Have you ever needed an extra key fob for your 2011 VW Jetta? Maybe you bought a used car with only one key, or perhaps you just want a spare for peace of mind. Programming a new key fob yourself might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little know-how, it’s absolutely achievable. This article walks you through the process of successfully programming aftermarket key fobs to a 2011 Jetta, based on a real-world experience.
Tools and Preparation for 2011 Jetta Key Fob Programming
For this project, the goal was to program multiple aftermarket OEM-type key fobs to a 2011 VW Jetta. Starting with just one original key, three additional fobs were programmed, resulting in a total of four functional keys. Here’s a breakdown of the tools and preparation involved:
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Used OEM Key Fobs: Sourcing used, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) key fobs can be a cost-effective alternative to brand new ones.
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Transponder Chips (if needed): Two of the used key fobs required replacing the original soldered transponder chips. This was done by carefully removing the old chips and replacing them with Handy Baby 3 red super transponder chips. Another fob was fitted with a new, unused “grain of rice” glass chip.
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Handy Baby 3: This tool was used for cloning the red superchips as ID48 chips and for setting up the glass chip as a TP23 VW ID48 unlocked chip, making it compatible with Vagtacho.
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Bondic UV Glue: Used to securely glue the new transponder chips into place within the key fobs.
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OBDeleven: This diagnostic tool was chosen for programming the wireless entry portion of the key fobs. It offered a more accessible option compared to renting a Ross-Tech VCDS.
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Practice Key Fob (optional but recommended): Disassembling a spare, used key fob beforehand is a great way to learn how to open the casing without causing damage. This practice revealed that driving the metal locking pin in was key to opening the fob without cracking the case. The metal pin is often not necessary for reassembly and can be left off.
Key Fob Chip Cloning and Preparation
The project involved two key approaches: cloning and immobilizer mating. Cloning was performed using the Handy Baby 3 on two of the fobs with red superchips. For the fob with the glass chip, the Handy Baby 3 was used to convert it into a TP23 VW ID48 unlocked chip. This step was crucial for making the chip readable by Vagtacho equipment, which was initially considered for immobilizer programming.
This process allowed for a comparison between true cloning and mating the transponder to the immobilizer. The chip conversion with the Handy Baby 3 was successful, preparing the fobs for the next stage – wireless remote programming.
Wireless Remote Programming with OBDeleven
With the transponder chips prepared, the next step was to program the wireless entry function of the key fobs to lock and unlock the 2011 Jetta. OBDeleven was the chosen tool for this procedure. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the successful attempt:
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OBDeleven Setup: Connect the OBDeleven device to your Jetta’s OBD-II port.
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Ignition ON (Engine OFF): Place the original, working key fob in the ignition and turn the ignition to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine. Then, turn the ignition off and remove the key.
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Complete Vehicle Scan: Using the OBDeleven app, perform a complete scan of the vehicle to identify any existing issues and ensure a clean baseline.
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Access Central Electrics Module: Navigate to the “Module” section in the OBDeleven app and select module number 9, “Central Electrics.”
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Adaptation Menu: Enter the “Adaptations” menu within the Central Electrics module.
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Key Fob Remote Adaptation: Scroll down the adaptations list and select “01, key fob remote adaptation.”
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Set Number of Keys: This adaptation channel determines how many key fobs you want to program to the vehicle for remote functions. Initially, the number ‘4’ was entered, corresponding to the desired total number of working fobs. Press the green “OK” arrow to confirm.
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Key Fob Button Pressing Sequence (Initial Attempts – Failed): The instructions often suggest pressing the lock button on each key fob for one second in succession after setting the number of keys. This was attempted multiple times with the number ‘4’ entered, but without success.
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Modified Key Fob Programming Sequence (Success): A modified approach led to success:
- Input the number ‘3’ in the adaptation channel and press and hold the green arrow for approximately 5 seconds.
- Press the lock button on the first key fob for 1 second.
- Press and hold the green arrow again for about 5 seconds.
- Press the lock button on the next key fob for 1 second.
- Repeat the green arrow hold and lock button press for the third key fob.
- Finally, press the green arrow and hold for 5 seconds, then press the lock button on the fourth key fob (even though ‘3’ was initially inputted).
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Exit and Test: Exit the OBDeleven program and remove the key from the ignition. Wait for about a minute, and then test all programmed key fobs to verify that they successfully lock and unlock the vehicle remotely.
Success and Further Resources
Following this modified procedure, all four key fobs – the original, the two cloned fobs, and the glass chip fob mated to the immobilizer – were successfully programmed to both start the car and control the remote locking and unlocking functions.
For visual learners, a helpful YouTube video tutorial is available by searching for “Volkswagen | Skoda | Remote key adaptation using OBD11 by Praveen Sorab.” This video offers a visual guide to the process and has been viewed over 5,000 times, indicating its popularity and usefulness.
Programming a 2011 Jetta Key Fob yourself is a rewarding DIY project. By using tools like OBDeleven and understanding the process, you can save money and gain valuable skills in automotive electronics. Remember to proceed with caution, and when in doubt, consult professional resources or experienced technicians.
