Kessy Module Failure
Just had a complete failure this month (all handles and tailgate, lock and unlock) of the Keyless Entry system although my remote keyfob still operated fine as did my keyless start (OEM keyless start installed in my garage 3/08.) I have an '05 Touareg w/V8, Nav, Sport Package, etc. I will apologize for the length of my reply but hopefully my experience will save someone some pain. First some history:
- In '07: Outside driver door handle replaced when locking button failed.
- In 3/09: Installed Kenwood/Garmin/Parrot aftermarket 2-DIN headunit to replace OEM Navi. No problems.
- No problems after installing keyless start in '08. All worked as before.
- Keyless entry was "intermittently" quirky at times (from new and after the keyless start install.) I would lock the doors and as I removed my finger from the handle/lock-button the doors would unlock. I would have to step further away from the car (as if I was sneaking up on it) and I could get the doors to stay locked. I even made sure I wasn't pressing the unlock button in my pocket. If after a few tries that did not work, I would pull the key out and lock from the remote. Next time back to the car the problem would be gone for a couple of months.
- 3/09: I just purchased the vehicle off the end of a 4-year lease. It has ~84K on it now and runs and shows well (and no, I have not done the timing belt yet - I am considering timing and options there given the $2K+ cost for the job.)
Upon bringing it into the dealer for the keyless failure I was told the repair could be as high as $2,400 (including all the aforementioned new door handles, etc.,) at which point I asked to speak with the Service Manager insisting they justify such an expense. Having some significant experiece troubleshooting German equipment and vehicles I offered recommendations on isoloating the problem first before buying and replacing components at will to try and make things work. I also strongly suggested that it was unlikely that all antennas failed at the same time (the first suggestion) and that this suggested a problem with the module not the door handles. After leaving the vehicle with the dealer for 4-1/2 days so they could work on it in between other jobs and help to control the labor cost, they found that the driver side door handles and the antennas were OK. The passenger side handles and bumper antenna testing was waived by the service manager as my point was being proven. New Kessy module is now on order and will be installed later this month as I am traveling for a couple of weeks (FYI: Original P/N is no longer available and is not superseded - strange? New P/N: 7L0-909-137-CX-02G Control Unit.) Total Cost: ~$1,300 including earlier trouble-shooting and module cost of $770.64. Not totally thrilled about that, but it could have been far worse if allowed to continue down the earlier path. Saved about $1K.
This dealer has generally provided me with good service in recent years (my T-reg and 3 Audi leases since 1999,) and once I raised this up the chain of command they responded reasonably well. My only point to anyone is do not be afraid of insisting that the boss gets involved if you feel you are not getting all the facts (I am not trying to trash my dealer here.) You also should not have to pay for anyone's learning curve on your dime so like a doctor, get another opinion if you can. If anyone is interested I will write back on the results when the job is completed.
