Comments on: Volkswagen Key Disassembly

By: EcoFuel

EcoFuel — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 16:47:16 +0000

Your instructions worked P-E-R-F-E-C-T-L-Y, thank you! Ane the part about requiring synching (according to VW) was in fact not true. Once th ebattery was replaced, the transmitter worked A-OK. This is on a 2006 TDI, just so you know what year/model.

Many thanks!

By: john

john — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:59:51 +0000

I need a key fob battery replacement for my 99 VW Bettle. Do you have any idea where I can purchase one? The dealer wants and arm and leg to buy a new one?

By: Ascii King

Ascii King — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:52:26 +0000

You rock! Thanks for this help. I was unwilling to spend a lot of money getting the battery replaced when I knew that ultimately it was a simple thing to do. Very nice using the pictures. It makes everything easier.

By: Megan R

Megan R — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 12:47:53 +0000

Wonderful, thank you. We were panicking as all the garages around us are closed for the weekend and we needed to drive to the airport tomorrow to go on holiday!

By: TONY R

TONY R — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 05:56:43 +0000

Thanks. Very helpful. Pictures even!!!

By: Ralph

Ralph — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 06:40:38 +0000

Thanks for the pics & advice. Just a head’s up that the newest fobs (mine’s a 2005) are slightly different.

To tell them apart, look at the LED: The older style you describe has a RED led by the trunk lock button, the newer ones have a GREEN led by the silver key release button.

On the new ones, the battery comes out much easier. Just pry-up the 1/2 cover below the VW logo.

But there’s a trick to taking the new one completely apart: You’ll see 2 small screws once you take the battery cover off, but the 3rd screw is hinding under the VW decal. (carefully pry the decal out with an exacto knife) Once all 3 screws are out, it comes appart easily.

Note: I accidentally took mine for a swim in the ocean. (doh!)I figured it was toast, but for $160 I thought I’d try to fix it anyway. Luckily VW used hermeticly sealed switches and waterproofed the most sensitive bits of the PCB.

I scrubbed the salt and oxide off with a toothbrush and lots of fresh water, put in a new battery and it actually worked!

By: Jim Pettit

Jim Pettit — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 01:47:23 +0000

I appreciate the step by step instructions and the savings of time and money. Good job!!

By: Doug

Doug — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 15:05:50 +0000

Opening the key fob is made easier by using a staple remover (the type that has four little teeth) to grab onto the metal band on the fob. Just tried this here in my office after an unsuccesful attempt to open it without any tools.

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 08:08:28 +0000

Thanks alot for the help, I knew I’d be dropping some cash going to the dealership. Appreciate it!

By: Rigel

Rigel — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 01:26:35 +0000

nice instructions for taking the key apart. I have a slightly different question. The power unlock on my keychain has stopped working. I do have another key that doesn’t go to my car, however and I believe the power buttons on it work fine. Can I change any of the parts between the two keys in order to get a key and power buttons that works for my jetta?

By: Rob

Rob — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 20:39:41 +0000

VW dealers have been telling people in my area not to replace the battery themselves because it needs to be synched with the alarm system by VW. I should have known that they were lying. Your directions worked perfectly. Thanks.

By: Monkey

Monkey — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 14:05:59 +0000

thanks for posting this info. Your instructions were clear and worked perfectly. Nice site too.

By: Heidi

Heidi — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 23:35:13 +0000

Any idea how to change out the switchblade part? Thanks for any help…