Models affected: 2005-’07 Jetta (A5) and 2006-’07 Rabbit and GTI (A5) 

 

The customer may state that the engine cranks intermittently or will not crank. This condition may be more evident when the engine is hot. This may be caused internally when the steering column electronic systems control module — J527— fails, causing Terminal 50 to not energize high, which results in a no-crank condition. 

 

J527 performs two operations when starting the vehicle. When the ignition is turned to the crank position:

– A message is sent via the CAN bus to J519. 

– The Terminal 50 circuit between J519 and J527 is energized to high.

Tip: The fault code for “00885 Ignition/Starter Switch -D- (terminal 50) 008 implausible signal 001 sporadic” may be stored in J519.

 

Service:

– Verify the output of J527 using VAS 5051/5052. 

– Enter address word 16 – Steering Wheel Electronics. 

– Read Measuring Value Block 3. 

In field one, there will be a bit pattern, which is relevant to ignition switch status. See Figure 1.

– Turn the ignition switch to the crank position and observe that the last bit cycles from 0 to 1, as shown. 

 

Tip: Example of the switch in the crank position: 01011

 

If the bit does not cycle, then verify the integrity of the ignition switch (further diagnostics are needed. Do not continue with this technical bulletin). 

– Exit address word 16 – Steering Wheel Electronics. 

– Enter address word 09 – Electronic Central Electrics.

– Read Measuring Value Block 7. 

– Turn the ignition switch to the crank position again and hold.

 

The first field is a status indication of the Terminal 50 input on pin G1 on the vehicle electrical system control module — J519. If this does not cycle from off to on, when in the crank position, then the J519 is not receiving a Terminal 50 input from J527. 

 

Verify the Terminal 50 circuit and connector terminals between J519 and J527. See Figure 2. 

 

Circuit path: Pin 1 on the 12 pin G connector of J519 to pin 18 on the 20- pin connector of J527. J527 is located under the steering column, see arrow in Figure 3. 

 

Connector G is located on top of J519.

If the Terminal 50 circuit is valid: 

– Replace J527. See Repair Manual Group 94 – Lights, Switches – exterior, Steering Column Switches. 

 

Tip: It’s helpful to copy the coding of the J527 prior to exchanging the part.

 

If the Terminal 50 circuit or connector terminals are damaged, repair as necessary.

 

Courtesy of ALLDATA.