This immobilizer OFF (IMMO delete) service is designed for Volkswagen vehicles equipped with Continental SIMOS engine control units that start briefly and then shut down due to an immobilizer fault. This condition commonly occurs when replacing a failed ECU with a used or remanufactured unit that does not match the vehicle’s immobilizer system.

This service disables the immobilizer function inside the ECU only, allowing the engine to remain running when the immobilizer system is blocking operation. It is intended specifically for ECU replacement scenarios where immobilizer adaptation is not possible.

When This Immobilizer OFF Service Is Appropriate

This service is intended only for vehicles that start and then immediately shut down due to an immobilizer issue. Typical fault codes associated with this condition include P1570 (“Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer”) and P0513 (“Incorrect Immobilizer Key”).

If the vehicle does not start at all, this service will not resolve the issue. The ECU must be capable of starting the engine before the immobilizer shuts it down.

Intended Use and Important Limitations

This immobilizer OFF service is intended for ECU replacement, off-road use, diagnostic testing, or controlled applications only. Disabling the immobilizer may affect certain vehicle functions and may have legal implications depending on your location. It is not intended as a general on-road immobilizer bypass.

On Volkswagen vehicles manufactured after 2009, immobilizer-related issues involving lost keys or cluster failures may also affect the Body Control Module (BCM). In these cases, disabling the immobilizer inside the ECU may result in loss of window functionality. This occurs because window control is managed through the BCM immobilizer sequence, which is separate from the engine immobilizer sequence.

This service modifies only the ECU immobilizer (engine control). We do not offer BCM immobilizer deactivation, and any BCM-related issues may remain unresolved.

POWERCLASS Compatibility Requirement (Critical)

Continental SIMOS and PCR2.1 ECUs use a POWERCLASS feature that prevents mismatched software versions from operating in the vehicle. For this service to work correctly, the replacement ECU must have a 100% identical full part number to the original ECU. All letters and numbers must match exactly.

For example, a replacement ECU labeled “03L906023DM” must match the original part number character-for-character. Any mismatch may cause the BCM or other CAN modules to reject the ECU, preventing the vehicle from starting.

Supported Continental SIMOS ECU Types

This service supports the following Continental SIMOS ECU families:

• SIMOS 8.x series (SIMOS 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6)

• SIMOS 10 series (including SIMOS 10.xx, SIMOS 10.24A)

• SIMOS 11 series (including SIMOS 11.1)

• SIMOS 12 series (including SIMOS 12.2)

• SIMOS PCR2.1

• SIMOS 16

• SIMOS 18

Supported Volkswagen Models

This immobilizer OFF service supports the following Volkswagen models:

• VW Golf (2010–2018)

• VW Jetta (2010–2018)

• VW Passat (2010–2018)

• VW Tiguan (2010–2018)

• VW Beetle (2010–2018)

• VW Polo (2010–2018)

If your vehicle or ECU type is not listed, you may contact us with your ECU details for verification.

Texas-Based Service With Nationwide Mail-In Support

This service is performed at our Texas facility, and we support customers throughout Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Central Texas. Nationwide mail-in service is available for customers outside Texas.

Service Process

Once you purchase the service, remove the ECU from your vehicle and package it securely in a padded box. Include a note with your full name, contact phone number, return shipping address, and vehicle year, model, and VIN.

Ship the ECU to:

ClusterFix Texas
16044 N HWY 123
San Marcos, TX 78666

After shipping, send tracking information to info@clusterfixtexas.com or text (512) 792-1717. Once received, the immobilizer will be disabled inside the ECU and the unit will be returned to you.

FAQ

Will this fix a vehicle that does not start at all?
No. This service only applies to vehicles that start and then shut down due to the immobilizer.

Does this disable the BCM immobilizer?
No. This service modifies only the ECU immobilizer. BCM-related immobilizer functions, including window controls, are not affected.

Is a matching ECU part number required?
Yes. The replacement ECU must have an identical full part number due to the POWERCLASS system.

Is this service legal for on-road use?
This service is intended for ECU replacement, off-road, or testing purposes. Local laws may vary regarding immobilizer modification.

Do you service customers outside Texas?
Yes. This is a nationwide mail-in service, though we are based in Texas.