Activation code already used: what can I do?

Question

Hi there,

 

I purchased a used Golf R 2018 which had an Evo Start 2 remote system already installed (your app & system look great by the way, I cannot wait to try them!).

However, when I tried to pair my iPhone to the Evo in the Evo-Start 2 app with the activation code (written behind the module), it said the following message: "Invalid Code - This code has already been used. Contact the vehicle owner to generate a new one".

However, I have no contact with the previous vehicle owner as I purchased it from a car dealership (and I have been contacting the dealership for 2 weeks about this but they don't reply to me...).

 

Is there any way to "unpair" the current user so that I can pair myself as I am the current owner of the car now? I also don't want the previous owner to be able to know where my car is parked and to unlock it if he wants to...

 

Many thanks in advance!
Pierre.

PS: I have no programming experience at all or harness connecting/manipulating.

Answer 1

You will need to do one of the 2 following options in regards to the antenna/activation code.

 

1- Contact the dealership, ask them to either contact the previous owner or forward their information to you. As the previous owner is the one who has the activation code locked to his e-maill account as only he can transfer ownership of said antenna/account to you.

 

2- Purchase a new evo-start antenna and have it paired to the module and create an account.

Comments

Hi Derek,

 

Thanks for the quick answer!

If I go with option 1, is there an article or procedure that I could share with the previous owner that explains how to transfer ownership of the antenna/account?

 

I guess there are no ways for you guys to transfer the ownership if I can give you a proof of the ownership of the car?

Thank you Derek,
Pierre.

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The previous owenr of the vehicle would simply download the evo-start2 app into his phone, log in using the email and password he created, go into garage, swipe to the left on the vehicle and click edit, then click transfer vehicle ownership. This then generates a new code for you. The new code is good for 15 minutes. Or, he can delete the car from his account which would make the original code functional again

I cannot transfer the antenna only the owner (person who bought the antenna) can do that.

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Thank you very much Derek! :)

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Hi Derek,

I hope you're well!

The previous owner told me that he removed the car from his account, but when I try to link my account to the antenna, I still have the same error message...

Is there any way for you to check if a module is currently linked to an account if I share with you the serial number and/or activation code? I know you cannot unlink them, but can you check them? I fear he has not unlinked the two properly.

 

Also, worst case scenario, if it still doesn't work, I'll go with your option 2 suggestion. Thus, where can I purchase a new evo-start antenna (do you have a link you could point me to)?
And will I need to do some programming? Or when I just switch the antennas, I will just have to enter the new activation code from the new antenna in the app and that's it?
If programming is required: can I do this myself if I don't have any programming experience? If not, where should I go and how much does it cost?

Thank you very much Derek!
Pierre.

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Please call 1-877-336-7797. Have the activation code on hand.

If it says the same message, the original owner never deleted the antenna from his account.

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Hi Pierre, I am having the smae problem with a recent used car purchase.  Code alrady used, contacted the dealer and got nowwhere (the dealership was sold since the car was originally delivered and the old dealer records are not accessible).  How did you end up resolving your problem?   

I don't understand why Fortin Support cannot contact the current account holder via the email the device is registered to, and ask that owner if they sold the car and could release it from  the garage tab of the app for the new owner, or just ask permission to release it themselves.  I have heard other companies with starters actually do this.

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I am having the same problem with a recent used car purchase.  Code already used, I contacted the dealer and got nowwhere (the dealership was sold since the car was originally delivered and the old dealer records are not accessible).  They may contact teh person usign the maintenence records, but i'm not holding my breath.   

I don't understand why Fortin Support cannot contact the current account holder via the email the device is registered to, and ask that owner if they sold the car and could release it from  the garage tab of the app for the new owner, or just ask permission to release it themselves.  I have heard other companies with starters actually do this.