Alasdair1

Read on here someone with similar problems. They had an aftermarket radio that for some reason was stopping scanner connecting to obd port. Ai came up with this which I think is correct. Not sure re fuse number Troubleshooting Steps: Check Fuse 12: Check the fuse box on the driver's side dashboard; fuse 12 (top section) is critical for OBD functionality. Remove Aftermarket Radio: A common issue in VAG cars is that aftermarket radios bridge the diagnostic K-Line, preventing tool communication. Pull the radio out and try the scanner again. Test for Power/Ground: Use a multimeter to check for 12V12 cap V 12𝑉 at Pin 16 and a solid ground at Pin 4 of the OBD port. Inspect Connector: Ensure the port is firmly attached to the dash and pins are not pushed back. Try Another Scanner: Ensure the scan tool is compatible; some cheaper tools fail to link on older VAG models. If the port has no power, the issue is typically a fuse or power wiring; if it has power but no communication, focus on the radio or a faulty ECU.

Its a bit of a long shot but check the wiring to the reader coil in ignition. Just wondering if its been dislodged when removing cluster? If you can lock and unlock car with fobs I assume they are synced to car. If the reader coil isnt working then it would explain imobilser coming on or the cluster hasnt been cloned correctly. Hope you get it sorted. Always fancied a VRS Mk2 Alasdair

Before boosting disconnect battery for about 1hr and then recconect. Not sure if its needed but touch positive and neg together before reconnecting battery. This in theory should hard reset ECU etc. Not sure how to resync keys but if it doesnt work then might be an idea to try. Alasdair

Hopefully a boost will make a difference but it is sounding like an imobilser problem. If it doesnt start with decent voltage then I would give the folks a phone who did the work on the cluster before doing anything else. They may be able to help/advise. I may be wrong but I would assume that if one key worked it should be identical to spare unless theres a problem with one of the transponders or if more modern the key battery has failed and key needs to be resynced to ecu? Alasdair

Dont suppose you have another battery to try or perhaps jump it just in case battery has had it by sitting for so long. The red steering symbol can be low voltage/failed rack and I cant remember if mine illuminates at ignition (cars away). The other red exclamation is if I remember brakes. Sons fabia had it and it was a strip fuse near battery compartment that had a crack in it. Might be worth checking them. Alasdair

On my diesel when the imobilser decided to come on due to a bad key it was like yours starts then stops within 2 secs. I think some petrols are different and just wont start but not entirely sure as all mine are diesel. Is there any light on dash like an orange key or padlock? Alasdair

Check the cluster is making good contact with connector. Mine came loose on my 08 plate and caused all manner of lights etc. Other than that not sure. Might be a problem with door wiring if its trying to lock all the time and airbag light is on. Check there are no broken wires in the rubber boot on both front doors. Alasdair

Whats the condition of your battery and is the alternator actually charging. May be the cluster but low voltage can cause all manner of weird things. The fact it started and imobiliser didnt come on I assume its been coded ok. Alasdair

Could be a BCM problem. Did read that if theres a short when bulb blows the BCM can cut power and create fault code that needs clearing using VCDS or similar even after replacing bulb. Not sure if the above is correct but worth scanning for codes. Alasdair

Heres a link to KYB europe. https://kyb-europe.com/catalogue/ Alasdair

I fitted KYB shocks and springs on mine. Think I went for heavy duty/bad road version of springs as I carry a fair weight. So far excellent and car sits pretty level even when fully loaded. From memory there are different ones depending if you have sports suspension/estate etc. Look for 12.5mm thickness and the HD ones are a bit longer if I remember. Mine is a 08 1.9tdi Alasdair

Try banging around the ignition switch and raising/lowering steering wheel if it has that option. It may be a bad connection at the chip reader coil. If that doesnt work you could try removing fuses for ABS system. Think they are in fuse box near battery and are strip fuses. They have a tendency to crack but often not noticeable until you remove them . I got my old Seat imobilser deleted as it would stick on randomly although I doubt anyone would bother stealing it. Alasdair

Have a look at Mk1 1.9tdi. Someone on here lowered theirs and drive shafts were too long but think some of the MK1 1.9tdi are shorter and have 108mm Alasdair

Could be the siren battery is flat as well or failed. Low voltage in main battery or siren battery can sometimes confuse alarm and set it off randomly. Hopefully it will settle down once system is back up to charge. My old Octavia thats sitting waiting repair alarm goes off if I let battery get to low. If it doesnt stop I would disconnect battery for charging. Alasdair

On all of mine they became intermittent then just stopped working. Fairly easy swap over as long as you can get wiper off the old one. My sons mk1 fabia was seized on solid but a couple of days of wd40 and a gentle wobble plus a tiny bit of heat and a gentle pull it finally came off. I put a small smear of copper grease on the spindle when refitting again.

Maybe the new stat is deffective or something in the coolant system has jammed it open. Reckon the only way to be sure will be to remove it and check its operation. Its not unknown for any new part to be dodgy or fail very quickly

Cant remember but think there might be some screws in middle. Alasdair

They tend to seize up with age and when dirt/moisture gets in. If you lucky it may be repairable but I have gone through 4 so far on 4 of my cars. I ended up replacing motor each time as the plastic cogs inside were past it. Check its actually getting power and its not a broken wire or fuse. Alasdair

Try disconnecting battery and leaving for a while then reconnect and see if it makes a difference. When my old Seat imobilser stuck on I gave up on it and left it as I wasnt using car. Battery was flat by the time I got around to looking at it again and once fully charged car was back to normal. When it did happen the AA guy couldnt access the ecu either with his code reader. Alasdair

Does sound like the imobilser kicking in. Try another key if you have one. It may be either the transponder chip in key or the reader coil in ignition thats failed. Had same problem on 1.9tdi BXE Seat. Used bad key and in my case imobiliser stuck on. Alasdair

I read the orange traingle is a general warning. I also read that you can read the stored messages via the infotainment screen. Not sure how to as mine is a lot older. You could also scan with obd2/vcds to see if there are any stored codes/messages Alasdair

P010600 may be a leak in airintake or exhaust. The ticking noise may be you hearing the leak? Check the exhaust for leaks and listen around the engine compartment. Use a bit of garden hose one end to your ear and move the other around engine bay till the noise gets louder. it can help pinpoint where the noise is coming from. Alasdair

I had to get my old Seat imobilser deleted as it was sticking in SAFE mode randomly. Wasnt that bothered as it was old and a fair few dings so doubt anyone would bother. Maybe someone on here near you has it that could pull codes for you. Alasdair

No sorry bit too advanced for me but did read that cluster has to be petrol to petrol as diesel has a different type of imobilser. Read that VAG Tacho will read cluster in plus thin you also need vcds to do it. There are VAGtacho few online but whether they are original and work? You could go down the line of imobilser delete. Alasdair

Sorry if its an obvious question but did the Topran one come with a thermostat actuallyfitted. I see them online but its the casing only unlike the Febi one that has thermostat included/fitted. Also read that the temp sender in thermostat on topran can cause problems sometimes with turning on rad fans. Alasdair