2012 Volkswagen Routan: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Nov 2, 2021 · Airbags, Brakes · IL

The ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which then depowers various key safety systems including, but not limited to, air bags, power steering, and power braking. This has happened to me several times including while driving on the interstate and in traffic. I was able to pull over but it is very difficult when power steering and power breaking goes out. I had children in the vehicle several times when this has happened. Per Volkswagon website, I removed all keychains or anything that would cause the key fob to be weighed down. When I contacted them, they said my van is not under recall even though it is the same exact issue previous models had been recalled for. The only symptom prior was the check engine light was on.

Filed Sep 21, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 175,000 miles · OH

Vehicle has experienced stalling, engine shutdown, and difficulty starting multiple times. Engine has now stalled more frequently at both low speeds and while driving on highway. Each time, RPM's have gone to zero and it's completely lost power to steering. I've had try and coast/navigate safely to side of road, berm, etc., stop, and restart the van. At times the dash lights will flash, other times there is no indication that a failure had occurred, just no power/rpms. No check engine light remains, no codes displayed, nothing. The local volkswagen dealer will not even address the issue as they deem it a "chrysler problem". We now take it to an independent mechanic and replaced the crankshaft & camshaft position sensors, key fobs, battery, and have done all preventative maintenance. The problem still remains. There are similar complaints (vw, chrysler, & dodge) for this exact engine & symptoms that may be related to the tipm, the main control module. This is a very serious safety issue as it random and causes a complete shutdown of vehicle while in motion and loss of operator control.

Filed Nov 2, 2019 · Fuel system · GA

My car will crank but not start. After several tries if you use the key fob you can get it to start. I have the car looked at by two technicians who advised that my vehicle was made by chrysler even though it's a volkswagen and that this is a known problem with chrysler dodge vans from 2011 and 2012 the problem they tell me is with the fuel pump relay that will need to be installed

Filed Jan 31, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 144,729 miles · NY

The engine will die as I'm driving down the highway. This causes me to lose power steering, all my digital guages on dash,etc. When I pull over stop and put it in neutral I can then turn the key and it will start right back up. This has happened at least 6 times while driving on the highway or in town but always while moving and for no apparent reason. Possible touched the key chain with my knee but I can't say anything triggered it. First thing I notice is I'm slowing down and have to power steering. Also, when starting the car the ignition regularly does not recognize that I've turned the key. Requires that I push the key in with force up and to the right while rotating for the key to activate the ignition. Sometime the engine will begin to start but stop when I let go of the key. My dealer said it could be the battery or the remote car starter. I've replaced both and still have the same problem. Now they are quoting me about $700 to replace the key fobs and ignition. I was told by a mechanic this is the exact type of problem that all the town & countries & routans have had and there was a recall. It's a plastic key that wears out and stops working properly. Checking on-line vw routan, dodge caravan & chysler town & country all had a recall on their ignitions, but it was limited to 2009 & 2010. I have the same issue described in the recall "inadvertent ignition key displacement from the run position, which would shut off the engine and depower safety systems, such as airbags, power steering and braking"

Filed Dec 3, 2018 · Electrical, Fuel system · 116,063 miles · FL

I was in a parking lot van would not start. It would turn over an crank again and again when attempting to start, but the engine would not run. Tow truck driver was able to start it by removing push start and using key fob, but had trouble getting it started again unloading at vw dealership. The vw dealer fist said it was the fuel pump, then said that the fuel pump relay in the tipm was bad and was burning out the fuel pump. The fuel pump relay is integrated into the tipm and can't be replaced without replacing tipm. The tipm not covered under warranty. Currently waiting on vw dealer to find dodge/chrysler fuel relay bypass cable kit that fit my VIN. In the meantime, the vw dealer has installed a temporary jumper to power the fuel pump while the vehicle is turned on. I feel fortunate that relay/fuel pump failure did not occur while driving, but I feel that vw should have know about this issue and been proactive to resolve it given that dodge has already had recalls on the tipm that is used in the routan. I'm also concerned about the safety of the temporary fix the vw dealer has implemented to keep the vehicle drive-able while search for the right recall kit from dodge. If that can't find the kit, then I will have to live with a potentially unsafe workaround or pay $1000+ to replace the tipm, which clearly had a manufacturing defect that could have potentially caused the vehicle to stop running while driving on the road.