Description
Immobilizer Defeat for ME7.x ECUs
If you need to transplant a newer engine into a project vehicle, complete a wideband conversion, replace a damaged ECU, or just swap ECUs, the immobilizer feature can become a serious headache. We offer both immobilizer cloning and immobilizer defeats.
This service is also quite helpful if you want to avoid the extra cost associated with programming replacement keys and do it yourself.
Keep in mind that you will need VCDS or ODIS to program keys to the cluster, but we can pull your PIN/SKC on request so you can avoid going to a dealer to have keys fully paired. Many reputable Euro shops are able to program new keys IF they have your PIN/SKC; we are happy to work with your shop. See the FAQ below for more information!
The ECU needs to be shipped to us in order to perform any of these services. Clones require that both the old and new ECU are sent to us. We will only clone immobilizers, stock files, and under limited circumstances, ECU’s we have tuned. We absolutely will not clone ECUs tuned by another company and reputable tuners will have support options for ECUs that have failed.
Please contact us for more information or for expedited shipping options; ECUs are shipped back fully insured for their replacement value.
If you are unsure what type of ECU you have, get in touch. We can perform this service on many VAG ECUs that we do not tune, (such as naturally aspirated models and Eurovans), just email us your part number to confirm. You can usually find your ECU type under the part number after the word “BENZIN” and the letters ME. Click here for Motronic 9 ECU services.
If you need a physical tuning chip removed, please email us. We can help you determine if removal, ECU replacement, or having the original tuner remove the chip is the better option.
Some ECUs produced before 2001.5 use Immobilizer II. These ECUs will need to be paired using VCDS or a similar tool, but do not need an immo defeat. We are happy to help you determine if your ECU requires a defeat or simply needs to be paired.
Important Shipping Information
ECUs should be well wrapped in bubble wrap or other cushioning material for shipping and your name should either be written ON the ECU in permanent marker or included on a note in the box to avoid delays. If we are cloning your immobilizer, please identify which ECU is which. Please make sure retaining brackets are removed. There will be an additional labor charge of $50.00 if we are required to cut brackets. You are welcome to have an ECU sent to us from a third party; just make sure you send us the tracking and seller information ASAP so that we can properly match your ECU to your service ticket when it arrives. In those cases, enter the shipping address with us as the company and you as the recipient. Seriously, make sure your name is on the ECU or the box.
ME7 ECUs should be sent to our Colorado shipping address:
Motoza Performance
1151 Eagle Drive #147
Loveland, CO 80537
ECU Service FAQs
My ECU was previously tuned, will an immo defeat erase the tune?
Nope, your tune will remain untouched.
Do I need an immobilizer defeat to get a tune?
Our tunes don’t require an immo defeat. There are some very rare cases where previously tuned ECUs are write protected and need to be bench flashed to stock.
I just bought a Motoza tune and I need an immo defeat, will you flash the Motoza tune onto my ECU while it’s there?
Yes, indeed.
Can you clone my old tune on to a new ECU?
For existing Motoza clients who have an ECU fail, the answer is often yes. Shoot us an email first. We will need to verify that the old ECU is returned to stock, or we can dispose of it for you. For customers who are tuned by another company, we can clone your immobilizer, but not your tune. Most reputable companies have a process for you to get re-flashed in cases of ECU failure.
What’s the turnaround time?
Most of the time we ship ECUs back out the next business day, (M-F), after they are received. If you’re planning to overnight the ECU to us because you’re in a bind, we suggest choosing A.M. delivery from UPS or FedEx to ensure the ECU arrives early enough to go out same day. Absolutely, positively put identifying information on your ECU or on a piece of paper inside the shipping box to avoid delays.
Will you source an ECU for me?
Sure! We do this frequently for wideband conversions. We’re also happy to help you determine which part numbers will fit your car before you purchase an ECU. Get in touch if you need a quote for an ECU.
Will you soft code my ECU for my transmission/drivetrain/ABS?
If it’s an ECU that can be soft coded on the bench, you got it! Just complete the soft coding section on the service ticket we send you with your order confirmation. This mostly applies to A4’s and S4’s. Some ECUs are very much transmission or year specific.
I’m really confused about all the information online, is my issue the ECU or something else?
In most VAG vehicles, the immobilizer is a three part system that involves the ECU, the cluster, and the key. Definitely reach out if you are unsure which one of the three is causing you to pull out your hair. If your keys and cluster match, in the majority of cases you can swap in any immo defeated ECU with a matching part number without further action.
Typically with an immobilizer issue the engine will run for a few seconds and shut off. Usually you will also have a flashing key light on the dash, or codes that refer to the immobilizer. In most cases an immobilizer defeat will allow you to drive the car, but additional steps may still be needed. For example, if the antenna in the dash that looks for the key signal is broken or has failed, you’ll be able to drive, but the dash light will still flash. The same is true with a faulty key transponder. In some A4s, there is a known issue with the alarm system. This will trigger the immobilizer. In this situation, if the ECU immobilizer is defeated, the car will run and drive with the alarm sounding for about 4 minutes. Going through the process of adapting the keys will often resolve this. If the adaptations do not resolve the issue, then a new ECU often will. We suggest checking your ECU relay, fuses and battery as a first step with any suspected immobilizer issue.
So I just need an immo defeat to pair new keys?
We can help by retrieving the SKC (Secret Key Code or PIN) for far less than a dealer will charge, but you’ll need to complete the pairing. As mentioned above, if you don’t have access to VCDS, shops specializing in Audi/VW service can often pair your keys, but usually don’t have a way to retrieve the SKC. This is still usually far less expensive than going through a dealer. We suggest looking through the key procedure on the Ross-Tech website to make sure that DIY key pairing is right for you.
Can you help me with a cluster swap?
If you’re cluster swapping your car, an immo defeat will take the ECU out of the equation. More importantly for swaps, we can retrieve the SKC/PIN codes you’ll need. If your cluster and ECU started life together, they will share an SKC/PIN; so if you are putting your old cluster into a new chassis, or you have the ECU that originally came with the cluster, you can send us the ECU for PIN retrieval rather than having to send the cluster out.
If you are putting a new cluster into your car and do not have the ECU that came with the cluster, then we can refer you to someone who can pair your ECU, instrument cluster, and key at the same time.