VW Beetle 2000 key question

[Rosewilly]

We had our one switchblade style remote stolen, and have no other key to our VW 2000 Diesel Beetle. (Yes, stupid us for having only one key).

We might have to tow the beettle to a dealer for key programming--or MAYBE NOT?). That is the question:

I was told that there was a split in the key style in the year 2000 Beetle ..the old style key doesn't need programming but the new kind does.

I'm also getting conflicting info from different dealers. One told me they can have one in 2 days, and I might be able to drive away--OR NOT (in which case, the tow). Another dealer said they would have to get the key sent from Germany which would take weeks....!

Does anyone know how to find out beforehand if your beetle is under the new or old key type? Is there a website where you can put in your VIN and find this out?

We've never owned a "banjo type" key, or a "valet" key for this model, just the remote switchblade key. I just hope not to go down any expensive dead ends with the k
ey replacement.

[Bodack]

Hey, I don't have a Volkswagen, but I do work at a place that makes keys. I've seen Beetle keys before, and I figure yours will probably be the same. It's the kind that are cut into the inner portion of the key instead of the outer portion. Those are laser cut, and generally have to be ordered anyways. But back to the question. You're reffering to transponder keys, the type that have to be programmed. There are tester (fairly cheap) that can tell if your key is a transponder or not. Well since you don't have the key, you can rule that option out. This is the general rule of thumb for telling if it's a transponder...if it had a large, generally plastic, head then you're dealing with a transponder key. And while all of the switchblade keys usually have a big head, then it's also hard to tell. Why they would make a break in the 2000 keys, I don't know, and that may not even be true. Your best bet is to go to a certified locksmith and get as much information as possible. All I can do is tell you everything I know and let you go from there. If there happens to be a non-transponder key for that year, you get it, and your car takes a transponder key, you're screwed. The key will open the door, but will lock in the ignition. Better safe than sorry, I say. Hope this helps.

[veedubmechanic]

i think the cutoff point for programming keys was 2000 (immobilizer 2). You can try get one cut and see if it starts, if it doesnt it needs to be programmed.

[Rosewilly]

Hi and Thanks to Bodack and Vedubmechanic for responding. You were both on the right path.

I had a switchblade and valet key made from our VIN--it took two days which was good compared to scarier things I was told.

The new keys opened the door, but did not start the engine, which only turned over and stalled repeatedly.

So the car had to be towed to the VW dealer to program the keys to the car. Having the key open the door was a good thing for towing. So I recommend getting the keys made before towing to a dealer.

Actually, I don't recommend anyone have only one key for their car or go through this.

Am I allowed to say what the keys and programming cost? Pretty expensive, but at least we now have TWO keys, and hopefully we'll still have a spare available if one key disappears.