How to Program a VW keyfob

In this video I show how to program a replacement keyfob on a 2002 Jetta. I got a new keyfob from the dealer to replace the original damaged one. This programming requires 2 keys because you need one in the ignition and one in the door at the same time.
Procedure is this.
1. With new keyfob installed onto the old switch-blade/transponder portion of the key insert the key into the ignition with the buttons facing down.
2. Turn the key to the on position but don't start the car. Just until the lights light up on the dash.
3. Get out of the vehicle and shut door. Then insert the second key into the door and turn to lock and then turn to unlock.
4. get back into vehicle and press the unlock button on the keyfob for 1 second, then let up for 1 second, press for 1 second. You should hear the horn honk. If the horn didn't honk then let off and press again. Did the horn honk? if not let off and press again. Did the horn honk? If not then then see below. If the horn did honk move to next step.
5. Shut door and test out the keyfob. if the horn honked then the buttons should work.
If the horn doesn't honk then something is wrong.
1.Does the horn and the alarm work? maybe you just didn't hear it
2.The max number of programmed keyfobs is 4. Even if they are lost the computer still hold the programming. It may need to go to the dealer to wipe the programming and start out new.
3. The door lock switch didn't read that the key was moved to lock and unlock
4. The new keyfob isn't the right one for the vehicle
Also I'm sure someone will comment at some point that you can just stick your arm out the window and turn the key but there is a reason I don't recommend this. On a VW the windows can be rolled up and down with the key in the door and I don't want people to roll up their arm or head in the window. Just get out of the vehicle or have a friend stand next to the car and operate the key.

[@kinglouis7134]

Your KZbin instructional video was very helpful. I successfully programmed my new 2000 VW Beetle key using my Valet Key! To those trying it for the first time, the unprogrammed key goes into the ignition and the valet key or whatever you’re using as a original goes into the outside door lock. I figured out I had to pull the new key out of the steering column and then push the unlock button slowly. Then the new fob worked flawlessly. Thanks again for helping us out and showing us the way.

[@jonnymin.speranza6854]

I ve new beetle too. Works with new empty key?

[@bassmunk]

Nice! Just tried it with aftermarket fobs I got off eBay and it worked perfectly! Thank u! I recommend though pressing all 3 buttons during the 15sec programmable time frame so that they all work. My 1st try only the one button I pressed worked.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Thanks for the tip. I wonder if this is common with the aftermarket Fobs.

[@armandvigors2025]

Thank you so much for this tip. I got quoted £150 for new key from locksmith. Bought a 2nd hand fob off ebay for £12 , swapped my key on to it, tried out this method and it worked first time. Genius.

[@l.m.kogler728]

I just did this with the spare key fob from my 2003 Jetta -- car was totaled in 2004, and yeah, I've held on to a practically new VW key fob I've never used for all these years. Used to replace the key fob for my 2005 Jetta. (That key fob stopped working; not a battery issue.) The procedure as shown here worked the very first time! Thanks!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Thanks for letting us know. Free fob is awesome!!!

[@arturodavis5135]

i dont mean to be offtopic but does anyone know of a trick to get back into an instagram account..? I was stupid lost the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me!

[@urielmilo3681]

@Arturo Davis Instablaster ;)

[@arturodavis5135]

@Uriel Milo Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and Im in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@arturodavis5135]

@Uriel Milo It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much you saved my ass !

[@alyssatrujillo1355]

Locksmith tried telling me the key fob I purchased from somewhere else didn’t work and I had to purchase from him…turns out Jetta’s need another key in the car door. Saved myself $300 and did it myself. Thank you!

[@RussellJLed]

Worked! I’ll add to this by saying I took the key lock out and used a screwdriver instead of a key in the lock/unlock step as I haven’t yet had my new key cut. But the new fob from eBay is now programmed! Saved myself mucho dinero! Thank you sir!!!

[@heikogehrig]

This worked perfectly on my older model Tiguan. Thank you!! Later, when my other key fob stopped working (while at the mall, so no second key fob), I did the exact same procedure, except I opened the driver's side door, locked the central lock (on the door), unlocked, closed the door, then pressed the unlock button on the key fob twice (no horn, but after removing key, the key fob works). So for my Tiguan, the procedure works, except you don't need the second key, unstead, use the central lock on the door.

[@gabriellance9248]

I tried adding a remote on my 2004 Passat with my VAG-COM tool and it wouldn't let me add the second (key) remote. Then tried your method and it worked on the first try. Thanks a lot!

[@anthonygarcia7753]

Crazy I’ve had my Passat for over a year and I never cared to search for a video how to program the key cause I always thought I would have to go to the dealer. One year later and outta curiosity I did and this worked !

[@WestcoastEmamali]

Still works great! I bought a new fob from Amazon and programmed it in 5 sec. with this method.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Great to hear!

[@katolau]

Hey aloha, really appreciate you posting this 3 years ago, fixed the problem, mahalo!

[@MrJwolf989]

Worked perfectly for 1999 Passat (B5). If driver latch actuator does not recognize key, you can program off of the passenger door as well. Thank you!!

[@jasonsmybro]

if you dont have a second key, remove the driver's door lock cylinder and use a screwdriver to lock/unlock the door. it is very simple to remove the lock cylinder. you just have to remove the small cap in the door by the lock cylinder and use a t15 torx bit to unscrew the bolt holding the lock cylinder in (dont remove the screw completely. only loosen it enough to remove the lock cylinder or youll be fishing the screw out of the inner door). follow the same procedure in the video but use the screwdriver as the second key.

[@tajiroller]

Best way to program a new key fob without 2nd key is to pull apart the fobs and pop out the circuit boards and put the old circuit board in the place of the new. Worked for me.

[@johnbrennan7175]

Its staggering how many people are driving around without a spare key. Madness

[@aliviisas]

After three times this worked perfectly for my VW Bora '00. 👌 Saved 50 €, thank you!

[@Ndlakude]

Thank you so much. I didn't sleep well yesterday thinking about my dead car keys. U saved my last cent with your video. You are the man

[@bryandulude7215]

12 seconds and it’s like new I love it still works

[@miker7777]

holy shit lifechanging. I thought i would forever have to manually unlock the doors for the rest of my passat's life. each few seconds of time saved are due to you.

[@sergioforjaes5730]

I try with my vw passat (12/2000) and it worked like a charm at 4th attemp... Thx a lot!!! Great video!!!!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Nice work!

[@SteveH1985]

Top video took me literally 1 minute to reprogram my fob using this video. Thanks 😉

[@ladonnabrookshire6284]

KZbin for the win always coming through in a clutch.

[@andyskyrme2714]

Fabulous! Thank you so much. It saved me loads of money trying to get my 2007 VW Polo key reprogrammed. Awesome. 😎👍

[@N0TDITTO]

You just saved me the $75 the dealer wanted to charge!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Sweet. Holidays are coming and every dollar counts.

[@turtlesonfame9524]

This tutorial worked perfectly for 2002 passage, thanks

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Glad it helped

[@kristinae.7084]

Thank you so much!! I had to repeat the steps 4 times, and my horn never honked, but now my key fob works! You made my day :)

[@jamil420]

Did u buy a blank chip from somewhere or reprogrammed your old key?

[@PsyMan2022]

Thanks, new T5s spare key now functional again. Nice and clear (it was my alarm beep not the horn in the UK though)

[@Wyndstrom]

This was very helpful! Thank you for this vid! Honestly, I"m no fan of these keyfobs and prefer a standard (read: old school) key.

[@leifbolton643]

since the max number of programmed keys is 4, and it may take 4 times to re program a key. I suggest that the amount of times it takes is related to the number of times it has already been done.

[@tommytee1751]

Sweet!! This worked on my VW golf mk4.. Nice one man..

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Good to hear!

[@ayarnold9523]

Many thanks worked on my 2006 VW T5 with the remote that had stopped working after a battery change.

[@MegaRusty64]

ive got a 2006 Golf GTI right hand drive (Uk model) ive got one working key fob but the othe key fob was dead, changed the battery but still dead so i got a new key fob circuit board from ebay and swapped it out.... but now i had to syncronise it to the car. this is how i did it. Manual Programming 1) Unlock the door to your car using the key blade 2) Insert your good/working key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position, but do not start the car. 3) Roll down your driver's side window 4) Step out of the car and insert your new key into the driver's door lock, now turn the key to the lock position and hold it in that position for 10 seconds. 5) Now press the lock button on the FOB with key still in the door lock 6) Now press the unlock button on the FOB with the key still in the door lock 7) remove key fob from the door, do your widow up and remove keys from the ignition.... now try to lock and unlock with the new key fob. worked for me and i tried loads of different ways, hope this helps somebody !!

[@rolandmazuch4493]

This method worked for me i tried a lot but just this one was with function. Thanks a lot

[@Mybrotherskeeper]

On some vehicles you need to leave the key in the ignition for several seconds until you hear the horn blow.

[@SiM0NEN]

Works on vw t4 transporter. Did not hear horn but still works at very first try.

[@chronocross7174]

Thank you! This worked after watching alot of videos this one was straight forward!

[@BobSmith-mc7uq]

Tried many different way. Yours worked first time. Subbed.

[@nlibby5549]

This worked on a non push start Passat. Thanks, man.

[@rudebeserker309]

So what if you don’t hv a second key and just have one key fob but u ordered a key fob replacement case from Amazon would this still work

[@CraigSNZ]

Most of the people with problems are putting a key in the ignition that has an immobilizer chip that is not programmed to the car. There are three separate systems here. The mechanical blade and lock, the tiny glass immobiliser chip inside the key near the blade and aerial around the keyhole and the remote opening fob with its buttons and battery. Many locksmiths can clone the glass chip if they have the car and a working key and the right equipment. Second hand keys witl need the old glass chip removed and a new cloned chip inserted. Swapping the glass chip from one key to the next is very risky as the chip is fragile and glued in place. Best to clone the chip first in case it breaks when you attemot to get it out.

[@rubenmoscol4774]

mine the glass broke trying to taking it out.. what can I do??

[@westtexastll1978]

Glass??? That must be a European car thing. the Chevy I had only had a small, metal "chip" set in plastic in the ignition key's shank near the head.

[@westtexastll1978]

@@rubenmoscol4774 that might end up being be a Dealership Repair... 🤷🏻‍♂️?

[@dalemyers1847]

Here is one side note I'd like to add. My 01 Beetle does not know when the drivers door has been opened. To get this process to work I needed to do a the steps only I opened and closed the passengers door. I accessed the drivers door manual lock by reaching out the open drivers door window.

[@giovanni562]

Worked on my 2009 VW Jetta. It had lost the ability to unlock the doors, it would only lock. 👍🏼

[@mtn_sivliu]

On my polo 1.9 2001 it was a veri small click inside the dashboard that told me it was reprogrammed. I got it in the 3-rd try. Thanks :)

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

🍻

[@rodmccrimmon2601]

This worked perfectly - first time - awesome!

[@vlamizo0072]

Saved me alot of money. Thanks for the informing 👍

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Glad to help

[@jaycechan8122]

Thanks so much it work to my Audi A4. key , saving my 93 pound to Audi shop recording

[@gavino1792]

If you don't have two keys, take your doors lock cylinder out and use a screwdriver.

[@MarisRozenbergs]

it worked, has to use screw driver as a key to unlock, lock doors, took total 2hours +/- but did it

[@ikki831]

I heard the horn on first try with key fob I got on amazon. The key fob locks and unlocks doors and car starts and drives fine with the newly programed key fob but trunk wont unlock with it. I can live with that. thanks for the info.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

No problem. That’s weird that the trunk doesn’t operate. At least the door locks work. Thanks for watching.

[@razmin3]

I have the same problem with the key fobs I purchased from Amazon. The lock and unlock work, but they won't pop the trunk. I have no idea why because the original fob will open the trunk.

[@European_carclub]

@@razmin3 same with my key from eBay. Any reason why?

[@Docdug]

Thank you for posting this! It saved me $62 the VW dealer would have charged!!!

[@Weirdbloke1]

This worked on a Skoda Roomster. Thank you.

[@brandoncarson7456]

you sir are a very helpful man may you have a long and beautiful life ❤️ thank you for helping me

[@user-rx4dc5ok9b]

Works nicely for the door unlock. But how do we program the immobilizer chip??

[@RalphMartinez-mz7ev]

2004 VW Passat GLX Sedan V6 these steps worked for me to add a second key, but how can I program out other lost key fobs or how can I add my 3rd? thank you in advance

[@abylambert9731]

this works perfectly! thanks man

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

You're welcome!

[@ImTheBeast93]

Thanks worked on my mk4 golf first try best video for this

[@user-bl9jq4jj1v]

My fob also has a key!! Its new, key not cut yet. Still want to program the fob ONLY. Incase I lock my keys in the car

[@considerlily]

Thank you so much!! Worked like a charm.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Your welcome.

[@houmvong]

Thank you sir. I got my Beetle reprograms very easy.

[@humbertohernandez11]

Fast and easy thank you sir!

[@ghost-4230]

Sometimes after I start driving my Audis alarm will go off while I’m driving. I have to pull over, turn the car off, lock and unlock my doors with the remote, then I can start the car and go again. It happens once a month. I’ve never seen that on any other car xD the first time people thought I stole my own car

[@user-nd5co8lq4t]

what if i have only one key? mk6, keyfob stop working. few month ago was erratically/ randomly locking/unlocking doors, not all at once and never the same doors. now nothing, red led still lighting on keyfob. so battery not ded.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

You can remove the door lock cylinder and use a screwdriver to turn the door lock switch and then use the one key you have in the ignition.

[@jorgebustos8339]

Great video man. Thank you!

[@kingbolen_official]

Nice video,one minute program a VW keyfob

[@blacks4malimindset730]

Thanks for the video,does it work on a polo vivo 2015 if not what should I use cause I got Ancel fx4000 diagnostic scanner

[@ianlivermore2981]

Thank you ever so much worked great 👍

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

You're welcome!

[@medsoudani8247]

Hello, Thank you for the video. Could you tell me how to program a new remote control for a VW Passat B8 (2018), without key, knowing that the car is keyless Go (not keyless entry). Thanks

[@LookUpTheKalergiPlanWhitePeeps]

B5.5 Passat, have you ever noticed it's not the horn honking? It's something near the C pillar in my car when I use the remote to lock it or if the alarm goes off.

[@user-zv7jq7hq1p]

thx for this vid -- worked perfectly!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

You're welcome!

[@chinita2463]

What if you don't have an extra key? And only the key fob?

[@thezeek2745]

Off to the dealer with the VIN

[@ryanedwards1380]

Buy an HAA blank and get it cut for 5 quid so it works in the door lock..

[@gb7886]

There's another video explaining how to do with one key. You have to pop out door lock and use a screw driver to act like a key... I also done it to reset the alarm system on other cars.. neat trick.

[@constantlylurkingraffitich2883]

​@gb7886 please send link for the other video

[@williamatchison6261]

@@ryanedwards1380 what if im in the US and we dont have any quids?

[@1975Kombi1]

How about doing a used key fob from a scrapyard? Yes the immo chip has been switch over along with the key blade. Can the used scrapyard key fob be reprogrammed? Seems the original circuit board might have been compromised. It just continually blinks non stop.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

The used remote if functional should work. I have programmed several used remotes in the past.

[@1975Kombi1]

Bob's your uncle!

[@blueboy7777777777777]

Thanks for the video! Worked the first time on the new remote but can't get the factory one to work.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

blueboy7777777777777 did the factory remote work before and does the little red light on the remote block when a button is pressed? you may have to try programming both at the same time. After you press the button on one remote and get the confirmation try pressing the buttons on the second remote before cycling the key off.

[@blueboy7777777777777]

@@ThePracticalMechanic Factory one did work until the battery died in it and the car battery died. And yes the red LED light flashes with a new battery in both. Tried to do both at the same time but no good. The new one doesn't make the horn beep but it still works. I have a VCDS I'll just do it that way. Thanks!

[@jimbrannlund4677]

Thanks for this!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

My pleasure!

[@dashtyATG]

Hy thanks for your time. How about a used remot please can it be reprogrammed?

[@t.a.4702]

worked like a charm

[@carlosdelaroche8103]

Thankkkk youuuu

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Your welcome!!

[@ProPhoto-rc7yn]

Great work!!!

[@theyrealltaken3]

Worked perfectly! Thank you very much! Liked and subbed

[@MrChewed]

I tried this lots of times on a VW Polo 2017. No luck unfortunately.

[@ianmoore525]

So I can have 2 different key fobs old and new both programmed to open doors and start?

[@johnrizzotti4785]

what if i only have the ONE key

[@alsstewart8583]

Tried this 6times on my mk5golf,no joy🤕any other ideas?? Many thanks

[@linasvilciauskas8738]

Golf mk5 needs diagnostic tool to program remote - it works via obd port

[@mohammedkahaf2428]

@@linasvilciauskas8738 how do I do this?

[@eyes2videos]

Thx, but it does not work with AMAROK 2015 :(

[@MrChuntaro]

It worked but now the key light is flashing while the vehicle running.

[@AntonGumiran]

how do you do this for VW's with start stop button

[@kain7134]

Most start stop buttons pop off, they cover a hole in the dash you can put a key in

[@rosshuntington6769]

What if you have no key fob just one key and dam alarm still going off

[@lauris4887]

Is there a way to reprogram my second key to be recognised by immobilizer? Key was working fine but i tried to take radio out by bit of force and the key stopped working. I have other key that only locks car manualy. And the button on starting key doesnt work.

[@Hedwigthechicky]

Does the new key fob with key start the car

[@shifatsalam3153]

Sir I have only two remote control key. One does work and the other doesn't ( if i click the button the car doesn't response anymore). So have I input the working key in the door and input the not working key in the car? It's a Volkswagen polo of 2003. Please help me

[@retrolabvw]

Dumb question but will this affect remote starting? I had the fob programmed for remote starting by pressing the lock button 3 times

[@smalldoseofmeful]

What if you are trying to program an entire new key. Got the new one cut but the immobilizer pill isnt set to the car

[@imjasonennis3624]

This doesn’t work on my 07 Octavia, do I need a new key?

[@JayMadTv]

Thank you for this

[@malikg4u]

I tried my both keys 4 time but unfortunately did not work for me😩😩😩

[@SkaterK3]

Worked for me with a 2002 VW Golf, but it did not honk.

[@robertcouture7102]

Do all be 2018 Tiguan’s have ignition that use keys

[@bankaalbert5022]

Can you start the car if you have problem like this?

[@wayneODC]

Hello, I have a 2007 Golf, and having problems with this working. Should I try anything else?

[@vw1610]

You rock!!!

[@RnWSolutions]

Is there a way if you only have 1 key?

[@themissingpiecepuzzlecompa9670]

I have a 2006 VW Beetle. The car battery died over the winter and I just got around to changing it out. Now, the keys won't work! My lights show that the car thinks it is being stolen, I've tried this method and it isn't working. PLEASE HELP!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I have had a few beetles in the past so this and one method that has worked was to to turn the key on and let the car sit for 30+ minutes. You should set the parking brake to disable the headlights and also leave the charger running. You may have to do this for both keys. It still may not work though. Another option is to unhook the battery for 15 minutes or so and reconnect. It may reset the module and work properly again. Good luck.

[@jo5186]

While the alarm is activated, insert the key into the rear hatch and turn left. This will turn off the alarm.

[@diesel7806]

Worked on my first try, thank you!

[@ayoubdry5428]

081GSDHM