WFS Control Blinking: Troubleshooting Guide

Just now, the shock: ignition key inserted, turned, the engine starts briefly, then dies. After the 3rd attempt, thankfully, it started and I got to work. Now it's in the underground garage and won't start anymore. The WFS symbol is blinking, and the car is just sitting there silently! I've also read a lot here. However, I'm unsure how to proceed. I don't think re-pairing the key will help much.

'Do you have any ideas?'

Hi Joergs,

Do you happen to have the spare key with you?

It is said that if the key falls, the transponder inside the key can be damaged.

The reading coil should also show signs of wear (even though this seems illogical, as it is not mechanically stressed - unless it has been improperly installed by VW).

Best regards,

Jan.

It definitely sounds like a faulty ignition coil to me, because my Polo did the same thing. Often, a firm tap on the ignition switch will get it started. However, the error code is stored in the system.

Okay, so: I'm stuck in this work situation, and unfortunately, I only have one key! This will never happen again! I swear!

I just read the terms and conditions.
motor-stg: 17978 - Engine start blocked by immobilizer. P1570-25-10. Intermittent.

kombi: 01128 - Immobilizer pickup coil d2
01176 - key 65-10 unauthorized, intermittent.
01176 - key 07-00 signal to low.

Sure, here's the translation:

'Any ideas?'

imo: either the transponder or the reading coil, or something else?

So, the situation with VW is that the reading coil is supposedly only available with the ignition switch. Getting a new ignition switch that also works with my key takes about 1 1/2 weeks. A new lock with a different key is also not available locally. It would have to be ordered from a larger supplier, where it is also supposedly not in stock.

Does anyone happen to know the part number for a reading coil for a Passat 3BG?

*gives a bored look*

...I'll check right away. I think it cost around 40 DM for the Polo 6N, and the coil was available separately. However, it's possible that it's no longer possible for the 3BG models because they all have a factory-installed lock.

That would be terrible!

I was doing some research and found a thread discussing how to disable certain buttons. Does this deactivation also work on the 3BG model? It was being discussed in relation to an Audi!

Here's what I'm seeing with AKTE: it seems like the lock really needs to be replaced. This applies to the 3B model, and unfortunately, I haven't updated to the latest version yet. We've discussed the reading coils before, and the opinion that these components don't wear out is often expressed. Do you have any knowledge of electronics? If so, could you free up the lock and take a look? There might be a simple defect. As far as I know, deactivating it isn't possible.

joergs wrote:

imo: either the transponder or the reading coil or something else?

Hi Jörg,

Since the WFS is producing "plausible" errors, the bug must be located somewhere between the WFS configuration and the key.

In addition to your suggestions, the STG (e.g., reading input) itself and the cable leading to the coil should also be considered.

If the latter component has a cracked solder joint or a (partially) corroded connector, it might still be possible to fix it using DIY methods.

On my Golf, the ignition coil is still a separate component from the lock, but it has a cable molded onto it that connects to the WFS control unit.
If the coil is stuck tightly to the lock on yours, the cable might be plugged into the coil and the ECU (Engine Control Unit) ...?

Unfortunately, I don't know your car well enough, so you may need to do some research and searching yourself.

Okay, just a quick update: I went back home last night and got the keys.
Well, it wasn't the key. But after several angry whacks at the ignition, it started again. That should be enough for now, until a new ignition is here. Yesterday, I tried again to request help directly from VW. Eventually, a young man called me, and he insisted on towing the car. However, he didn't seem to understand that towing a vehicle out of this deep garage with a pickup truck is impossible for one person due to the height difference. The cherry on top was the price he wanted to charge to tow the car to the courtyard of the nearest VW workshop (less than 500 meters away): 95 euros plus some extra charge! I think these people are crazy! I'll order a new ignition later and hope and pray that it arrives as soon as possible, so this knocking can finally stop!

I'm telling you, that tapping thing will stop quickly. With the Polo, it took about a month, and then even the "punching" method didn't work anymore... which was a good thing, because otherwise I would have torn the trim off from all the constant hitting. Oh, and one more tip: what worked best for me was levering it from underneath with my knee (but please don't take that as a repair suggestion... hehe, I think that's clear).

That knocking sound will stop quickly, believe me. With the Polo, it took about a month, and then even the 'punching' method didn't work anymore... which was a good thing, because otherwise I would have torn the trim off from all the constant hitting... oh, one more tip: what worked best for me was levering it from underneath with my knee (but this should not be understood as a repair instruction... hehehe, I think that's clear)

This will likely end soon, as I might have a new lock cylinder with a reading coil by Monday at the latest.

Okay, I've now removed the cover and taken a look at the ignition switch. The first thing I noticed was a very short cable. This cable is connected to the ignition coil, so there might be a contact problem causing the issue. However, it might not be the cause. Looking at the overall situation, I'm wondering how to remove the cylinder from its aluminum housing. Does anyone have instructions for replacing it, or perhaps an exploded diagram that shows more detail than what's available in AKTE?

Hello, I'm not sure if the cable for the immobilizer is available separately for your model. If it is, I would start by replacing that cable (possibly due to the steering wheel adjustment or a broken cable).
It has never happened to me before that the reading head was defective.
As I said, with the A4 izb, it's standard that the cable is defective.

Now, four weeks have passed since the cable was 'extended.' There hasn't been a single glitch or problem with the WFS. So, it was purely a cable and connection issue. Nothing else!

joergs wrote:

Now, 4 weeks have passed since the cable was "replaced". There hasn't been a single dropout or problem with the WFS. So, it was purely a cable and contact issue. Nothing else!!!!

Hi Jörg,

So, another design flaw that has certainly been exploited countless times by greedy workshops -> various new parts / control units installed, and hefty bills issued.

Please add this as a (type-specific) tip to the error database .