Remote Key Programming

[CathyDad]

I have one keyless entry fob and the valet/mechanics key for my '99 New Beetle. While reading through Dallaslady's thread on her alarm system problems, I checked several of the advertisers for an additional remote key. I am fairly sure the dealer would have to make the key, but if I wanted to buy a remote elsewhere, it would have to be programmed. When reading the advertiser's comments, they state you need two working keys to program the remote. The question is does this mean I could do it with the two keys I have, or would I need two working remotes? Does anyone have quick instructions on this?

[Onblsht]

Just 2 keys. Here are the instructions:

1) To program the remote functions on a new key for your VW / Audi, sit in the car with the engine off and your driver side window rolled down.  (so you have access to the outside lock)

2) Insert the new key into the ignition.

3) Insert the little valet key in the driver side door lock (outside the car)

4) Turn the valet key like you are locking the car, but hold it there.

5) While holding the outside key in lock, press the unlock button on your new remote for 2-3 seconds.

6) Let go of the button.

7) Press the unlock button again for 2-3 seconds.  Now the code should register.

8) Let go and you should hear an acknowledgement beep. (the alarm honk/beep)

[CathyDad]

Really appreciate it--it's almost scary that this makes sense to me. Now to find a replacement remote and key and then get it cut. If you handle these--let me know the details, I am in the market and your response earns you a head start on competitors.

[Dallaslady]

Originally Posted by Onblsht

Just 2 keys. Here are the instructions:

1) To program the remote functions on a new key for your VW / Audi, sit in the car with the engine off and your driver side window rolled down. *(so you have access to the outside lock)

2) Insert the new key into the ignition.

3) Insert the little valet key in the driver side door lock (outside the car)

4) Turn the valet key like you are locking the car, but hold it there.

5) While holding the outside key in lock, press the unlock button on your new remote for 2-3 seconds.

6) Let go of the button.

7) Press the unlock button again for 2-3 seconds. *Now the code should register.

8) Let go and you should hear an acknowledgement beep. (the alarm honk/beep)

Hi! I'm SO glad you posted this! I've looked everywhere to find out HOW to program the remote should I ever need to know and should I ever get one. Well, I did find one with a key which has to be cut. Other issues are still going on with my car with a trunk which now won't open, an alarm which still goes off sometimes, etc., but MY question to you is, WHAT is the "little valet" key you are referring to? My assumption, is that this is the key I am now using since I don't have a remote. Is this correct?

ALSO, assuming my assumption is correct, isn't the valet key supposed to fit the glove box and/or trunk as well, or is there another size key for the glove box? Sorry for all the ??? but my poor bug is really messed up where keys are concerned. Runs like a top, though! Thanks for any help!

[CathyDad]

The valet key physically fits the glove box and trunk, but will not open them. The intent is that it allows the owner to store valuables, etc. in those spaces and the parking attendant/mechanic cannot access them. A factory/dealer cut key will operate all locks.

[Dallaslady]

So, my key that I have (that came with my used VW) is actually the valet key and not the original key (with the remote)? However, it doesn't physically fit either the trunk or the glove box, but does fit the ignition and driver door. I was thinking that perhaps the car had been repo'd at one time and that they had replaced the driver door key and ignition when, in fact, it may be the original key after all, but only the valet key. Does this sound correct?

And, thanks for your response, by the way!

[CathyDad]

Sorry--you are right, the valet key does not physically fit the glove box or trunk. I finally got back and just checked it out on my daughter's car. The rest of the story is correct--a factory original, non-valet key fits all, the valet key only the ignition and door. I hope I did not confuse you. The bottom line is that if VW cuts you an original equipment type key, it will work for everything. I have to have one made, too--too bad. I think some people sell the original switchblade key/remotes on eBay for some extra $$$. That's why I have one remote and one valet instead of two remotes and one valet.

[Dallaslady]

Originally Posted by CathyDad

Sorry--you are right, the valet key does not physically fit the glove box or trunk. I finally got back and just checked it out on my daughter's car. The rest of the story is correct--a factory original, non-valet key fits all, the valet key only the ignition and door. I hope I did not confuse you. The bottom line is that if VW cuts you an original equipment type key, it will work for everything. I have to have one made, too--too bad. I think some people sell the original switchblade key/remotes on eBay for some extra $$$. That's why I have one remote and one valet instead of two remotes and one valet.

Hi! Thanks for the response. Actually, I just picked up my car today. There were other problems going on, but some of which included the trunk latch (someone had tried to open it with a screwdriver and it had broken off!) and my door latch, amont other things. At any rate, I did discover that the only key I had WAS the valet key. I DID purchase a remote and uncut key from a vendor on Ebay and they were wonderful and both worked (and cut) beautifully, although the dealer didn't like the idea that I didn't purchase it from them. They didn't actually do the work on my car however. A VERY reputable VW repair shop did it for about 300 less than the dealer quoted with full 12 month/12,000 mile warranty using VW parts. Here's the Ebay store where I purchased my remote and uncut key, if you are interested:
http://stores.ebay.com/THE-REMOTE-KEYLESS-ENTRY-STORE

They were wonderful, great with communication and have a 60 day guarantee return policy.

Thanks, again, for your help and input!

[CathyDad]

No problem and thanks back for the info on the keys--I am in the market.
I do have one question-did you have a new key cut? If so, could you give me the details???

[CathyDad]

Me again--of course you had the key cut, you pretty much told that part of the story. I'm just interested in the rest of the details.
Just a little insomnia right now.

[Dallaslady]

Originally Posted by CathyDad

Me again--of course you had the key cut, you pretty much told that part of the story. I'm just interested in the rest of the details.
Just a little insomnia right now.

Hi! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Which details did you need to know? When we bought the "uncut" key with the remote (which was used, by the way, but we confirmed here which style we needed for our model vehicle, as well as confirmed with the dealer which we needed), the dealer at first tried to tell the mechanic (who worked with a VW dealership in Argentina for over 15 years, and locally for another 10, and who is an official "Master Mechanic" through Volkswagen) that the uncut key might not work because it was "aftermarket." Well, the people we purchased the key from on Ebay said to go ahead and have it cut because they "backed" their keys and they weren't aftermarket. Our mechanic told them that and that they'd better do it right. They did and it worked beautifully. I think the dealer (who recognized our car from having worked on it before) was ticked because we didn't buy it from them. The dealer also had to program the remote for our mechanic and everything works beautifully. I now have a switchblade key on the remote which works (pops the trunk, the key opens the glove box and trunk AND, after the car is locked, if I've left my sunroof open, will close the sunroof by reinserting the key in the door and turning it to the right..I think...I forgot the direction). And, I have my valet key. I'm SO happy now that it all works!! The door problem I had with the alarm did, in fact, turn out to be the latch which had to be replaced. The trunk mechanism (not sure on the specifics, but could look at the receipt) had to be replaced, as well. Since someone messed it up with a screwdriver, that didn't help. ALSO, they found that the light above the trunk was leaking, that water had gotten into it (along with sand from somewhere) and the wires had rusted, so they replaced that, as well). All totaled, with labor and parts, it cost $602.

[yody]

what do I do if I only have one key and a key will not go into driver door lock

Originally Posted by Onblsht

Just 2 keys. Here are the instructions:

1) To program the remote functions on a new key for your VW / Audi, sit in the car with the engine off and your driver side window rolled down. (so you have access to the outside lock)

2) Insert the new key into the ignition.

3) Insert the little valet key in the driver side door lock (outside the car)

4) Turn the valet key like you are locking the car, but hold it there.

5) While holding the outside key in lock, press the unlock button on your new remote for 2-3 seconds.

6) Let go of the button.

7) Press the unlock button again for 2-3 seconds. Now the code should register.

8) Let go and you should hear an acknowledgement beep. (the alarm honk/beep)

[Onblsht]

Your key doesn't work in your driver's door lock? Is it not the right key for the vehicle?

Your keys have to match your vehicle's VIN to be useable in your doors or ignition.

[yody]

My daughter lost her remote key so be bought a key (not remote) from dealer. There is something stuck in the door lock so you can't lock or unlock it that way. We bought a remote off ebay and we need to program it.

Originally Posted by Onblsht

Your key doesn't work in your driver's door lock? Is it not the right key for the vehicle?

Your keys have to match your vehicle's VIN to be useable in your doors or ignition.