VAG - VCDS - K1 Short to ground

[genew]

It appears that there is an electrical short in the engine, and the engine won't start. I get the K1 - Short to ground error when connnecting the VAG - VCDS.

I tried issolating the module that was "shorted to ground" by disconnecting the connector pos. 5 in the E-Box Plenum Chamber. This allowed me to scan the remaining modules. But I was unable to scan the engine, and the transmission returned:


************************************************** ****************************-
Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 01V-927-156.lbl
Part No: 4B0 927 156 AK
Component: AG5 01V 2.8l5V USA 3132
Coding: 00002
Shop #: WSC 00000
VCID: 70E526F91AD1

2 Faults Found:
18258 - Powertrain Data Bus: Missing Message from ECU
P1850 - 35-00 - -
18262 - Powertrain Data Bus: Hardware Malfunction
P1854 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent

Any suggestions on further issolating the short?

Thanks.

Gene

[Mantis]

Do you have an aftermarket stereo, the K line runs to the back of the OE unit

[genew]

No. I do not have an after market radio. The radio functioned when I disconnected the offending connector. I was also able to scan the radio.

The connector in pos 5 of the E-box plenum, has the moldule that appears to have a short. But I have been unable to issolate beyond that.

[genew]

Bentley Repair manual leads me to believe I need to find the A-Pillar Left connector station, which will allow me to disconnect individual modules. But the manual is not clear on exactly where it is located.

[Mantis]

It is behind the kick panel, drivers side, almost directly below the fuse panel. Remove a couple of screws and pop out the plastic, mountains of connectors in there

Quick search on google turns up results related to immobiliser active

[genew]

Thanks. I should have included it was a model year 2000. The manual says the immobilisr was not on A6 until 2001, but the dealer lead me to believe I had the immobilizer when they sold me new keys.

[audifirst]

The VAG VCDS that you used, is this a original Ross Tech cable or Ebay ?
If you have problem with communicating with ECU, I would not be surprised the K-line trace and ground trace are burned inside ECU module .. possible ECU is damaged, check the ECU box for any wires burned or any burned smell
I have seen that happened

[genew]

Yes. I have an original Ross Tech cable. I willl check the ECU. Thanks.

[genew]

SO. I opened the ECM and found the circuit board is charred. How easy is it to replace the ECM.

[Mantis]

check the classifieds

[audifirst]

SO. I opened the ECM and found the circuit board is charred. How easy is it to replace the ECM.

good work.. now check all ground post for any broken connections or rusted wire that doesn't connect anymore, there should be one near ECM box, and two ground posts inside the car on the driver side footwell on the left side you need to remove the knee bolster and the lower trim to see all your ground

[genew]

Quick Follow up. I could not find another short. I plugged the used ECM in the car and the car started. At least on the 2000 A6 it does not appear to have an immobilizer and the ecm does not need to be reprogrammed.