A recent no-start condition in a VW resulted in a series of fault codes, most notably Vcds 01317. This code indicates a communication breakdown between various modules and the instrument cluster (J285). This post details the diagnostic process using VCDS, outlining the fault codes found and the steps taken.
Initial Symptoms and Troubleshooting
The vehicle exhibited a no-start condition, with the engine starting briefly then dying. The instrument cluster was unresponsive. Prior to the issue, a new battery and relay 460 (VW 1K0951253A) were installed. An intermittent immobilizer warning prompted a key fob battery replacement. Once started, the car ran without issues. An airbag warning light appeared with the no-start condition but could be cleared.
VCDS Scan: Cluster OFF/No Start
A VCDS scan with the cluster off revealed numerous fault codes across multiple modules, including:
- Address 01: Engine: P0506 (Idle Control System), P2181 (Cooling System Performance), U0155 (No Communication with Instrument Cluster), P0513 (Incorrect Immobilizer Key)
- Address 03: ABS Brakes: 01317 (Control Module in Instrument Cluster (J285) – No Signal/Communication), 00474 (Control Module for Immobilizer – No Signal/Communication)
- Address 08: Auto HVAC: 01317
- Address 09: Cent. Elect.: 01341 (Control Module in Instrument Panel On Comfort CAN (J285) – No Signal/Communication)
- Address 0F: Digital Radio: Satellite antenna and tuner related faults.
- Address 15: Airbags: 01317
- Address 19: CAN Gateway: 00474, 01317
- Address 1C: Position Sensing: 01317
- Address 25: Immobilizer: Not reachable
- Address 55: Headlight Range: 01317
- Address 65: Tire Pressure: Sensor and ambient temperature signal faults.
The prevalence of VCDS 01317 across various modules suggested a central communication issue related to the instrument cluster.
VCDS Scan: Cluster ON
After managing to start the vehicle, a subsequent scan with the cluster ON showed some changes:
- Several modules now reported intermittent communication with the instrument cluster (01317 intermittent).
- Address 17 (Instruments) and Address 25 (Immobilizer) were now accessible but reported sporadic communication errors.
- A new fault, 00778 (Steering Angle Sensor), appeared in Address 44 (Steering Assist).
VCDS Scan: Post DTC Clear
Clearing all DTCs and performing another scan revealed:
- Most fault codes were cleared.
- Address 01 (Engine) still reported P0506, P2181, U0155, and P0513.
- Address 0F (Digital Radio) retained the satellite antenna and tuner faults.
The persistence of engine and radio faults after clearing suggests these may be separate issues unrelated to the original no-start condition and VCDS 01317. The focus remains on resolving the communication issue with the instrument cluster. Further diagnostics should concentrate on the instrument cluster’s power supply, grounding, and CAN bus connections. A faulty instrument cluster itself cannot be ruled out.
