VW Virtus Won't Start: Immobilizer System Failure Alert

I had almost the exact same issue with my 2021 VW Polo last month. I have some experience working on cars but car electronics and immobilizer systems are not my strong point. The symptoms were identical, car would sometimes not start or die right after starting. The anti-theft system was acting up due to incorrect key programming. The remote start function was also affected. Here is what fixed it for me: Workshop did a full diagnostic scan, Found immobilizer fault codes, Reprogrammed the key to sync properly with the immobilizer, Tested multiple start cycles to confirm the fix Total cost was 45€ for the key programming service. The whole process took about an hour. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Do you have the original key or a copy? Does the key fob battery have good charge? Are there any other warning lights on the dash? When exactly did this start happening? The immobilizer problems tend to be pretty similar across VW models, but these details would help determine if your case matches what I experienced or might need a different approach.

Thanks for the detailed analysis. At 66749km and after my latest service just 2 weeks ago, this started happening suddenly. The ignition control module seems to be the culprit based on the error codes. My original VW key works fine in the door locks, but the immobilizer fault appears right when trying to start. No other warning lights show up on the dash. A suggested checking the key fob battery, but its fresh and was replaced during service. What concerns me is that both keys show the same behavior, which points to an issue with the car immobilizer system itself rather than the keys. Did your repair shop need any special VW diagnostic tools for the key programming? Want to make sure I take it somewhere properly equipped to handle these security system issues.

This happened with my Polo too, when both keys show the same symptoms it usually points to the immobilizer system or ignition control module rather than key problems. Since yours started right after service, theres a chance they might have triggered something in the security system during maintenance. My repair actually ended up being more complex than just key programming. The shop found corroded connections at the ignition control module that were causing intermittent immobilizer faults. They needed the VW-specific diagnostic system to properly reset and reprogram the anti-theft system after fixing the connections. The total repair came to 280€: 45€ diagnostic scan, 150€ parts, 85€ labor Two important tips from my experience: 1. Make sure to use a shop with VW security system certification 2. Have them check the wiring connectors near the steering column, since bad connections often trigger immobilizer issues The good news is that once properly diagnosed and fixed, these security light and starting problems usually dont come back. My car has been starting perfectly for 6 months now.

I appreciate the thorough feedback. Your experience with the corroded connections makes a lot of sense. The security light coming on with both keys really does suggest its the car immobilizer system itself having issues, not the keys. Going to book it in at the certified VW shop that has the proper diagnostic tools for the immobilizer bypass and security system programming. The 280€ total repair cost you mentioned seems reasonable given the parts and specialized work needed for the ignition control module. Having this happen right after service is frustrating, but at least I know what to expect now. Will make sure they thoroughly check those steering column connections too since that was the root cause of your starting problems. Really helpful to hear the fix has been reliable for you these past 6 months. Thanks for walking me through your repair experience. Feel much better prepared now to get this resolved properly rather than waste time trying quick fixes that dont address the underlying immobilizer system fault.