Driver easy access control unit>>>

[halfasheep]

apologies for this, but I work for an insurance company investigating fraudulent claims and have a technical query.

Does anyone have any idea:

a) where this is
b) what it does
c) what would happen if the component fails

I appreciate your time and knowledge - these forums really help me sort the bent claims from the genuine ones.

[Badger61]

I think you are referring to Access and start control unit.

a) Location dependent on chassis number

b)Allows authorisation of keyless entry,authorisation of keyless start and key authorisation in the ignition lock

c)The vehicle would only be able to be opened via the drivers door lock,the vehicle would not be able to start or even turn over as the key would not be authorised

Hope this helps.

[halfasheep]

Badger, many thanks.

I must admit that I am a little confused in regards to this. The ethos is "It's better to pay a fraudulent claim than to refuse to pay a genuine claim", and I agree, hence my checking on this matter.

By all accounts Audi have confirmed that this component has failed, and this has allowed the vehicle to be stolen without the key (or at least there is no theft related damage).

We are currently awaiting confirmation from Audi on this point, but I am surprised that given the level of sophistication of the anti-theft systems on these vehicles that the failure of this component would simply allow someone to drive the vehicle away.

I am aware that on some vehicles that have a similar system you are able to enter and exit the vehicle as the deadlocks de-activate (safety more than security feature).

I'll double check with Audi, but thanks for this anyway

[Badger61]

I would say that if this component failed completely then there is no way, even with an authorised key could the vehicle be driven away. 1, the electronic steering lock would not disengage, 2, the igntion would not come on and 3, the electronic parking brake could not be released. unless however there was an intermittant fault with the unit that could disable the system at times. in my experience I have not seen one of these units fail since model launch.

[halfasheep]

Hmm, many thanks. From my previous experience in a non-approved dealership, it's very rare for components like this to go on anything from VAG Group, and from my current experience in insurance, it's even less likely for a manufacturer to admit that a component that failed under warrenty could have caused the accident!

I have to admit that my gut feeling is that the car was taken with a key - although I strongly suspect it was taken by a family member without our customer's knowledge

[Badger61]

My experience with Audi is that if any component fails (and yes they do!) whether it be mechanical or electrical it will always have a safety aspect built in and in this case it would be impossible for the vehicle to be driven away with a failed control unit, or even with a fully operational unit without an authorised key.

[a8 tech]

If the engine was running and the key was taken away from the vehicle or stolen then the vehicle will still run until the engine is turned off then it wouldnt restart
,but the kessy would recognise the key was no longer in the vehicle by a symbol on the dash.If the engine wasnt running and the spare key was in the area of the vehicle (boot) then there is a possibility that the car would (tryed this today and no start key not identified in the boot)start however it wouldnt lock from the kessy when the driver gets out as the kessy will see a key in the area(i think).If there are no keys within 3 meters then it wouldnt start as the start authorisation would stay in the security setting until a key signal was generated which isnt hackable as the sequence of events to actully start a vehicle va keyless entry is complex.If you require a full explnation please ask and i will read my info.

[halfasheep]

Like your quote a8 tech!

The car was allegedly stolen at some point in the middle of the night. Our policyholder had all the keys for the vehicle, and there is no suggestion of them being anywhere near the car at the time of the theft.

Any chance you can give me the detailed version (sorry)?

As I've mentioned before, I'm happy to deal with genuine claims, but if there are questions unanswered, then I have to investigate further - at the end of the day, insurance claims fraud pushes the genuine claimants premiums up, and causes me to scrutinise more claims than is necessary

[a8 tech]

I would contact audi direct as i feel uneasy about giving information out about vehicle security,no offense but it wouldnt be correct and may be undesirables could possiblly use the info.Iam sure audi will help you with your inquiry.