2002 turbo beetle will not start (key not reading?)

[ehanson]

I went to start my Beetle this morning and it would start, but then turn off immediatley. I called the dealer he said the car may not be reading the key. My problem is that I live on Kodiak Island, Alaska and the closest dealer is a 12 hr ferry ride and a 300 mile drive away. Can I by-pass or fix this problem without the trip?

[lewis@vwdiscountparts]

It does sound like the key not communicating with your immobilizer system. Unfortunately, there are very few workarounds. Due to your remote location, I would highly recommend you invest in a vag-com unit. You can take care of minor issues yourself, and it would be extremely valuable for diagnosis. (Which could save you the ferry ride) With this unit, you can program your own keys and remotes, pull diagnostic codes, reset computers, etc.... It's a little pricey but in your situation it would make a lot of sense. The system can be purchased from Ross-Tech
Ross-Tech: Home

Good luck,

- Craig
Discount Volkswagen Parts