Roomster problems

[Ben2019]

Hi all, 

First posting and its a big help one!

 

I recently bought a 2006 1.9TDI Roomster PD from a reputable seller as an off books sale.

The seller said it only had an ECU problem, great I thought easy to fix. The previous owner had jump started it and fried the ECU.

The car was delivered and the story changed, apparently they had the ECU repaired and it would not accept the VIN no.

The seller said the owner had decided not to go any further as they could only fit a new ecu which was in his estimation too expensive, and so were selling it to cover the bill on his behalf.

I sent the ECU to a well known company in derbyshire for testing and repair.

They contacted me to say that the ECU is ok and didn't need repair.

The problem described to me by the seller was that the car would start then the immob would kick in and cut it out after a few seconds.

They did not supply me with any diagnostic data only a verbal description of what the fault was.

I've checked the instrument cluster for dry cracked solder point but that's ok,

Keys are ok in so far as they open and lock the doors, I have not tried to start the car yet. (might be a good idea to wait till the ECU is back and installed! ) 

Has anyone else had this happen to their car or know of any possible causes?

[J.R.]

Sounds like the ECU has been changed and wont recognise the transponders in the keys.

 

I have a 1.9tdi Octavia of the same year, I bought a remapped ECU, I chose the option of it having the immobiliser disabled so that it would be plug and play, if I had wanted to retain the immobiliser either my ECU had to be reflashed by them keeping the original key & immobiliser settings or find someone with a high level coding machine to pair them.

 

I really cant recall the exact details of what needed doing to retain the immobiliser but I reckon you should contact the Ebay seller who I bought my ECU from, yours might even be the same engine code.

 

Pretty sure itw as these people:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-Mk5-1-9-TDI-BKC-105-Remapped-ECU-140HP-Plug-Play-Immo-Off-03G906016CB/152627361560?hash=item23894cb718:g:wigAAOSw-dldqc8~

 

[Ben2019]

Hi,

Thanks for the info,

I was told that the keys and instrument cluster had been programmed into the ecu ok and that it was the VIN no being the problem.

The seller (on behalf of the owner) was working at Skoda Letchworth, they did a diagnostic (which they didn't pass on to me) but said they couldn't do any more as they were required to fit brand new Skoda parts so the owner called it a day.

I will look into it though as it may be a solution.

[J.R.]

Pretty sure my vin number still comes up as the same on VCDS, I will have to check next time, the mileage on my maxidot is the same as the vehicle has done hwoever when I do the mileage check using VCDS it brings up the higher mileage of the donor car of the remapped ECU.

 

Wait till you get the ECU back, see what it does and then message the ebay seller and ask if he can do anything for you. As its not the original ECU the best thing will be an exchange basis as you have no original settings to maintain.

[Ben2019]

HI

Thanks for that, will do.

Strange thing is, the seller told me the ECU in the engine bay was the original one from the car, but I found another one in the boot.

Something is definitely not adding up somewhere, may try to contact the last owner and see if they can enlighten me what's been done to the car.

If all else fails I'll get someone out to reprogram the keys in.

[PD_Roomster]

You need to find out what has been changed really but sounds likely just the ecu. The transponders in the keys are coded to and checked against the instrument cluster and then the cluster checks it’s pin number against the pin of the ecu. If something doesn’t check out, the immobiliser is triggered.

 

The mechanical side of the key and the remote locking aren’t related to that side of the system.

 

The ecu pin can be checked and changed with the right software but the instrument side of it, the dealers can’t even check. I’ve just found this out myself when attempting to change to a maxidot unit.
 

I’m sure the dealers could sort it but they choose not to as you haven’t bought hundreds of quids worth of electronics from them!

 

An immobiliser off ecu will work to get it running but if it’s an issue with the key transponder and cluster you’ll still have the immobiliser active warning showing on the dash.

 

Where are you based?

 

 

 

[Ben2019]

Hi

 

Thanks for the information,

Think it may be the instrument cluster not linked to the ECU.

The company I sent the ECU to contacted me yesterday to say it's all ok, no damage or software issues so will be sending it back soon.

I can only wait till it arrives back then get a local tech guy / vehicle locksmith out to get the pin codes from the cluster and pair them all up correctly.

From the state of the car when it arrived here I think they were told just leave it so put things back together so hurriedly I've got three trim screws and an under dash polystyrene cover which I've got to figure out where they came from and how to fit them back, also a broken screw mounting tab (which is slightly worrying).

I'm considering getting a cable and software to have a go at it if all else fails (it'll be fun learning). Thinking of VCDS and VAG-Tacho which from reading online may be what's needed to find the instrument cluster code and program it all up.

 

 

[PD_Roomster]

I’ve tried pulling the cluster pin but I couldn’t do it with my usual software. They changed how they work around 05 and the dealer can’t even extract the pin. You can pull the pin from the original ecu as it’s older tech and that will be the cluster pin also.

 

In my case, I’ve got a replacement cluster that I can’t extract the pin from. I don’t have the ecu from that car to use as a reference for the PIN number so I’ve hit a dead end for now with that. Hopefully you’re not in the same boat!

[Ben2019]

Hi

Am getting the ecu back tomorrow, will give it a go then if it still is a start stop fault i'll give the local tech guy a call.

There was a vid on youtube showing the VAG-Tacho being used to pull the code from an instrument cluster, think they were doing it to a golf but its part of the VAG group so it might work with Skoda's.

 

[PD_Roomster]

I couldn’t find much info on the Fabia/Roomster, polo, Ibiza of this age but thought it would be straight forward as I’d done it on plenty of vag cars in the past. After trying without any luck and doing some further research, it’s not possible to pull the cluster pin on this model. As I understand it, not even the dealer can. Possible on lots of other Vag stuff but not on this. Looks like lots of expensive, specialist equipment is required and the cluster is out if the car on the bench. As above, you can pull the Ecu pin with fairly basic stuff and that’s the same pin if the ecu is original.

 

You may have a good replacement ecu with a non matching pin. Could possibly pull the pin from the one you found in the boot if that’s original and try changing it over. Make a note of both of the pin numbers though for reference. Pin change can be done with vcds but you’ll need something like vag tacho, vag commander or a super vag unit to extract them in the first place.

 

I’ve just ordered the later version of the super vag unit as mines an older one. I’m hoping it’ll give me more access to this cars systems but I’m not holding my breath!

[Bunsen]

Hi ,,I have Roomster 2014 TSI DSG , that I have imobiliser issues with that I am currently working on .

 

VCDS open controller release 19.6.2 :17 -instruments , Recode module page gives the original coding value , (so write that down so you can use it elsewhere.

 

Part no /description on my car is 5J0 920 911M   component KOMBI H02 0408

 

" problems with immobiliser , clocks and windows ? (2014 Skoda Fabaia 1.2 TSI DSG (Roomster)

I ripped in to drivers side door and find that the window motor ( and control unit built in) is full of water !

The loom connector is on top and has no waterproof seals in it , so any water that finds its way past an open window runs straight in and screws up these electrics... first indication was  speedo cluster warning lights all failed to light , and car immobiliser activated ..

all windows stopped opening ...

Can get all other windows to work by unplugging  drivers motor...waiting for replacement now...car still not starting.. all fuses  are OK ..battery Fully charged ... VCDS Scan shows lack of power in instruments and CCU ...Chicken and egg situation ...ongoing..

 

I suggest get your door cards off and waterproof these connectors before you get water in and screw up your electrics..

 

Have a good one all.."

[Ben2019]

Hi,

Just checking, is your instrument cluster the one pictured in your thread under the Fabia section?

If so it's totally different to my one.

I've looked around online and yes an auto locksmith or Auto electrician with the correct kit can pull the pin numbers from the instrument cluster if they couldn't you would not be able to code new keys to the car. Also got this from the guy at Skoda who I bought it from.

To say that not even the dealer can get the codes is kind of silly, of course they have the codes, they needed them to set the car up in the first place, imagine if a car needed a new ECU or ignition key assembly how would they be able to set it up? Mind you I may look silly with egg on my face should the opposite be true.

 It may take some time and flattery but armed with your vin number and the SKC number off the back of the unit they should be able to help.

I just fired an email off to Skoda UK a few moments ago asking them for their assistance in obtaining the codes.

Will see what the tech guy says, but may have to wait until next week for a free slot.

[Ben2019]

Hi Bunsen, 

Was responding to an earlier post when your's came in. so thread is looking a bit disjointed.

Thanks for the heads up regarding the door electrics and water ingress, I had to fix my dads Renault Megane (sorry if mentioning another car make offends anyone!) which had a similar problem.

Will definitely take a look as soon as possible.

[Bunsen]

There is a canbus (CCU)unit in my car ...black box size of ECU located hidden behind fuse box ... pull out fabric trim below steering wheel ..there are 3 fuses hidden there and relays ...this is my next line of investigations as VCDS advanced measuring units came up with zeros on many systems:-

                               info2                         Actual

Engine                   electronics              0

Transmision           (Automatic)           0

Brake Electronics    J104                       0

Instrument Cluster  J285                      0

Steering angle          G85                       0

Airbag system           j234                      0

Steering aid               j500                      0

Immobilizer              Immo                    0

 

I am open to suggestions , gut re-action is pull my CCU unit out. and look for physical damage...burnt or blown components or burnt smell.. or replace that unit..im hoping part numbers are same for DSG car as for manual gearbox ...

 

 

[Ben2019]

Ahah!

Thanks Bunsen, you may have solved where those three extra screws I had found have come from and why I have the polystyrene cover out in the car.

 

[PD_Roomster]

11 hours ago, Ben2019 said:

Hi,

Just checking, is your instrument cluster the one pictured in your thread under the Fabia section?

If so it's totally different to my one.

 

Yes, it’s different to my original one too. Known as a maxidot unit due to the better info screen in the middle I guess. I needed to repair/replace mine so thought I’d upgrade as I prefer having a temp gauge and a proper fuel gauge.

 

As for the dealer, it’s not that they can’t reprogram units, they can, they just have no access to the codes themselves like they used to. They plug the vehicle in and its done remotely by accessing the VAG server. They never see the information at the dealer end. Have a google of ‘ODIS GeKo’.

 

If there’s a work around for this I’d love to know what it is as it’d be handy, I’m always tinkering with vag stuff.

[Ben2019]

I was browsing through youtube and came across a video where someone was using VAG- COMMANDER to read the pin from their instrument cluster,

 

 

Maybe this might work?

[PD_Roomster]

That’s the software I use. It works with pre 05 stuff, on that vid I think he’s using a b5.5 Passat. It won’t work on the Fabia 2 or Roomster clusters that I have tried. I’ve tried it on my 08 Ibiza too and it’s the same story, unable to read the cluster pin.

[Ben2019]

Hi,

Just had the ECU back, wrestled with the engine bay getting it all reassembled, those spring clips on the air hoses are murder!

Got in the driving seat, key in ignition and as expected, engine turned over but immediately cut out.

Have included a pic of instrument cluster which shows lights on.

[PD_Roomster]

That’s what my current, original dash looks like. They start with immobiliser active but cut out after a second or two. Do you have any way of looking at what codes it’s throwing up with the ignition on? Does the coil light time out as normal or is it flashing?
 

May be worth trying the ecu that was in the boot to see what you get? Might not run but could maybe tell if it’s the original if it doesn’t activate immobiliser. You know the keys/cluster aren’t at fault that way too and there’s a chance you can still pull the pin from the ecu to code into the new one. If you were local I’d be happy to plug it in and see what we could do? I’m North West based.

[Ben2019]

HI

 

I've now got a tech guy hopefully booked to deal with it, so fingers crossed.

The coil light does flash but I think that its lit because the immobiliser has activated (same as the other lights) and its impeding its ability to work.

Will find out once a diagnostic is done.

[Bunsen]

Ben , sounds like progress on your job..let me know how it works out

My new door motor arrived , I’ve bought new window switch too as a precaution.... got two spare keys on way , and found a dash with exact part numbers and model numbers for a decent price ..lot less than dash repairs ..may even code it up as a spare for the car if original sparks back to life..( like a spare imobiliser)

There is an independent tuning firm in Northampton that I have been in to see today and they stressed the importance of having exact match on the donee dashboard...

So I have stacked and racked the parts that are most likely to be cause and effect  for minimum outlay..

The tuner has a factory uplink and stater he can re-code dash and other items like keys...

I only had one key so that will give me options if 1 immobiliser key gets lost ( up to 8 keys can be accepted in to security code session)

 

I will pull and test all relays , and clean all earth cables before I tow car over to them for coding .

 

It would be nice if I could get dash start up lights on first ...

 

May even source spare ECU ..just in case Faulty original ...I can always re-sell if not required..

 

I don’t want car to plug in to factory session and then stall due to blown part

and no replacement... As I know factory uplink is a pay by hour ..per link in use..

 

(I’m sure you Vag com guys are thinking owner diagnostics is best way forward, but I’m in information overload due to too many messages in an unfamiliar presentation (is it me that’s dyslexic or is it the genius that designs these systems) I’m experienced in knowing what parts fail and why they fail , also if in doubt then to replace if you can not eliminate by other means).

I have also experienced the benefits of factory tech alerts (known failure modes and fixes) .. that is worth many hours of diagnostic time and will pay for that information and their investment  )..

 

 

Just wish Skoda had invested in waterproof window motor closure for Fabia / Roomster that is fitted to Octavia as standard! 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ben2019]

OK,

Just a quick update, have some mobile mechanics to search for...

My local tech guy sent his friend out to deal with my car, Nice chap but he couldn't solve it.

He hadn't been told what I'd told the Tech Guy and assumed it was just to program the three keys back in.

He did however try his best to work round it, obtained the code from the instrument cluster, which was promptly rejected by the instrument cluster when we tried to program the keys in.

We have confirmed my suspicion that the ECU and Instrument cluster need to be paired. He didn't have Vag.Com just his locksmith tools in the van so couldn't do it.

£175 paid for call out and checking, he said he'll come back to do the keys once the pairing has been done. 

Just need to find someone who can program it on the cheap in Newmarket area. :-)

 

[Bunsen]

Ben, Security system on my car needs factory link up ...Geko is the system used ..I would expect locksmiths to be up to date on that , if they do regular work on vw group cars ...independents can sign up on the factory system access ...but it costs on a per hour rate....the guy I am going to use is an idipendant tuner ( but I will ask the Geko question before I tow car in ) link below spells it out ..

https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/showOnlineServices.do

 

Earlier models have differing security..you will need to pick the bones out of the imfo to see if you need Geko connected to update .

[Ben2019]

Thanks for the info,

OUCH! I foresee a very big SKODA dealers bill if that's the case.

I did a bit of research myself and hopefully if correct VAG-Tacho and VCDS should be able to sort it out failing that VAG.Commander via a K link.

There is a video on YouTube by Ross Tech which covers swapping ECU's and Instrument Clusters so should be the same thing only one sided.

Will have to see what I can find out.