How To Program A Volkswagen Key FOB

How to Program a VW Key Fob for a Model With Push-Button Start

Your Volkswagen key fob is the literal key to starting a VW model with push-button start. So, what do you do when you need to program a new key fob? For starters, it’s important to know that Volkswagen key fobs are not interchangeable, and they must be ordered specifically for your car.

Every key fob undergoes a pre-programming process before shipping to our dealership. Each key fob must then be programmed to your car by one of our trained technicians.

Need to reprogram a Volkswagen key fob that you already have? Make sure you bring all of your spare key fobs with you so that they can be programmed in our service center.

Volkswagen Key Fob Programming and Troubleshooting

Stuck with a key fob that isn’t working? Don’t panic! The issue could be as simple as a dead battery. To be certain, however, it’s important to first troubleshoot before scheduling a full Volkswagen key fob replacement.

Oftentimes, if a dead battery is the issue, you can still attempt to start your car. Hold your key fob up against the ignition button – depending on your vehicle make, model, and year, the ignition system may still be able to detect the fob’s signal and start the car. Check your owner’s manual for detailed instructions on your specific model.

If your car starts with this method, then you likely just need to replace the battery. If this method doesn’t work, you may need to bring your car and key fob into our service center for more in-depth troubleshooting and, if necessary, to order a replacement.

When you arrive in our showroom, our talented team will be able to diagnose and fix your car’s connectivity issues immediately; our highly-trained technicians will have your car and key paired up in just a couple of steps.

After reprogramming your key and making sure the key fob’s battery isn’t going to be an issue anytime soon, we’ll make sure your car is connecting the way it should to your key fob and personal devices. Soon, you’ll be back out on the road chasing down adventure in your Volkswagen model.

How to Change a VW Key Fob Battery

Regardless of the type of fob you are using, if you have an issue, we ideally hope that your fob’s battery needs to be replaced. We have all VW key fob battery types available in our parts department, so you can come in and find what you need with confidence.

Sometimes, relying on the supply at a hardware store can leave you stranded, as they only have a limited quantity. In most cases, your key fob can be gently opened using a small flat screwdriver, like one that is suitable for use on eyeglasses.

Depending on the year of your model, your fob may have a battery access hatch on the back, so be sure to look out for that. You should also be mindful of the battery’s orientation, ensuring the replacement battery goes in with the + (positive) and – (negative) terminals facing the correct way.

Although the process may be different for different model years or key fob types, the basic instructions for changing your Volkswagen key fob battery are:

1. Take out the emergency key inside your key fob
2. Grip the key fob firmly and look for a seam to open it up
3. Use your fingers to pry the key fob apart; a flat-head screwdriver can help with this
4. Once it is open, don’t remove the battery without first taking note of what direction it is facing
5. Remove the old battery and replace it with the new battery, ensuring it is facing the same way
6. Press the halves of the key fob back together and re-insert the emergency key
7. Test the basic Volkswagen key fob functions to see if changing the battery did the trick

Volkswagen Key Fob Replacement

If your key fob still isn’t functioning properly after troubleshooting and replacing the battery, then it’s likely time to have a new key fob ordered and reprogrammed.

If this is the case, our service team at Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale will help you through the entire process. From ordering your VW key fob replacement to programming your key to your model for you, this is a process that must be done by trained Volkswagen professionals.

VW Key Fob Tricks For Pre-2006 Models

How to Reset VW Key Fob With One Key?

If either the remote battery or your car’s battery goes flat, your key fob’s remote lock/unlock function may stop working. It’s easy to reprogram a VW key fob in this case. Unlike our previous section, this process will work with only one VW key fob and typically works with models up to the 2016 model year.

• The first step is to manually unlock your VW vehicle using the master key and step inside.
• Next, insert the physical key into the ignition, and turn the key to position two (the final position before the engine-starting position)
• While seated, lock your VW vehicle using the lock/unlock switch on the inside of your door.
• Press and hold the lock button with your VW Key fob still in the ignition.
• When a red light begins to blink on your VW key fob, the process is complete and should restore your remote VW key fob functions.
• Repeat this reprogramming process as many times as necessary.

How to Reset Your VW Key Fob After Changing the Battery

Volkswagen key fob programming instructions will vary depending on your vehicle’s model and year. For most pre-2006 model year VW models, the following method may work:

• Insert your VW key fob into your ignition
• Turn the key to position one without turning on the engine
• Use your second VW key fob to lock your driver’s side door and leave the key fob in the lock
• Close all doors
• Leave the first key in the ignition and press the “unlock” button until your vehicle’s horn honks
• Repeat as necessary

For most pre-2016 model-year vehicles, you can complete your VW key fob reprogramming with the following method:

• Insert your VW key fob into your ignition
• Turn the key to position two without turning on the engine
• Close all vehicle doors
• Press the “lock” button on the inside of your driver’s side door
• Leave your VW key fob in the ignition and press and hold the “lock” button until a red light blinks on your key fob
• Repeat as necessary

If neither of these methods work, or your vehicle was manufactured after the 2016 model year, our state-of-the-art service tools and expert technicians will be ready to help reprogram a VW key fob for your vehicle.

We’re Your Source for Volkswagen Key Fob Reprogramming

Whether you need to order a new VW key fob battery, have the battery replaced, or get a new key fob reprogrammed, our team in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is here for you. Contact Gunther Volkswagen of Fort Lauderdale to get started today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I program my own VW key fob?

VW key fob programming instructions will vary depending on your vehicle’s model and model year; you can reprogram some VW key fobs at home, and some require the use of specialized tools at a dealership like ours. One of two methods will be required for VW key fobs that you can program at home. Certain key fob programming techniques require two keys, and some only need your master key.

My VW key fob is not working. What should I do?

If your VW key fob is not functioning, the first step is to replace the battery; a total VW key fob replacement is the worst-case scenario. We recommend bringing your key fob to our Gunther Volkswagen of Fort Lauderdale dealership for a battery replacement, and after the battery change is done, we can assist you with reprogramming your VW key fob.

How does the Volkswagen key fob work?

A VW key fob function is straightforward: it sends a signal to your car as you press the buttons like unlock/lock/panic. Special programming helps your key fob and vehicle communicate with each other securely. For modern VW models with keyless entry and push-button start, your car will signal to see if your specific key fob is in the specified range before allowing these features to work.

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