2002 VW Passat immobilizer active but also m y gauges all jump to maxed out when I turn key and there is a clicking sound from dash. Fuse or relay out? Could that cause the immobilizer to activate?

SOURCE: 2002 Passat won't start

We had the same problem. It was an expensive fix--there apparently was a problem with the onboard computer that would periodically lock out the ignition circuit. Felt just like a bad starter solenoid--but the part cost $800, plus labor, to replace. Ouch.

SOURCE: 2005 VW passat 1.9 TDi "immobiliser activated" on display

There may not be any other way to fix it except to replace your instrument panel. That's where your immobilizer is located. Or you could try this:

Try cold-booting the car. Remove both battery cables from the battery. Short the battery cables together (away from the battery) for about 15 seconds. Reconnect the battery. No guarantees - I found this info at tdiclub.com.

SOURCE: immobilizer

If there is a blinking car icon with an "X" over it. This icon means the Immobilizer has been activated and hence won't allow the car to start. It could be due to a bad SCU, Start Control Unit. The SCU is actually the ignition switch on these cars.
Most of the time it's triggered by the anti-theft system..You can try this trick i learned that the dealers won't tell you...try locking and unlocking of the doors five times with the remote to reset the immobilizer and see if this helps.
Good luck..i hope this helps...please take a minute to rate me a fixya.

Colin Stickland

• 22516 Answers
• Posted on Aug 14, 2009

SOURCE: 2001 VW Passat Intermittent immobiliser problems

dealer only ,might get away with a re programme of the chipped key ,worst case scenario is a new ECU

SOURCE: 2002 Chrysler Town & Country starting intermittent

I assume you've checked all connections from the battery and starter to make sure they are clean and tight. It is a little weird that you do not have trouble starting in neutral yet you get a clicking sound in park. My first thought would be the neutral safety switch on the transmission but you shouldn't even get a click in park if that is bad.

One possibility is the contacts in your starter have worn down and are causing too more resistance (explains the clicking). At the back of your starter is a metal cover that is held on by three tiny bolts (6mm). Disconnect the battery first! (You might have to remove the starter to get to this part) Remove this cover and pull out the plunger assembly. Underneath are two brass plates. Compare one plate to the other. If one is noticeably thinner then it could be the cause of the clicking. You will even see a round groove in the plate. You can buy the plunger and contacts from this website: http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/densoparts.html or you can opt to get a starter from your friendly auto parts store. The first picture shows the bad contact on the left. Notice the groove, the metal has become really thin there. This picture shows a pitted plunger assembly. Always good to replace it too.This picture shows all the new parts installed.