Hi, I'm newbie and own a 2007 2.8 Avant for 8 months. Recently, I have experienced poor remote range. I have scanned by VCDS and no code found. Then I changed the remote battery and R47 antenna but it doesn't help. I searched in google and found a TSB mentioned that replacement of ignition switch would help.

My question is if I replace the ignition switch (E415) by myself, 1) do I need VCDS to synchronize the switch and the control unit (J518) ? 2) or just simply direct replacement? Thanks a lot!

 

When you state "poor remote range", what type of range estimate is that? 5 feet? 15? 30? Also, did you actually check the module associated with your keyless entry vs. a general scan?

When you replace an ignition switch, it usually means you need to code the key to it and a new switch will require new coding to your existing keys, which a VCDS/Ross-tech will not be able to do.

 

Hi ray99, many thanks for your reply

The remote range dropped only 5 feet which is much less than before more than 50 feet).
I found a TSB and replacement of switch would help, not sure this is also applicable for C6....


Posts: 1,958
Default As telekenetic stated, there is a TSB for poor remote range...
Don't know if this is the root of your problem, however, so YMMV.


==== Begin Quote =====
Technical Bulletin - 28-06-03 Remote transmitter key range is insufficient (Dec. 11, 2006)

Condition:
* Range for remote transmitter key operation is insufficient.
* There are no DTCs for this condition


Technical Background:
* An electrostatic charge is induced into the antenna lead of the ignition starter switch during vehicle production. This charge causes damage to the antenna, which limits the range of operation for the remote transmitter key.

* Broken solder joint of antenna wiring at left rear glass.


Service:
Vehicles up to VIN 4L*7D033200

* Check to see if both remote keys have the same conditions.
* If both do, check the wiring and connections of the R47 antenna module at the left rear window (Figure 1) and of the ignition lock (E415) for correct installation. If a solder point has fallen off, replace the window.
* If the wiring and connections check OK, replace the ignition lock (E415)

Vehicles between VIN4L*7D033201 and VIN 4L*7D054502
* Check to see if both remote keys have the same range conditions.
* If both do, check the wiring and connections of the R47 antenna module at the left rear window (Figure 1) and of the ignition lock (E415) for correct installation. If a solder point has fallen off, replace the window.

===== End Quote =====

 

Regarding the switch I found a detail description from this self-study programme

http://www.volkspage.net/technik/ssp/ssp/SSP_326.pdf

In page 17, it mentioned that the Switch for access and start authorisation E415 is only responsible to transfer the coding from the key to the control unit for access and start authorisation. In addition, "the lock barrel in the ignition switch is not coded mechanically, which means that the turning movement can be performed with every A6 '05 key." No decoding (electronically or mechanically) function by the switch so i just thinking whether direct replacement is ok or not. Thanks