FAQ
TL;DR: One documented success shows cloning the immobilizer block and using FVDI solved the Touran→Golf cluster swap; “All immoblock has been copied from old to new and that’s all.” [Elektroda, kozik20l, post #17316744]
Why it matters: If you’re swapping VW clusters, this thread distills the minimal tools and steps that actually worked for DIYers and pros.
Quick Facts
- Immobilizer generation reported as Immo4 for this swap (Touran 2007 ↔ Golf 5). [Elektroda, OskiA3, post #16892995]
- Recommended toolchain mentioned: UHDS + SMOK add-on for Micronas clusters. [Elektroda, adam7009, post #16891694]
- OBD-only approaches fail when the immobilizer is blocked; bench/EEPROM access required. [Elektroda, adam7009, post #16891902]
- EEPROM on the Golf 5 cluster was read as 24C32 in this case. [Elektroda, kozik20l, post #16894170]
- Buying pro tools can exceed service cost; many advise paying a specialist. [Elektroda, kamyczek, post #16891510]
What’s the simplest way to fit a Golf 5 1K0920874B cluster into a Touran 2007 (Micronas 1T0920864A)?
Clone the immobilizer block from the original Touran cluster into the Golf cluster, then install. One user achieved success using FVDI and reported no further hurdles. This approach avoids full OBD adaptation when the immo is blocked. “All immoblock has been copied from old to new and that’s all.” [Elektroda, kozik20l, post #17316744]
Can I do the immobilizer adaptation with VCDS alone?
No. A contributor stated plainly that VCDS won’t handle this cluster immobilizer generation. You need EEPROM/service mode or specialized tools to proceed. VCDS remains useful for coding and adaptations after the immobilizer issue is resolved, but it cannot “bite” the immobilizer here. [Elektroda, OskiA3, post #16892995]
Is this setup Immo3 or Immo4?
Expect Immo4 behavior in this swap context. One experienced user identified it as Immo4 for the Golf/Touran case. Treat it accordingly when choosing tools and procedures. This impacts whether OBD-only key learning will work. [Elektroda, OskiA3, post #16892995]
Which affordable tools actually worked for people in the thread?
FVDI worked for the poster who completed the swap by copying the immobilizer block. They confirmed success after the holidays and closed the loop with a positive report. This provides one real-world data point from the same vehicle family and part numbers. [Elektroda, kozik20l, post #17316744]
What’s the recommended professional tool path if I don’t want to gamble?
One member recommended UHDS plus the SMOK Micronas add-on for these clusters. This combo supports service mode and EEPROM operations needed for immobilizer work. It’s a common pro workflow for Micronas-based VAG clusters. [Elektroda, adam7009, post #16891694]
Will a cheap OBD device handle it if the immobilizer is blocked?
No. A user warned that with the immobilizer blocked, you will do nothing via OBD. Plan for bench work and EEPROM access. Consider service mode or direct EEPROM programming to move the immobilizer data safely. “With the immo blocked you won’t do anything after the OBD.” [Elektroda, adam7009, post #16891902]
Which EEPROM stores the immobilizer data on the Golf 5 cluster mentioned?
In this case the poster read a 24C32 EEPROM and shared the dump. Expect similar memory on many Micronas-based clusters, though variants exist. Verify the chip marking before reading or writing to avoid corruption. [Elektroda, kozik20l, post #16894170]
What is “service mode” in this context?
Service mode is a temporary state that allows deeper access to the cluster’s EEPROM and immo data. A helper provided a service-mode file and instructed the poster to load it, enabling the required operations. Tools like SMOK/UHDS implement this. [Elektroda, OskiA3, post #16903910]
How do I swap the immobilizer data? (3-step quick guide)
- Read PINs and the EEPROM from the original cluster.
- Put the Golf cluster into service mode.
- Write the immobilizer block to the Golf cluster, then refit and complete coding.
This was the advised flow in the thread. [Elektroda, OskiA3, post #16892556]
Is paying a specialist actually cheaper than buying tools?
Yes, according to a contributor. Professional tools and licenses often cost more than a one-off service. Mailing both clusters to a specialist or visiting a shop can save money and time for occasional users. [Elektroda, kamyczek, post #16891510]
I saw conflicting notes: is it Immo3, Immo4, or something in between?
One participant noted it can be seen as 3C/4 depending on the source. Expect Immo4-like handling, and choose tools that support both where possible. When in doubt, use service mode and EEPROM cloning. [Elektroda, OskiA3, post #16903912]
Any edge cases or failure modes I should watch for?
OBD-only methods fail when the immobilizer is blocked. Plan bench access to avoid bricking the cluster. If a budget tool lacks your cluster in its support list, assume it won’t work reliably for this job. This was explicitly warned in-thread. [Elektroda, adam7009, post #16891902]
Did anyone actually report success after ordering FVDI?
Yes. The original poster later returned and confirmed success using FVDI. They solved it by copying the immobilizer block from the old cluster to the new one. This is the thread’s key outcome. [Elektroda, kozik20l, post #17316744]
Does VCDS help at all after immobilizer cloning?
Yes. Use VCDS for coding, adaptations, and verifying modules after the immobilizer is sorted. It won’t handle the immobilizer transfer itself but remains useful for finalization and checking fault codes. [Elektroda, OskiA3, post #16892995]
What if my EEPROM marking differs (e.g., 24LC33AE vs 24C32)?
The poster initially asked about 24LC33AE but later shared a 24C32 read. Always confirm the exact device before dumping or writing. Reading the wrong chip profile risks data corruption and immobilizer lockouts. [Elektroda, kozik20l, post #16894170]
Should I change the cluster housing when moving from Golf 5 to Touran?
The OP planned to transplant the housing to fit the Golf electronics. This is common for aesthetic and mounting reasons. Do the immobilizer work on the bench first, then handle the cosmetic housing swap. [Elektroda, kozik20l, post #16891296]
