Need New Switchblade Immobilizer Chip

[Passat Rocks]

I purchased 2 new Switchblade Transmitters from Amazon to replace the worn out ones we had. I was able to very easily and successfully get one up and running, but had a bit of bad luck on the second one. As I was attempting to remove the immobilizer chip from the old switchblade it cracked in half and is no longer operational. So when I try to start the car, as you would expect, the immobilizer kicks in and won't allow it to turn over and run.

What options do I have at this point? I called the stealer (dealer) and talking to them was like talking to a 4 year old about physics. They were extremely clueless about the whole thing and had no idea what chip I was even talking about. Of course their answer was to bring the car in for them to look it over and they will let me know what is needed. As you can imagine I'm a bit hesitant.

Can I go to a good locksmith and get what I need done? Would they be able to use my operational key to figure out what is needed and provide me with a second reprogrammed key? Or am I at the mercy of the dealer to do whatever it is they want to do?

Whatever the case, I want to make sure I have as much info as possible so I don't get taken advantage of either way.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[keithwbloom]

I can see if I can scavenge one from a column key at the junk yard. You'll have to adapt ECU and cluster for it, but that is a simple VAG Com process. I think I am going tomorrow morning if it is not 20°F.

[FrescoGreen01.5]

Keith, are you sure?

The OP needs a new Immo chip. Doesn't that require a dealer or authorized locksmith to connect to the VW database to adapt the ECU and cluster? I didn't think a Vagcom could do it.

[keithwbloom]

You can adapt a key to the ECU with it set to program mode, IIRC. I'll look up procedure, but I am pretty sure it goes something like this: you put the ECU into adapt mode, and then use the key to be programmed to unlock and lock the driver door several times in succession and the ECU reads the RFID chip in the key and adds it to the authorized keys in its memory.

My steps may not be accurate to the letter, but I am pretty certain that is how the flow goes in concept. Won't go to sleep tonight till I post a confirmation or a correction.

[keithwbloom]

You can adapt a key to the ECU with it set to program mode, IIRC. I'll look up procedure, but I am pretty sure it goes something like this: you put the ECU into adapt mode, and then use the key to be programmed to unlock and lock the driver door several times in succession and the ECU reads the RFID chip in the key and adds it to the authorized keys in its memory.

My steps may not be accurate to the letter, but I am pretty certain that is how the flow goes in concept. Won't go to sleep tonight till I post a confirmation or a correction.

Not quite what I described (I think I was recalling a similar procedure for my wife's Lincoln) but a Ross-Tech documented step-by-step nonetheless.

I'll see if I can get you a replacement RFID capsule. I am very familiar with them, I just wrote a step-by-step on how to move them from one key case to a new one. O.P., perhaps that was how you got into this predicament in the first place. Glad to help.

A little further detail:

If your B5.5 is IMMO-II

If your B5.5 is IMMO-III

To get the PIN, you may need a VAG Tacho dongle.

[Passat Rocks]

Thank you for all the input and willingness to help. I have certainly got myself into a pickle without a doubt. I was able to easily move the first chip from the old case to the new one as it didn't seem to be wedged in too tightly in the old case. I thought the second chip would have come out just as easily, but unfortunately I was mistaken. It was pretty snug and they seem to be very brittle, so as soon as I put something under it and applied a little pressure it simply shattered. The swap was pretty easy and went very well; I guess I just went too fast on that second chip removal.

I saw your step-by-step on how to change the case; my key is just like yours with the small capsule-type chip. I am unsure if I have the IMMO-II or III as I didn't quite understand the difference. Also, what do you mean when you use the term "O.P." ; "VAG Tacho dongle" ?

Thanks again for you help; it's greatly appreciated.

[keithwbloom]

The links explain how to tell which version of IMMO you have. IMMO-II and IMMO-III are very similar, and I don't think the procedures differ greatly.

OP is just a reference to original poster.


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