Ebay bought switchblade blank key

VWbeetle2000 · 09-12-2005, 09:29 PM

Hi,

Does anyone know where I can get a key copied and programmed besides the dealer? Also, has anyone ever bought a used key from ebay, if so what was that experience like (getting the key cut and programmed to your car)?

Thanks!

veedubmechanic · 09-13-2005, 10:00 PM

The key can only be cut once. It can only be programmed at a dealership ( this helps alot with vehicle theft thats why vw does it)

vamc · 10-07-2005, 03:07 PM

i agree

zukman31 · 10-07-2005, 09:39 PM

Well it kind of depends on what year you have. I have a 1999 Beetle and I did buy a blank and a used remote off of ebay. I put the blank in and when I called the dealer they would not cut it. I did find a locksmith that cut it for $15.00 and it works perfect.

Jimmy B...

vamc · 10-08-2005, 09:59 PM

So more or less, you take your chances. you may get lucky, but you may not.

Onblsht · 10-17-2005, 03:01 AM

Some dealers won't cut the key, either because they're not able to charge you a ridiculous price for THEIR keys, or because they dont actually have the laser cutting equipment at their shop.

There are a few good locksmiths that carry the equipment tho. The metal blanks are easy to swap out, just open the remote halfway and you will see the little pin to push out that holds the blank in.

veedubmechanic · 10-17-2005, 11:28 PM

1998 and 1999 beetles dont need programming.

Onblsht · 10-18-2005, 01:08 PM

are you referring to the banjo type, or the switchblade type remote. veedubmachanic?

veedubmechanic · 10-19-2005, 09:29 PM

banjo type is used on 98-99.

Banjo type is also used on 00+ but is considered the "valet" key and does need to be programmed.

Rosewilly · 12-01-2005, 04:36 PM

We had our one switchblade style remote stolen, and have no other key. Yes, stupid us. We have to travel far to the airport, rent a car (plan a tow to a dealer for key programming--or maybe not??).

I was told that there was a split in the year 2000 beetle for the type of key...that the old way doesn't need programming but the new way does.

I'm getting conflicting info from different dealers. One told me they had to send to Germany for the key and it would be weeks....!

Do you (or anyone) know how to find out the specs. beforehand? Is there a website where you can find this out? Can the VIN help?

We've never had a banjo type key, or valet key for this model, and I wonder how it would even work with our car. Just want to get more info because I'm seriously confused about the whole key deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

banjo type is used on 98-99.

Banjo type is also used on 00+ but is considered the "valet" key and does need to be programmed.

Bodack · 12-02-2005, 03:52 PM

Laser cutting/programming is dealership only.I don't know that they do it there, but they probably order it, but it can only be done through them. A normal key with no chip can be cut anywhere really.

Onblsht · 12-04-2005, 07:04 PM

If the dealer is telling you they have to send the key to GERMANY to get it cut, I'd suggest finding a real dealership. They either don't have the machine in their service department, or don't want to let you get away with an inexpensive sale.

Any Audi or VW dealership can cut the key blanks. They are identical blanks in the 99-01 and 01.5+ switchbladess as far as the metal blank goes.

You can also check with local locksmiths to see if they carry the laser cutting equipment, as several actually do.

cawwilliams · 12-29-2005, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onblsht

If the dealer is telling you they have to send the key to GERMANY to get it cut, I'd suggest finding a real dealership. They either don't have the machine in their service department, or don't want to let you get away with an inexpensive sale.

Any Audi or VW dealership can cut the key blanks. They are identical blanks in the 99-01 and 01.5+ switchbladess as far as the metal blank goes.

You can also check with local locksmiths to see if they carry the laser cutting equipment, as several actually do.

the keys are not laser cut. they are cut with a rotating carbide bit in a vw key cuting machine. if you loose your key the dealer can't cut a new key because the machine uses the original key as a guide to cut the new one it is for cutting spare keys. if you don't have the original than they are ordered by vin# from germany and can take several weeks. so give the guy's at the dealer a break they don't get off on taking advantage of people. they do what they can to resolve your problems. we quit cutting keys at our dealer due to the inaccurate cutting machine. at 50-90 bucks for key blanks it don't take long after wasting keys to see the advantage of ordering them pre cut.

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