Replacing your key fob batteries is usually straightforward and doesn’t require a professional. However, the key fob may fail to work sometime after the battery replacement.
So, what are the possible reasons behind the VW key fob not working after battery replacement? Your VW key fob may fail to work if you install the new batteries incorrectly. Also, in most cases, you’ll need to reprogram the key after battery replacement. Physical damage when replacing the battery may also be a possible reason. Diagnose each issue and provide necessary solutions.
Read on to learn more about these and other issues behind the VW key fob not working and the solutions.
Reason Why Key Fob Doesn’t Work After Battery Replacement
The following list contains the possible reasons your key fob may fail to work after replacement.
1. Incorrectly Installed VW Key Fob Battery
One of the reasons the key fob may not work after the battery replacement is if the battery is loose or incorrectly installed.
Therefore, ensure you followed the correct steps earlier when changing the batteries.
Usually, there are two ways to change the key fob’s batteries, depending on whether you have a newer or older type. Following are the correct steps to follow when changing VW key fobs.
A. Older VW Fobs
Older VW fobs are the types with a blue and white logo. These types separate differently to access the battery. Also, the battery’s positive side usually faces down.
- Step 1: Get new batteries. Volkswagen key fobs usually use 2032 batteries available locally and online.
- Step 2: Press the silver button to release the key inside the key fob.
- Step 3: Using a flathead screwdriver, separate the upper and lower sides of the fob.
- Step 4: Use a flathead screwdriver to separate the lower piece horizontally.
- Step 5: Remove the old battery. Ensure you don’t place it near the new battery to avoid installing it back on by mistake.
- Step 6: Install a new battery with the positive facing down. Ensure the battery is well seated on the port.
- Step 7: Put the key fob parts back together.
B. Newer VW Fobs
Newer Volkswagen types have a silver logo, and the battery is usually installed with the positive side facing up.
- Step 1: Get the 2032 batteries.
- Step 2: Press the silver button to release the key from the key fob.
- Step 3: Using your fingers or a flathead screwdriver, separate the key fob to expose the battery.
- Step 4: Using the screwdriver, pop the battery out.
- Step 5: Install the new battery with the positive facing up. Ensure the battery is well seated.
- Step 6: Replace the key fob cover.
Check the video below for a visual aid.
2. Resetting the VW Key Fob After Battery Replacement
Another reason your key fob may fail to work after a replacement is if it is unprogrammed or not set. Usually, the system requires reprogramming as a safety feature to ensure that people with the same model as your car would not access it.
Resetting or reprogramming the key fob is needed so that the vehicle’s onboard computer can recognize the microchip in the fob. Without reprogramming, the computer cannot read and interpret the key fob’s unique code when you try to use it.
The steps to reset or reprogram the key fob are usually the same. However, to ensure you do it correctly, consult your user manual. You can find these details under the synchronization.
Follow the steps below to reset the VW key fob and get it to work.
- Step 1: First, release the auxiliary key on the side of the key fob. Do this by pressing the silver button on the front side of the key fob.
- Step 2: Use this key or a screwdriver to remove the plastic cover next to the driver’s side door handle. There’s a hole on the underside of the cover. Insert it and pull it outwards.
- Step 3: You will see a keyhole.
- Step 4: On the key fob, press the unlock button. Immediately insert the key and turn clockwise to unlock the car’s door.
- Step 5: Get on the driver’s seat and insert the key in the ignition.
- Step 6: Turn the key to the on position, and your key fob should be successfully synchronized. (Note: don’t turn on the engine.)
- Step 7: Test by locking and unlocking the doors using the key.
For better understanding, follow the video below.
Some users on VWVortex forum reported that instead of unlocking the car (after step 3), cycling the key (clockwise and anticlockwise) also works. If the above steps don’t work on your model, after step 3, insert the key and circle until you hear a beep or the hazard lights flash.
3. Damaged Key Fob
Another reason your key fob doesn’t work is if it’s damaged and cannot send the signal to the car. Damage can happen if you crack the case or damage the printed circuit board of the key fob when removing the battery.
It is also possible that the fob was already damaged before attempting to open it, and opening it confirmed the damage. The little prongs inside the key fob may also be pressed down and unable to make contact. Adjusting these prongs to make better contact with the battery fixed the problem for some users.
Rust and corrosion may be behind the issue, especially if the key fob had come into contact with water. The battery contacts get corroded, which can interfere with the electric current flow, causing the key fob not to work.
In this case, you need to get a new compatible key fob from the nearest dealer. To prevent issues, it’s better to take the vehicle to the dealership to get the new and reprogrammed key.
Related Questions
Here are questions related to the VW key fob not working after a battery change, that can better your research.
Most times, you need to be below 30 feet for your key fob to work. The range is affected by battery strength, and as it loses its power, the range decreases. Also, if you are too far away, radio interference from other things around you may cause the key fob not to work.
Yes, the red light on the VW key fob should illuminate to show that the signal is getting transmitted. If the light doesn’t illuminate on your fob, especially after a battery change, re-install the battery since the contacts may be loosely installed.
It’s only necessary to reprogram the key fob if it doesn’t work after a battery change. However, you’ll need to reprogram the key, especially if you took too much time before replacing it.
Final Words
In summary, check the newly installed battery and ensure it’s correctly installed and the contact pins are not bent or corroded. If the key fob’s red light flashes on the key press but doesn’t work, reprogram it by following the steps discussed in the article.
If your key fob appears damaged, get another one from the nearest dealer. Third-party fobs bought online may not always work and may fail to program. For better diagnosis and solutions, visit the nearest dealer.