Good evening, my Skoda Fabia died recently. The ignition barrel gave up, stoped clicking into the third position where the engine supposed to turn on.

Also all the warning lights stayed on, even when the key was removed from the barrel…

Mobile mechanic suggested, I need to change the ignition barrel AND take out the speedometer and take it in the house, dry it on the radiator. Did not help!

I need to purchase a “new” one. The question is, how many digits of the serial number need to match? Please see attached pictures of “old” and “new” speedometer.

 

and while we are at it:

is there a way to get rid of the ignition barrel and key and use a multi position switch to start the car? It is a rat style so nothing fancy…

 

Your help and contributions are really appreciated!

 

if it helps, reg number is: GK02 TFV

The clocks are not plug and play even if you had a set with the EXACT same number, they are coded to the ECU along with the transponder in the key  so if you swap the clocks the immobiliser will stay on.

Starting point with background for swap. Immobilizer - Ross-Tech Wiki

You may have to pull data of the old and new cluster, but the above page has hyperlinks for requirements. Only done an instrument swap myself on a 2008 Mk2 fabia so no actual experience on a Mk1, but had to use a tool called VAG Key to pull code off both cluster.

Edited 31 January, 20251 yr by KeithCheetham
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I don't know if this is a thing @East_Yorkshire_Retrofits can sort out.

 

@KeithCheetham Where did you get VAG Key from? Is it still available?

 

Kev.

Might be worth while getting it repaired. There are a few companies on line like https://www.revtronic.com Think its about £100 and will repair the unit and keep the coding/data.

Not sure which company is best but maybe someone on here can advise. As to bypassing barrel it may be just the switch. Did read on here that mechanic had bypassed one with a button until new switch arrived. The barrel may have a transponder/key reader which will affect the imobilizer.

Alasdair

If you want to get rid of the ignition barrel, then this is possible. You'll either need an immobiliser delete, or you'll need to fasten the key (or the guts of it) to the transponder ring and tuck it behind the trim

As for the cluster, the last letter doesn't tend to matter too much, but the closer the better. The replacement will not be plug and play

On 31/01/2025 at 21:13, tetley said:

I don't know if this is a thing @East_Yorkshire_Retrofits can sort out.

 

@KeithCheetham Where did you get VAG Key from? Is it still available?

 

Kev.

 Sorry for late reply but did not see question. Mine came from AliExpress a long time ago, but searching on there using "vag key login pin code reader" price appears prohibitive at around £70 to which tax etc will be added. Bit more info at New VAG Key Login Pin code & key learning vehicle list Unsure if there is an alternate product at a more realistic price.

 

VAG Key Login Instructions.pdf

Edited 5 February, 20251 yr by KeithCheetham
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