A8LDriver

Hey Audi experts,

I know this has probably been answered however I looked through the forum threads and I can't find one exactly like the problem I am having. I try to start it and it runs for a second and cuts off. After about 3 tries it starts up and I am on my way. This has happened two times in the past two weeks. I checked the ECU and it gave me the engine blocked by immobilizer error and the key signal two low. I did a check on the web and this article is out there but I think it is for older A8's,http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articl...rereplace.html.
I also looked through my Bentley manual and it doesn't say a whole lot about the immobilizer. I see a lot of people with the gauges dead during this however mine are lit up and work during the start up. What am I missing? Any help is much appreciated.

Best regards,
Chad

John Kosowski

I had the same problem this week and posted it. When you turn your key to "on," but before starting it, does that key in the car light go off? If not, then the immobilizer is preventing the start.

pwstein

My first thought: Disconnect then charge your battery and then clean terminals when you reconnect.

twentysevenlitres

That sounds exactly how the immobiliser functions.

The Audipages article you linked to would be relevant to your car.
I think the later immobilser modules are incorporated into the dashboard, rather than being a separate module as in that article.

You may not have to replace the whole wire though.
Quite often the coil around the key barrel develops a bad connection through the plug.
I would first try disconnecting and reconnecting the coil's plug, perhaps using some electrical contact spray.
Then maybe the plug on the other end, which may be into the dash on your car.

If neither of those work, then try finding the correct replacement wire.