL prior to this issue). It will start, but die in a couple of seconds like an immobilizer issue. Here are the codes that I pulled:

OBDeleven data log

Date: 2020-02-15 13:38

VIN: WAULC68E05A123318
Car: Audi A4
Year: 2005
Body type: Saloon
Mileage: 311830 KM

---------------------------------------------------------------
01 Engine Control Module 1

System description: 1.8L R4/5VT G
Software number: 8E0909518BC
Software version: 0020
Hardware number: 8E0909018A
Serial number: AUZ6Z0D0339797
Coding: 0016751

Trouble codes:
P1650 - Databus drivetrain missing message from instrument cluster No signal/communication
static
P1635 - Databus drivetrain missing message from A/C control module Implausible signal
static
P1699 - Databus drivetrain missing message from Steering Column Electronics Implausible signal
static


---------------------------------------------------------------
02 Transmission Control Module

System description: AG5 01V 1.8l5VT USA
Software number: 8E0927156AA
Software version: 0505
Coding: 0001002

Trouble codes:
No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
03 Brakes 1

System description: ABS/ESP allrad 4529
Software number: 8E0614517A
Coding: 04277

Trouble codes:
01317 - Instrument cluster control module No communication
static


---------------------------------------------------------------
08 Air Conditioning

System description: A4 Klimaautomat 1424
Software number: 8E0820043AD
Coding: 00000

Trouble codes:
Trouble codes:
01317 - Instrument cluster control module No communication
static
00474 - Anti-theft immobilizer system control module No communication
static


---------------------------------------------------------------
09 Central Electrics

System description: int. Lastmodul USA 0517
Software number: 8E0907279F
Coding: 00003

Trouble codes:
01317 - Instrument cluster control module No communication
static
01317 - Instrument cluster control module Please read DTC
static
00474 - Anti-theft immobilizer system control module No communication
static


---------------------------------------------------------------
11 Engine Control Module 2


Trouble codes:
No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
15 Airbag

System description: Airbag 8.4EP
Software number: 8E0959655K
Software version: 1001
Coding: 0010607

Trouble codes:
00474 - Anti-theft immobilizer system control module No signal/communication
static


---------------------------------------------------------------
16 Steering Column Electronics

System description: Lenksáulenmodul 0611
Software number: 8E0953549N
Coding: 01041

Trouble codes:
01317 - Instrument cluster control module No communication
static
00474 - Anti-theft immobilizer system control module No communication
static


---------------------------------------------------------------
17 Dash Board

System description: KOMBI+WEGFAHRS. RB4 D42
Software number: 8E0920950P
Coding: 01231

Trouble codes:
No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
25 Immobilizer

System description: e 17 eingeben
Software number: Bitte Adress

Trouble codes:
No trouble codes found

---------------------------------------------------------------
46 Central Module Comfort System

System description: Komfortgerát T7B 1612
Software number: 8E0959433BB
Coding: 11788

Trouble codes:
01317 - Instrument cluster control module No communication
static


---------------------------------------------------------------

Seems like it's a cluster issue. I checked all of the fuses on the side of the dash, tried a spare key, swapped the ECU relay with a known good one, pulled the cluster and reseated the connectors with no change in behavior. Battery is good, codes do not clear. Any ideas of what could be the issue, or what I should check next? Thank you.

[EuroxS4]

Sounds to me like the battery is not being charged perhaps or is drained??Any recent repairs on the car? Was the ebox in the cowl ever opened??


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[kwilson]

Sounds to me like the battery is not being charged perhaps or is drained??Any recent repairs on the car? Was the ebox in the cowl ever opened??


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I suppose I could try attaching jumper cables, but it does crank strong and fire up for a few seconds before the immobilizer shuts it down. I opened up the ECU cover, and it looked like it had never been opened before. Completely dry and clean in there. I swapped the ECU relay with my car with no change. Thanks.

[kwilson]

Searching came up with a few other old threads on various forums with similar issues with either no results or the car magically starting with no issues a few days later.

[EuroxS4]

If the ebox cover was not damaged during removal or install you should be ok. If it was damaged or cracked you could have water in it causing some very odd issues.

Normally when various lights are. On without key in on position it indicates a battery draw or low voltage scenario.

I would leave jumper cables hooked up and see if it stays running.


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[kwilson]

As far as recent repairs, we purchased this car with a broken timing belt several months ago for his first car. We swapped the head with a junkyard AWM, did full timing belt, engine mounts, 034 breather, coolant flange, temp sensor, injector cups, and any other maintenance items that I could think of. The car has run flawlessly since. it has 190K miles on it, but it looks brand new.

He gets his license in a couple of weeks, and I really want to get this car running for him.

[EuroxS4]

Was the thermostat done as well??? If so please check positive wire at alternator.


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[kwilson]

If the ebox cover was not damaged during removal or install you should be ok. If it was damaged or cracked you could have water in it causing some very odd issues.

Normally when various lights are. On without key in on position it indicates a battery draw or low voltage scenario.

I would leave jumper cables hooked up and see if it stays running.

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Sorry, I probably wasn't clear. The dash lights are not constantly on - only with key in accessory position. All other electronics work (lights, radio, HVAC fan). I'll give the cables a shot in the morning. Thank you.

[kwilson]

Was the thermostat done as well??? If so please check positive wire at alternator.


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I had the thermostat off to replace the Jplug, but reused it. I'll check the alt wires. Thanks.

[EuroxS4]

Ok. Does the cluster light up do the gauges move for instance fuel gauge?? Also you can do a sweep using Vcds under output test. Should sweep all the gauges lights and pixels.


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[kwilson]

Ok. Does the cluster light up do the gauges move for instance fuel gauge?? Also you can do a sweep using Vcds under output test. Should sweep all the gauges lights and pixels.


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Gauges are dead. I can't remember if I tried to connect to the cluster or not, but will see if I can do a gauge sweep.

[kwilson]

I just went out and was not able to connect to control module 17 Dash Board with OBDeleven. I'm able to do so with my 2005 A4, so OBDeleven is working.

[EuroxS4]

I just went out and was not able to connect to control module 17 Dash Board with OBDeleven. I'm able to do so with my 2005 A4, so OBDeleven is working.

If you can’t communicate with Cluster 17 with key on I would be checking basics : power and ground and fuse for cluster . Unless you have a can bus communication issue. Then I would be checking other things. Does the car have a aftermarket radio installed?


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[kwilson]

Stock stereo, fuse 15 (for cluster) is good.

[EuroxS4]

Does the center display come on when the key is in the on position?


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[kwilson]

Does the center display come on when the key is in the on position?


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No.

[EuroxS4]

If the center display is not coming on this leads me to believe the cluster is not being powered up.Either issue with power supply wire or ground.I would have to check the schematic and pi out guide to determine where those wires are.


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[kwilson]

Would it be worth trying to swap clusters with my other 05 A4 to see if I can communicate with it in my son's car? I know it won't start, but would it damage anything? That would probably help me decide if the cluster has an issue.

I really appreciate your help with this.

[EuroxS4]

No it should not matter.If you have a spare to test that’s the quickest way. Attached is the pinout that supplies cluster with battery power,ignition power and both grounds as well as K line wire for communication. Can bus communication wires are on another connector.


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[kwilson]

Thank you. I'll pull the cluster again tomorrow.

[kwilson]

So very strange... I went to pull the cluster again this afternoon. I didn't disconnect the battery first this time. As I was fumbling with the left electrical connector, the cluster sprang to life. I put it back together, and it's been working fine all afternoon. I guess we will monitor it for awhile.

[EuroxS4]

Loose wire perhaps???

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Loose wire perhaps???

Or just a marginal/fouled connection at the quick-connector? I think if I had an issue like this I'd be deleting the immobilizer function from the car. Heck, just reading about an issue like this makes me consider it!

[kwilson]

Maybe a loose wire. I came across another instance of this while searching that happened several years ago. Kind of odd, but it's running well now so I'm not messing with it for the time being.