VW Key Fob Not Working (Troubleshooting Guide)
If your VW key fob suddenly stopped working or started malfunctioning after battery replacement, you’re probably looking for answers on why this is happening. This guide will discuss helpful details on potential causes for this issue and how to troubleshoot and fix it.
VW key fob not working can be caused by a variety of issues such as a weak or dead key fob battery, low car battery, being out of range, signal interference, faulty central locking module, immobilizer system issues, programming issues, or faulty key fob.
This article sheds more light on why your VW key fob is malfunctioning and practical solutions to help you restore your key fob functionality. We’ll also discuss why the key fob stops working after battery replacement and how to reset it.
Vw Key Fob Not Working Causes
Your key fob not malfunctioning can be caused by different potential culprits as outlined below:
A weak or dead key fob battery
A weak or dead remote battery is probably the most common culprit behind your VW key fob malfunctioning.
Most people don’t know that this remote has a battery that enables it to communicate with your car and send a command to lock, unlock, or start the engine.
If this battery is near depletion or becomes completely dead, the key fob function will be disabled.
Solution: Open your key fob to get the old battery out and replace it with a new one.
Make sure you use the correct replacement battery for your remote and that you install it correctly for continued proper functioning.
Programming issues
Another common cause for most VW key fobs to stop working is programming issues.
Your key fob may have lost its programming—probably due to a glitch or after battery replacement.
In this case, it won’t be able to communicate with your vehicle effectively, and it won’t start or lock/unlock your vehicle doors.
Solution: You’ll need to resync your remote with your car security system. Consult your user manual or your dealership on the correct sequence for reprogramming your key fob.
Check this guide on how to program the key fobs of different models of VW.
Signal interference
Your key fob may also fail to work due to signal interference. As you may already know, the remote communicates with your vehicle via radio frequency.
Thus if other electronic devices are emitting the same radiofrequency waves, they may interfere with your key fob functionality.
If the radio signals are stronger, the disruption between your key fob and the car will be even more significant.
Solution: Make sure there are no nearby devices that could be interfering with smooth communication between the remote and your car.
Examples of these devices include cell phones, laptops, routers, radio frequency towers, etc.
If possible, move away from these devices and try using the remote starter again.
Out of range
Just as with other remote vehicle start systems, your VW also has a limited range. If you attempt to start your car outside this range, it may also malfunction.
Sometimes, a battery nearing depletion will also reduce the range over time until it becomes completely dead,
Solution: Ensure you’re operating your VW key fob within the correct range recommended in your owner’s manual (usually a few feet) to ensure smooth key fob-to-vehicle communication.
If you want, you may also consider getting a range extender kit that enables you to operate your vehicle from up to ¼ a mile away.
Faulty key fob
Sometimes the key fb itself may fail completely, in which case it will also fail to communicate with your car.
This isn’t uncommon since these key fobs usually receive a lot of physical abuse and may get easily damaged over time.
Solution: You may consider using your backup remote to see if it works; this will help you confirm whether your remote is faulty.
Inspect your remote for physical signs of damage. Pull it apart and inspect its circuit board for cracked solder joints. These can be easily re-soldered to fix the issue.
If you’re unable to diagnose your key fob, get a qualified VW technician or dealership to do it for you.
They use their advanced tools plus experience to diagnose and recommend repairs or a replacement.
Vehicle receiver/antenna issues
Your VW vehicle’s keyless entry receiver/antenna may also develop problems with its electronic components, which receive signals from your key fob.
This will lead to a lack of effective communication between it and your key fob. Issues with this antenna may lead to key fob malfunction or cause intermittent connectivity.
Solution: If you suspect your vehicle antenna/receiver has developed problems, we advise you to have it checked by a qualified VW technician or your nearest VW dealer.
They’ll thoroughly diagnose the system and fix any underlying issues that may affect its functionality.
Immobilizer system issues
Sometimes your immobilizer or anti-theft system may also prevent communication between your key fob and your vehicle.
This system simply disables your engine if it doesn’t recognize the correct key fob.
Also, if this system is malfunctioning, it may fail to recognize the key fob, preventing your vehicle from starting.
Solution: If there’s a problem with your car immobilizer system, you may see the ignition light on the dash flashing rapidly when you try to start your engine.
Have a VW dealership or mechanic diagnose your security system by checking for any diagnostic trouble codes and fix the underlying issue to restore the proper key fob functionality.
What To Do If Your Vw Key Fob Is Not Working
If your VW key fob stops functioning, follow the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and fix the underlying issue:
- Check the battery and replace it if necessary. Be sure to use the correct battery (a CR2032 battery) and install it correctly.
- If the battery isn’t the problem, consider resyncing your key fob to ensure it communicates smoothly with your vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual on the correct procedure for re-pairing your manual.
- If you have a spare key, try using it to remote start your vehicle and see if it works. If yes, your other key fob could be faulty and needs further diagnosis and replacement.
- Move away from potential signal interference sources
- Inspect your key fob for any visible signs of damage. Ensure there are no signs of moisture that may have entered its system.
- Also, check the battery contacts and ensure they’re not dirty or loose as these may also affect the remote functionality.
- Ensure you’re within the recommended range when operating your remote. And keep in mind that a weak key fob battery tends to weaken the range.
- Ensure there are no nearby sources of signal interference that could be interfering with your key signal.
- Consult your owner’s manual for any additional troubleshooting tips for your key fob
If nothing seems to work, take your key fob to a professional or local VW dealership to have it inspected and reprogrammed as necessary. If the fob is faulty, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.
Why Your Vw Key Fob Is Not Working With A New Battery
If you just replaced your Volkswagen key fob battery and it still doesn’t work, there are several potential culprits to consider below:
- Firstly, you want to ensure you installed the battery correctly. Ensure the battery sits in its compartment perfectly (with the + side facing down).
- You may also have gotten a defective battery. It’s common to get a new battery that’s defective or has a low charge. Try installing a new battery to see if it helps fix the issue.
- The key fob may also have lost its programming following the battery change. Consider reprogramming your key fob to resync it with your vehicle security system. Consult your owner’s manual on the correct steps for reprogramming your key fob.
- Ensure you’re within range as this could be the reason your key fob won’t work.
- Also, ensure there’s a clear line of sight between you and your vehicle and that there are no obstacles that could be blocking the signal.
- Ensure no nearby electronic devices are interfering with the signal produced by your key fob and causing it to communicate with your car.
- Inspect your key fob for visible signs of damage as it could also be damaged. check it for signs of moisture that could interfere with its functionality.
If none of the above steps solves the problem, consult a Volkswagen dealer or qualified VW technician for further diagnosis and repair.
How Do You Reset Your Vw Key Fob?
If you’re looking for the exact steps to follow to reset your VW key fob, this is your part. Here’s a general guide for resetting the key fob:
BEFORE you get started, ensure your key fob is in good working condition as a low or dead battery or any other issue may hinder the reset process.
Step 1. Insert your key fob into the ignition and turn it into position one. But don’t start your engine
Step 2. Use a second VW key fob to lock the door on the driver’s side and then leave the key in the lock
Step 3. Close all your vehicle doors
Step 4. Leave the first key in the ignition and then press the unlock button on the fob until you hear your vehicle horns honk.
Step 5. Once you’re done with the programming, turn off the ignition and then remove the key to exit the programming mode.
Note that these are general steps to follow and the exact reset procedure can vary depending on your vehicle model and year.
For more details on the VW key fob programming instructions specific to your VW model, consult your owner’s manual.
Here’s a helpful video explaining step-by-step how to reset your VW key fob
Video:
FAQs:
Your VW key fob blinking red light could be a sign of low battery. It could also indicate remote start failure, programming errors, transceiver failure, or antenna-related issues.
Your VW key fob unlock button may not be working due to a low or dead battery, synchronization issue, faulty car receiver/antenna, or the key fob itself could be faulty.
Conclusion
Many different culprits can cause your VW key fob to stop working. This article has just discussed the most common culprits including a weak or dead battery, programming issues, signal interference range issues, immobilizer system issues, faulty key fob, or faulty vehicle antenna/receiver.
Follow the troubleshooting steps we have discussed above to find the exact culprit causing your key fob to malfunction and resolve it. If nothing seems to work or you’re unable to fix your key fob issue on your own, consult a qualified VW technician or the nearest VW dealership for further assistance.
