How To Program A Volkswagen Key FOB

How Do You Program A VW Key Fob With A Push-Button Start?

The VW push-button start is one of the most exciting additions to the Volkswagen vehicle profile. Pair your key fob up with your car, and you’ll be able to take control of your vehicle with ease.

Volkswagen key fobs are designed to provide maximum security, in line with the high engineering standards of the Volkswagen brand.

To provide this security, Volkswagen key fobs (typically from after the 2016 model year) are not interchangeable and must be ordered for your specific vehicle. The key fobs undergo a pre-programming process before shipping to our dealership and then must be programmed to your vehicle by our technicians with a proprietary process.

Please remember to bring all spare key fobs with you as they must be reprogrammed as well.

The best-case scenario for VW key fob issues involves either a new key fob battery or the use of computer diagnostics to resync your fob to the vehicle. We’ll need to order a VW key fob replacement for your vehicle in the worst-case scenario, as these advanced key fobs are uniquely programmed to your vehicle.

How Do You 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 –– 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 + and – terminals facing the correct way.

VW Key Fob Programming and Troubleshooting

When facing key fob issues, first check if your key fob’s battery is dead. Our VW parts department can save you a lot of time and hassle by replacing your key fob battery.

If you replace your battery and are still wondering how to program your VW key fob with push-button start, bring your key fob and car into our service bay for a look.

After having you show us exactly what you’re not getting out of your key fob and push-to-start sequence, 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.

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 VW Key Fob After Changing Battery?

VW key fob programming instructions will vary depending on your vehicle’s model and year. For most pre-2006 model year VW vehicles, 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 vehicle 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 works, or your vehicle is from 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

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 into an authorized VW service center like ours 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?

While a VW key fob works with advanced circuitry, sensors, and transmitters, the 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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