What does code P1570 mean?

P1570: Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer (VW/Audi)

Severity: high

What it means: On VW and Audi models, the engine computer says the anti-theft immobilizer did not approve the key, so it blocks the engine. Ross-Tech notes that a real immobilizer block usually lets the engine start and then cuts it after 2 to 3 seconds.

Safe to drive? The car usually won't keep running. If it does, have it checked before you depend on it.

Common symptoms

Starts, then dies after 2–3 seconds
Immobilizer or key light flashing
May be stored along with other codes after a stall

Likely causes, ranked

Key not matched or key chip not readShop
Instrument cluster or immobilizer not matchedShop
Engine computer (ECU) not matchedShop
Another fault, if the engine never starts at allShop

Vehicle-specific notes

1993–2003 Volkswagen Eurovan: A 2003 Eurovan VR6 owner's van died while driving and would then start and die after about 4 seconds. VAG-COM showed 8 intermittent faults, including P1570, P1649, P1198, P0322, P0321 and P0441. The owner reported a new fuel pump fixed it, so several of these codes were side effects of the stall. Read the full answer · Source

DIY or shop?

Try a spare key and remove other keys from the ring. Matching keys, cluster and ECU needs a dealer or a shop with VW software.

Before you replace parts

Try your spare key.
Check whether it starts and dies after 2–3 seconds (immobilizer) or never fires (probably something else).
If several codes appeared at once right after a stall, fix the stall first. One Eurovan's list of codes went away with a new fuel pump.
Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data, not just this one.
Check your VIN for recalls, service bulletins and extended coverage.

Safety / mechanic note

Verify with a mechanic. A car that dies right after starting can stall in a bad spot. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.