I have an issue with the shop that I take my car to. I have two parts to the question but I need the first part answered before I can ask the next.

I dropped my car (for a install) off at my shop earlier this week (Monday) because my OSIR carbon fiber rear valence just came in.

I got a phone call yesterday from the shop telling me that the car's immobilizer turned on. This was due to the fact that I gave them a valet key that was just sent to me in the mail (from the seller I purchased the car from about a month ago).

I am wondering what exactly does it mean if the immobilizer is on and how is it activated?

 

immobilizer does just that.

Electronic immobilizer


The immobilizer is an electronic anti-theft device. It is activated when the ignition key is removed and, together with the engine control unit, largely prevents unauthorized starting of the engine. The system uses a transmitter and receiver unit in the ignition key (transponder). Whenever an attempt is made to start the engine, it transmits a new code to the car’s electronics. The immobilizing is only cancelled if the key sends an authorization code. New encryption technology protects the system against electronically copied vehicle keys.

Note:
No system can provide 100% protection against theft. If thieves possess the necessary skill and determination, they may even be able to overcome the electronic immobilizer.

 

They told me my immobilizer turned on because the valet key I gave them was not programmed with my car so it started my car and after that my car's immobilizer turned on.

So what I am getting from this is that I gave them a wrong key and when they tried to use it, my immobilizer activated...

 

the immobilizer is a chip. You have one in your oem key. They key he gave you prob doesnt have one or isnt programmed.

 

so the valet key i got that was not programmed immobilized my car but my other 2 key fobs still work.. whats going on? what does the immobilizer do if my two key fobs still work!?

 

bump, i still need more clarification to deal with this shop

 

I dealt with this same mearlier in the week. I only have a key with no remote because I lost my other one. I called the Audi headquarters and they stepped me through the following process.

Step one: Place the key in the ignition and remove the car from safe mode (IF neccesary

Step 2: Get out of the car and locked it from the outside.

Step 3: Then reinsert the key into the driver's side key hole and turn it fully into the unlocked direction TWICE, which should be towards the front of the car twice.

Step 4: Relock the car with the key from the outside.

Step 5: UNlock door with the key from the outside.

Step 6: Start car

 

Don't tell me you took the car into a shop to install a valance did you? Its 4 bolts (or screws) to loosen and then just snaps off. Install takes ~15min.

Something similiar happened to me once but in my case nothing would work in the car. I couldn't even open the gas tank with the button. I did similiar steps (probably the exact same) as listed above and everything was fine again. It is some type of reset.