VW Golf TDI Immobilizer Nightmare: Start-and-Die Issue

Having experienced similar symptoms with a 2010 Jetta TDI, I can confirm this is typically related to the anti-theft system. The security light activation followed by engine shutdown is a classic sign of an immobilizer fault rather than a mechanical issue. Last time this happened, the key signal was getting interrupted due to a failing transmitter coil near the ignition barrel. The temporary fixes kept failing because shops were only reprogramming the key without addressing the actual hardware problem. The permanent solution required: Replacing the transmitter coil ring, Full immobilizer bypass and reset, Complete key programming sequence, Clearing all related fault codes This was a significant repair requiring specialized diagnostic equipment. The remote start system also needed reconfiguration after the fix. While not mechanically serious, these electronic security issues can completely disable the vehicle. Important: If your previous shop only performed key programming without checking the transmitter hardware, the problem will likely keep returning. Make sure the next technician checks the entire anti-theft system components, not just the programming side.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Jetta. After reading through this, it sounds exactly like what happened with my Golf. For a few months I had unusual starting problems until finally the security light started coming on and the car would shut down. Did you happen to remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the complete fix? My local shop quoted me 800€ just for diagnostics and initial repairs, which feels steep. Also curious if youve had any issues since getting the immobilizer fault fixed and the transmitter coil replaced? Really want to make sure I fix this properly this time instead of throwing money at temporary solutions. The key signal issues are driving me crazy and my anti-theft system seems to have a mind of its own lately.

Glad to provide an update on my anti-theft system repair experience. After seeing a certified technician, the issue turned out to be much simpler than initially thought. They found the key programming was incorrect, causing the immobilizer to malfunction. The total repair cost was only 45€, quite a relief compared to the original quote. The security light hasnt come on since the fix, and the car starts perfectly every time now. No more unusual shutdowns or immobilizer problems. Looking back, the transmitter coil replacement I mentioned wasnt necessary in my case, it was purely a programming issue. That 800€ quote you received seems excessive, especially for initial diagnostics. Consider getting a second opinion from a shop specializing in car electronics and security systems. Sometimes these issues are more straightforward than they appear, and you might save significant money. The key is finding someone who really understands automotive security systems and can properly diagnose whether its actually a hardware problem or just a programming issue. Since my repair, the remote start and all electronic features have worked flawlessly.

Thanks everyone for the help. Wanted to update on what happened with my Golf. Finally took it to a different shop that specializes in car electronics and security systems. Turns out my immobilizer fault was mainly due to a damaged wiring harness near the steering column, not the key itself. The mechanic found where the previous shop had actually made things worse by incorrectly programming the key signal. They fixed the wiring, reset the entire anti-theft system, and properly reprogrammed everything. Total cost came to 280€, way better than the 800€ quote I got before. Car has been running perfectly for the past few weeks. No more security lights, no unusual shutdowns, and the immobilizer bypass they did seems to have solved all the electronic gremlins. Really glad I got a second opinion instead of going with that first expensive quote. Sometimes finding the right specialist makes all the difference.