RCDLR Replacement/ Theft deterrent rest
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 4
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RCDLR Replacement/ Theft deterrent rest
Hey guys, recently purchased a 2005 c6 A4 base model that was having issues with the RCDLR, so I purchased a used one off of eBay since they have been discontinued by GM. I got the replacement RCDLR installed and 2 fobs programmed to it, I can now start the car without having to put the fob in the glove box and lock and unlock my doors with the fobs. The only issue I am running into was the theft deterrent light stays on. I tried doing the 30 minute Anti theft password learn procedure after replacing the RCDLR, but my car started right up instead of not starting. Trying to see if anyone has ran into this before? Car starts perfectly every time but the light stays on, no codes for the theft deterrent coming up on the tech2. Any help would be appreciated thank you!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 4
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Yes tech 2 version 33.004, I didn’t program/setup the RCDLR using the new RCDLR setup on the tech 2 because it was a used one. I followed the instructions of a RCDLR replacement video posted on YouTube by forum members MaktonC6/Sixaddict. But once I got to the point of trying to start the car mine started right up instead of not starting like maktonC6 explained, to which at that point you had to do the 30 min procedure to learn the antitheft password from the replacement rcdlr to the cars ecm. And only then was the car supposed to start. I’m starting to wonder if maybe my car is an export c6 and won’t allow me to do the 30 minute procedure. I may have to bite the bullet and buy the subscription to do the 10 minute procedure on acdelcotds. Just wanted to see if anyone else has ran into this before and maybe there was a way around it.
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Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 94
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From: Colorado Springs CO
Well, this may or may not be much information but:
A few years ago I replaced the ignition on a 2004 monte carlo, and it started up fine with no relearn procedure, but after a battery diconnect ( I was concerned) it then would not crank with the security light on.
Ok, no problem I thought, just do the 30 min 3 cycle relearn and it'll be fine... haha, nope, nothing, I did that like 4 times.
But! My tech 2 was out on loan, but I noticed on my autel that there was 2 numbers, one was (increasing or decreasing, I don't remember) but very slowly, and I thought well maybe they need to match, yep,
So I waited, with the car on run ( battery charger ofc) for 9 hours, checking it and seeing the numbers get closer, until finally they matched, and! the security light went out and all was fine.
It just took a whole lot longer than it was supposed to.
So maybe look for some 5 or 6 digit numbers.?
A few years ago I replaced the ignition on a 2004 monte carlo, and it started up fine with no relearn procedure, but after a battery diconnect ( I was concerned) it then would not crank with the security light on.
Ok, no problem I thought, just do the 30 min 3 cycle relearn and it'll be fine... haha, nope, nothing, I did that like 4 times.
But! My tech 2 was out on loan, but I noticed on my autel that there was 2 numbers, one was (increasing or decreasing, I don't remember) but very slowly, and I thought well maybe they need to match, yep,
So I waited, with the car on run ( battery charger ofc) for 9 hours, checking it and seeing the numbers get closer, until finally they matched, and! the security light went out and all was fine.
It just took a whole lot longer than it was supposed to.
So maybe look for some 5 or 6 digit numbers.?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I decided to hook up my autel to it instead of the tech 2 and it gave me a code for the theft system, I cleared it then the security light came on, car wouldn’t start and then it let me do the re-learn procedure. Car still starts with no issues it’s been about 2 weeks since doing the procedure but for some reason it shows password not learned on the autel and tech 2 I’m hoping after driving it long enough it will learn it. Hope this helps anyone one else who may run into this.
