Lost your 2008 Passat key or dealing with a malfunctioning key fob? Getting a replacement from the dealership can be expensive. This guide shows you how to save money by performing a DIY key fob repair, specifically by swapping the RFID chip. This method allows you to reuse your existing key’s immobilizer chip in a new or used key fob, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
First, you’ll need to open your existing Passat key fob. There are online video tutorials that can guide you through this process.
Once open, carefully remove the back cover of your 2008 Passat Key Fob to access the internal components.
Next, you’ll need to access the RFID chip. Use an Exacto knife to carefully cut along the red lines indicated in the image on the white opaque casing of both your old and new key fobs. This casing is glued shut and needs to be carefully sliced to reveal the RFID chip located under the black bump.
Start cutting where there’s no glue and gently slice through the glued sections. Work your way around the sides and bottom. The top section might be glued differently, requiring a horizontal cut.
This horizontal cut should allow you to easily access the RFID chip. Repeat this process for both your original and the replacement key fobs.
Carefully clean the edges of the casings where they will be reassembled. Transfer the white opaque section containing the RFID chip from your old key fob into the new key fob. Reassemble the key fob. This swapped RFID chip will allow you to start your 2008 Passat. However, for the buttons on your new key fob to function (lock, unlock, panic), you will likely need to visit a dealership for programming. In this case, dealership synced the new key for free after purchasing a new key and a used key for parts. Remember to also get the emergency key blank cut by a locksmith if needed. This DIY approach can significantly reduce the overall cost of replacing your 2008 Passat key fob.
