How to Change the Battery in a VW Key Fob

A Volkswagon key

Do you need to know how to change the battery in a VW key fob? Although your battery should last for years, almost everyone will need to address this small challenge at some point. Our service team near Meriden is happy to take care of the problem for you, but you may want to handle your VW key fob battery replacement yourself. Here’s everything you need to know.

 

 

Which VW Key Fob Battery Do I Need?

Learning how to change the battery in a VW key fob isn’t difficult, but if you’re not sure which VW key fob battery to use, you’re sure to run into trouble. Find the right product below:

  • If you drive an older VW vehicle with a fob that looks like a simple Volkswagen car key, there’s a good chance that you need a CR1632 battery. 
  • Most new models made after 1999 use a fob that resembles a small pod with buttons on one side and a retractable emergency key. You’ll most likely need a CR2032 Battery.

VW Key Fob Battery Replacement: Step-by-Step

Regardless of the type of modern Volkswagen vehicle you drive, replacing the battery is a relatively straightforward process. You will need a small screwdriver and a new CR2032 battery. To avoid scratching and damaging your fob, wrap the flat-head screwdriver with a small piece of tape.

You’re ready to get started:

  1. Hold the button on your Volkswagen key fob until the emergency key pops out. 
  2. Grasp the fob firmly in your hand, or attach it to a small metal key ring that you can hold on your index finger. 
  3. Locate the seam which connects the lid and the base of your fob. Use your fingers to create a small distance between the two, and then use the flat-head screwdriver to finish prying them apart. Take care to avoid scratching the inside.
  4. Take out the dead battery and insert the new one, with the positive side facing downward.
  5. Close the remote case tightly to hold everything in place, and then get back on the road!

How to Start the Car without Your Smart Key

It’s every driver’s nightmare. You’re about to get on the road and go to a job interview or a long-awaited family gathering. You press the button on your key fob repeatedly, but it’s clearly not working properly, and you suspect the key fob battery has died.

Thankfully, even older VW key fobs contain what’s usually referred to as an emergency key or a bayonet key, and you won’t need any battery power to make use of it. Even if your car has a keyless entry or push-button start feature, simply holding the emergency key below the ignition should allow you to start the engine.

Volkswagen Key Replacement

After reading our guide on how to change the battery in a VW key fob, if you’ve discovered your battery isn’t the issue, or you’ve lost your key, don’t give up hope. Car key replacement can be expensive, and Volkswagen is no different. If you have a spare key available, it’s a good idea to keep it handy. Otherwise, a driver in need of VW key replacement will need to come to our dealership and ask! Remember to bring your driver’s license and your proof of ownership before you drive in from Stratford.

If you’ve just picked up a new VW key fob, you may need to spend some time programming the key before it will work as it should. We’ll gladly take care of this for you at our VW service center in North Haven as soon as the key arrives.

Schedule for VW Key Fob Replacement Near Watertown 

Need help with replacing your VW key fob battery? Head to Executive Volkswagen of North Haven, or give our Volkswagen service team a call at 203-281-0481. And before you go, check out our other Volkswagen service tips!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which battery type do I need for my VW key fob?

Older VW vehicles with a simple key design typically require a CR1632 battery. Most models made after 1999—which resemble a small pod with a retractable emergency key—use a CR2032 battery.

Q2: How do you replace the battery in a VW key fob?

  1. Hold the button until the emergency key pops out.
  2. Use your fingers and a tape-wrapped flat-head screwdriver to pry apart the seam between the lid and the base.
  3. Remove the dead battery and insert a new CR2032 battery with the positive side facing downward.
  4. Snap the remote case tightly back together.

Q3: How do you start your vehicle if the VW key fob battery is dead?

Use the key fob’s built-in emergency (bayonet) key, which does not require battery power. Hold the emergency key below the ignition, and you will be able to start the engine even if your vehicle has a keyless entry or push-button start feature.

Q4: What do you need to bring to the dealership for a replacement VW key?

You must bring your driver’s license and proof of ownership to the dealership. Once the new key arrives, the service center in North Haven can also assist with programming it.

Disclaimer: These recommendations may become outdated over time or differ from recommendations for older vehicles. To ensure accuracy, always consult your owner’s manual or a certified OEM mechanic.

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