Having trouble with your Volkswagen key fob when you only have one key available? It can be a real inconvenience when your remote lock and unlock functions suddenly stop working. The good news is, you might be able to resolve this issue yourself by resetting your VW key fob, even if you are operating with a single key. This straightforward procedure has the potential to save you both time and money, preventing an unnecessary trip to the Volkswagen dealership.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset your VW key fob using a single key and with the assistance of another person:
Steps to Reset Your VW Key Fob
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Enlist Help and Prepare Ignition: You will need someone to assist you from outside the vehicle. Begin by inserting your Volkswagen key into the ignition switch and turning it to the “ON” position. This means turning the key to power the car’s electrical systems, but do not start the engine.
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Manually Lock the Door: Instruct your helper to manually lock the driver’s side door using a screwdriver. They should insert the screwdriver into the door lock mechanism on the driver’s side door to engage the manual lock.
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Initial Lock Button Press: Press the “lock” button on your Volkswagen key fob one time only. After pressing the button, listen carefully for a horn beep, which indicates the car has received the signal.
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Second Lock Button Press: Wait for a short duration of approximately three seconds. Following this brief pause, press the “lock” button on your key fob once more. Again, press it just a single time.
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Manually Unlock the Door: Now, instruct your assistant to turn the screwdriver in the opposite direction. This action will manually unlock the driver’s side door that was previously locked with the screwdriver.
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First Unlock Button Press: Press the “unlock” button on your key fob one time.
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Second Unlock Button Press: Allow another short pause of about three seconds. Then, press the “unlock” button on your key fob again, pressing it just once.
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Return Lock to Neutral Position: Ask your helper to return the screwdriver to its original, neutral, or middle position within the door lock mechanism. This disengages the manual lock.
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Finalize and Test: Turn the ignition switch back to the “OFF” position, and then remove the key from the ignition. At this point, test your Volkswagen key fob to check if the remote locking and unlocking functions are now working correctly.
This reset procedure has been found to be effective for various Volkswagen models and could potentially save you from incurring unnecessary service costs. However, if this process does not successfully reset your key fob, it may indicate a more complex issue. In such cases, further diagnostic checks or professional assistance may be required to resolve the problem.
