Is your 2001 VW Golf key fob starting to feel unresponsive? A common culprit is a dead battery. Fortunately, replacing the battery in your 2001 VW Golf key fob is a straightforward process you can easily do yourself, saving you time and money compared to dealership service. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about your 2001 Vw Golf Key Fob Battery, from identifying the right type to step-by-step replacement instructions.
Understanding your 2001 VW Golf key fob is the first step. These keys, common for mk4 VW models like the Golf, Jetta, and New Beetle produced around 2001, consist of three main parts: the keyless entry remote, the metal flip key, and an immobilizer chip. While the immobilizer is crucial for starting your car and is a separate system, the keyless entry remote is powered by a small, replaceable battery. This battery is specifically for the remote locking and unlocking functions.
Before you start, it’s important to know the type of battery your 2001 VW Golf key fob uses. Most likely, it’s a CR2032 battery. However, older, rubbery style fobs may use a CR1620 battery. We’ll show you how to open your fob to confirm and proceed with the battery replacement.
Identifying Your 2001 VW Golf Key Fob and Battery Type
To replace your 2001 VW Golf key fob battery, you’ll first need to identify which type of key fob you have. Look at the style of your remote.
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Type 1: If your key fob looks like image #1 in the original article, it likely uses CR1620 batteries (2 of them). These remotes are typically from earlier models (around 1998-2001), have more flexible, oval buttons, and often lack a hard keychain loop.
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Type 2: If your key fob resembles image #2, it probably uses a CR2032 battery. These are common for 2001 and later mk4 models. They feature more squared, plastic buttons and a hard keychain loop.
If you’re unsure, the best way to confirm is to open your key fob and visually check the battery inside.
Tools and Battery Needed for Replacement
For a 2001 VW Golf key fob battery replacement, you won’t need any specialized tools. Here’s what you’ll likely need:
- A new CR2032 or CR1620 battery: Confirm the correct type by opening your fob first. You can purchase these at most drugstores, supermarkets, or online.
- A small flat-head screwdriver or thin pry tool: This will help you gently open the key fob casing.
Step-by-Step 2001 VW Golf Key Fob Battery Replacement
Let’s get started with replacing the battery in your 2001 VW Golf key fob.
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Separate the Key Fob Halves: Hold the key fob firmly and pull the key and remote sections apart. They are designed to snap together, so a firm pull should separate them. You might find a small notch on the side to help you pry them apart.
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Open the Remote Section: Once separated, focus on the remote half. Locate the seam running around the edge of the remote. Using your small flat-head screwdriver or pry tool, gently insert it into the seam at the points indicated (similar to the yellow dotted lines in image
vwkey2.JPGfrom the original article). Carefully twist or pry to split the remote casing into two halves. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plastic. -
Access the Battery: With the remote casing open, you’ll see the circuit board and the battery. Note the orientation of the old battery before removing it – usually, the positive (+) side is facing up.
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Remove the Old Battery: Gently pry out the old battery. You can use your fingernail or the small screwdriver to carefully lift it out.
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Insert the New Battery: Place the new CR2032 (or CR1620) battery into the battery compartment, ensuring the correct orientation (positive side up usually). Push it down firmly until it’s securely in place.
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Reassemble the Remote Casing: Carefully snap the two halves of the remote casing back together. Make sure they are firmly closed and aligned.
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Reattach to the Key: Finally, snap the remote section back onto the metal key section until you hear a click, ensuring it’s securely fastened.
General Key Fob Disassembly Tips
If you need to disassemble your 2001 VW Golf key fob further, for example, to access the switchblade mechanism or immobilizer chip (though not necessary for battery replacement), here are some general tips based on the original article’s instructions:
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Switchblade Keys: For switchblade keys, you’ll need to remove the VW logo badge. Use a thin knife or exacto knife to carefully pry off the badge. Beneath it, you’ll find a small screw. Removing this screw allows you to disassemble the switchblade mechanism.
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Immobilizer Chip: The immobilizer chip is a small RFID chip, usually located within the key blade half of the fob (see white arrow in image
vwkeydis.jpgfrom the original article). It does not require a battery. If you need to swap it (for example, into a new key), you can carefully remove it using acetone or by carefully cutting around it. However, for battery replacement, you do NOT need to touch the immobilizer chip.
Keyless Entry Programming (After Battery Change – May Not Be Necessary)
In most cases, replacing the battery in your 2001 VW Golf key fob will not require you to reprogram the keyless entry. The remote should function immediately after battery replacement.
However, if you find your remote is not working after replacing the battery, you can try the keyless entry programming procedure outlined in the original article. This process involves using a working key in the ignition and then using the key you just changed the battery in at the driver’s side door lock to reprogram the remote functions. Refer to the “Keyless entry programming” section of the original article for detailed steps.
Important Note about the Immobilizer: Remember, the keyless entry system is separate from the immobilizer system. The immobilizer is what prevents theft and allows your car to start. Replacing the key fob battery does not affect the immobilizer. Issues with starting your car are unrelated to the key fob battery and could indicate a problem with the immobilizer system itself, which may require professional diagnosis and repair.
Conclusion
Replacing the battery in your 2001 VW Golf key fob is a simple DIY task that can restore the convenience of your remote locking and unlocking functions. By following these steps, you can easily change your 2001 VW Golf key fob battery and get back to using your remote without any hassle. If you encounter any issues beyond battery replacement, or suspect problems with your immobilizer, it’s always best to consult a qualified automotive technician or your local VW dealer.
