How to change the battery in a VW Key FOB

Posted on March 1, 2008 by wyliemac

[For those just looking for the information, scroll down to see how to change it. The first few paragraphs are just introductory ramblings.] The last time I took my 2002 Volkswagen Passat to the dealer, one of the things I had them do was replace the battery in the key fob (the remote entry and alarm device). It cost me close to $50 to replace. When I asked the service guy what the deal was, he said that they had to reprogram it, and that's what the fee was for. Obviously I though it was BS, but I let it go. However, the next time I needed the battery replaced I vowed that I would do it myself. [And by the way, I won't name the dealer that charged me the $50, but I do live in Dublin.] Thankfully, the internet provides great DYI advice. The only problem was that there was no pictures associated with the advice I found. Hence this post. But first, the usual disclaimers. This worked for me. If it doesn't work for you, then you might have a different issue. I'm not a mechanic, nor do I claim to be one. And the advice is provided "AS IS". Okay, on with the show.

Battery Needed

Obviously you'll need a replacement battery. I picked mine up at Walgreens for $3.99. You'll need a 3 Volt "CR 2032", which is a tad bit smaller than a Nickel.

How to Open the Volkswagen Key FOB

Here's a picture of the key with the key blade folded in. You'll need to flick the key out to do the job. VW Key Fob 1

Once it's flicked open, look for a slot in which you can fit a flat head screwdriver in. My chubby finger is pointing to the slot. VW Key Fob 2

Insert the tip of the flathead screwdriver in the slot and twist to pry open. VW Key Fob 3

Pull the two halves apart. VW Key Fob 4

Next pull apart the half with the buttons. You'll have to grip the sides of the two halves and gently pull. Once slightly open, I used the screwdriver to assist with prying open. You'll see the battery in one of the halves. VW Key Fob 5

After you replaced the battery, snap all the pieces back together. This saved me about $45 doing it myself. And I did not have to reprogram the key fob.

This entry was posted in DYI and tagged Don't be a sucker for the regular dealer service crap, DYI, Key Fob, Volkswagen. Bookmark the permalink.

Ghalim

Thanks for great info. Only needed battery type and #. Owners manual walks you thru to program key (F O B ) to the cars computer. Thanks again.

Hathawayrichard

Thanks so much. After prying apart main unit, I used same flat head key to pry apart piece without key. Removed battery, replaced with new battery from Kroger. snapped together, works fine! RH Athens, Ga 4/21/12

Castlecustom

Thanks bud, easy when you know how ;)

Mikerocket

Mine is another success story. The remote locked but would not unlock the car. Reprogramming did not help. After a battery change my 2002 Passat key remote immediately worked again. Thanks for the disassembly photos.

Mikerocket

Thank you, very well done and informative

sameersaxena7

Hey, Which Battery is required in Remote key for 2003 VW Passat GL?

Ryan

If you have the older style fob (maybe pre-2002), the battery it takes is a CR1620. Not readily available at a drugstore, but you can find it on Amazon.

Reprogramming is a cinch:

Hold the "unlock" button on the fob while you manually open the door. Then start the car. That's it.

The car I used this method on was a 2001 Passat.

Axemen60

Worked for me.
Thank you!!!!

Marty

Thank You. This helped me so much. I couldn't tell which side had the battery at the first split, your pics helped alot. The pics let me know, as much as anything, how not to break it. My fob works much better now. Thanks again. I broke the end off of my fob that goes on the key ring, so I am looking to get another fob, well that and the fact I don't have a spare (used car puchase con). Does anyone know if this would be the same way to program a new fob?

Lynnehickmore

thank you very, very helpful

Lissy

eureka!
That was easy. And, believe it or not I had a 2032 lying around!
now I will have to test it when I leave work.
Thank you!

Simon Dog!

Awesome!!!! Nothing worked once I changed the battery but I opened my trunk manually and then tried it and voila!!!! Kudos to all of you!

Peggles54

My 2000 Passat had two 1620 batteries in it. Went to Radio Shack, and when he put the battery in nothing happened. Not even sure if this fob has the red light. Anyway, went home pretty disappointed. Has anyone tried this with a model of this year?

Amilcoy

Excellent post - saved me a shed load of cash and the bother of getting to a main dealer
Two new batteries - did the spare while I was at it as that too had stopped working - cost me £3.50 (approx $5 ) Local dealer quoted £30 ($45) for each key - citing programming as being the reason for the charge

One of my keys needed 're-programming' steps for that are lower in this post courtesy of xmechanic

Paisley_houck

worked like a charm. thank you! saved me a bunch of money...

Edgar

thanks for sharing this tip. Awesome. It works. Saved me $45 dollars also. Good deal

Lance

Thank you for your posting, very helpful and really quite easy when you know the steps. Our dealer charged about $18.00 for the battery replacement. Considering how many manuals came with this car it is hard to believe that they would leave this out. But over the years when it comes to doing anything on the car the manual almost always says "Take to dealer for this service". Thank You!

Jedwards

I had done this once before but had forgotten how I did it. I originally did it by watching the VW tech doing it, for which he charged me $10. Thanks for posting the pics.

guest

Thank you so much for posting this! Got the whole job done for $4 just like you said.

joe

thanks so much...

Rajitha Kuruppu

Thank you very much.

Rajitha

DrJude

The pictures helped take the pieces apart as they were firmly held together. Thank you for your instructions which worked a treat.

Chris

These instructions worked perfectly! Thank you for saving me $45.

John

Thank you very much for the instructions. Worked like a charm. Only cost me $5.36 for the battery.

Calguyinga

Ok so I have a question. I need to replace panic red cover on my Fob. Anyone know where I can get one.

Rtmcoqui

I just did as you described and it worked. My door opener button did not work but the other two did so I thought it might not be the battery, but it now works! I had a hard time with the last step but kept on trying and finally pulled it apart as instructed. Thank you so much!

Scooter426

worked great thx

Lguzz287

You are awesome!! Thanks!

Lgaribay56

you are definitely a nice guy, i will do the same as you did with something that i know to help out people like you did. god bless you man

Paul

thanks for saving me some cash. took me about 5 minutes.

Trgthand

Thank you!!!

Kaiti Keller

That was amazing!! thank you soo much!

Lors

great article, did not need to re-program. $5 bucks, that's it !

Scooterz058

I have to tell you . . . .I was really not looking forward to paying my VW Dealer all that money just to put in a new battery in my Key Fob. The directions worked perfectly for my 2003 Jetta and I had NO programing issues. The only issue was finding a battery at a local store. I so appreciate that you posted this and that it worked out as your instructions indicated. YOU DA MAN!!!!

Eddie

Good Instructions and it saved me money also. Again Thanks!

Ahatrd2

Thanks a Lot !! very helpful!!

John

Thank you very much! $50.00 is alot of $$$$$ in this economy. Your directions were awesome.

Guest

Thank you!!!!!!! I hate giving money to that dealership.

John

Thanks! Total life saver. I'm glad I found this.

Superdiscobreakin75

Hi, Thanks! Followed your instructions, works now! I have a 2000 Jetta. Very similar key fob, but not the same. The batteries that were dead in mine, were CR1620. I bought 2 @ $5.49 each @ CVS. I installed as shown, but it didn't work until I actually stuck my key in the door and unlocked it manually. I tried again and it works. and works from long range again. Thanks man.

AndyGLS

This method worked great for my 2003 Passat GLS Wagon's fob. Nice job!

Masipriano

Thank you so much for posting these instructions! I just changed my battery out and it works just fine! My sister had an extra battery, so I got it done for free :-) Woohoo! Thanks again!!

Adam

meritline has 10 packs of these for $3.99 today (5 for the same price normally)

Thanks for the instructions, my fob from my 03 is starting to go.

Steve

THANKS A MILLION! After 1 and 1/2 years of endless suffering!! especially with trying to get a dog in and out of the car with one hand and struggling with the key with a dead battery...I did it with your procedure (which is excellent) and saved $180. I have a few nice words to say to the dealer...in Glastonbury CT.

David Marshall

Many thanks....I did 2 keys for £5. Dave, Seaford, UK

Valerie

AWESOME!!! I did it today and no problems! I paid $6 for 2 batteries for both of my remotes. I've been out of a remote for MONTHS and have been manually unlocking/locking my car (how annoying!) since the battery in both my remotes were dead. Thank you so much!!!! :-)

Lynn

Thanks for posting this. I changed mine for zero because I had another battery in my desk drawer. Its a little trick getting the last two halfs apart, but I persisted and made it happen. You really can't see where it opens. It took a lot of force to pry it open and I was afraid it would break but it didn't. Thanks again so much.

batflattery

thanks worked a treat

jeff

Thanks I just changed my key battery and the last time it cost me 35 at the key shop

Prarthanashahi

Thank you so much you are awesome for posting this

Lvly_eyes

MANNN you are a money saver...you rock!! Thank you sooo much!

Lindeyloo

Thank you so much! this was so helpful!

Jsinger

Awesome info. Didn't even need to reprogram!

Lgv

Nice one very good info

Lou

Thanks...ya just saved me atrip to the dealer, lots of cash (no doubt), and a little pride with the wife!

jodsters119

wow!! vw's are a joke when it comes to replacing parts!! They want only the dealer to be able to fix anything that has to do with their cars!! You are just amazing!! thank you soooooo much for your time to do this and to put it up so we can all save sooo much money!! Now what about head lights? anyone have a clue?

Beverly

Thanks for the VW key fob battery replacement tip....BUT with the new battery the doors do not lock/unlock. I stopped by to see why the problem. Yes, the little red light works but the parts dept. guy said it was probably "burned out" and I would have to get a new key. ($200).
What didn't I do? Is there a re-boot, re-program, re-something that I need to know about. It seems like all the replies about battery replacements from this DIY page were successful. I have a 2002 VW Passat and I'm a female. I am always suspecioius about Car Dealers (they are always 'dealing.' )

xmechanic

There are other programming methods that may need to be done. One involves having two keys and turning the ignition switch to on then using the other key from the outside of the car turn to the lock position and hold there for ten seconds then release to the neutral position and press one of the buttons on the fob. Then 2 seconds later press the button again. the lights should flash and the fob should work then. Check your owners manual for specific instructions.

Dauerr

Did the trick for me. I do believe I had to get in and pull the good key out of the ignition (not have the car "on"), get out and then try to lock or un-lock it fro outside. I was disappointed for a moment until I tried this. Thanks Beverly!

xmechanic

You probably already found the answer to your question but if not : To reprogram- Lock the doors from outside manually. Press the unlock symbol on the key fob then unlock the door manually with the key, get in and start the car. This should reprogram your key. The key gets "unprogrammed" by hitting the button too many times when you are out of range [where did I park that car?] If the red light on the key fob lights up you probably don't need a battery, just reprogramming.

Amanda Lagunas

I tried these steps and my fob still does not work. Any other suggestions ?
Amanda

riblet

That worked perfectly, thanks!

Ritacoburn

You are a star. Thought the battery had gone in my key fob and purchased one today as I could
not unlock or lock the car remotely (I have a Vauxhall Astra SXI).   After replacing the new battery it still
would not work even though a red light flashed.   Have just followed your instructions and as if by
magic it is working fine again.  So very grateful to you   Many thanks.   Booski. (Us females need as much
help as we can get with cars)

marianne

cant thank you enough it worked fantastic, so simple, so quick,so cheap

andy

i tryed it and it work thank you so much

KevVW

This is easy and saved me a bunch of $...Thanks

Andrew M

worked great - thanks for the pics - good job!

kent

Thanks! The owner's manual describes how to reset (program) the key if necessary.

Don Fraser

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Our dealer treated this information as though it was their vault combination! Our 2006 Jetta is still under warranty but the drive there & back is about twenty-five miles.

Eulanda

Thanks sooo much!!! You just saved me $100 becuase both keys were dead!!!!

Billy Lanahan

You just saved me 100 bucks because both of mine were dead.

A GTI owner :)

THANKS!

Lisa

thanks worked like a charm and saved me a trip to the dealership

abc

Great!! thanks

Bill H

Perfect! The whole operation took about two minutes tops. One additional hint: when pulling apart the half with the buttons, you may have to use more than "gentle" force. Mine took a pretty firm pull, so don't be afraid to give it a good yank.

eddie kemp

I cant thank you enough, worked perfectly, your a genius

Tho

Thank you. The instructions worked for a 2002 Jetta GLS (battery type is also CR 2032 3V)

Jan

OH YOU ARE A GEM!!!! I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE THIS OUT FOR YEARS! THANKS SO MUCH

David

Thanks for the information and especially the pictures. It was easy and save me $$.

Dave

Thanks so much! Battery just died after 8 years. That was so easy. You just made my day! Dave

TBONE

I JUST BOUGHT MU FIRST VW (2005 PASSAT TDI) WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR THE DOOR LOCKS DID NOT WORK. THE GUY SAID THE BATTERY MUST BE DEAD. SO I ASKED HIM TO PUT A NEW ONE IN. HE GOT ON THE PHONE AND SPEAKING A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE HAD A CONVERSATION. HE THEN TOLD ME THE BATTERY RECHARGES WHEN ITS IN THE IGNITION, AND SINCE ITS BEEN SITTING AWHILE IT MUST BE DEAD. I DROVE IT 2 HOURS HOME AND IT STILL DOES NOT WORK. MY BOOK SAYS A DEALER CAN RECHARGE THE FOB? NOW I AM READING THAT YOU CHANGE THEM? DO YOU KNOW FOR SURE ON THE 2005 MODELS? I ONLY HAVE 1 FOB SO I HATE TO MESS WITH IT A LOOSE A CODE? IF YOU KNOW WHATS UP, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. TBONE

Seth D.

Rock on! Thanks for such a great post!!

Kelly

Worked perfectly! Thanks much!

Yoda

Worked!

Yoda

a. I actually typed in the exact title of your post into Google - was amazed to find this so quickly, because... b. My VW salesperson said that he didn't know HOW to open the key fob to get at the battery! Since I had one other one that was provided when I bought the car (2001 Passat), I didn't pursue it at the time... but now that one just died too... I will try this out and am confident it'll work. Thanks!

JB99

I won brownie points with my boss thanks to this. She owns a Passat and wondering how to replace the battery

Dave

Worked great. Thanks so much.

wyliemac

Bob, that's great to hear. It's pretty simple once your shown how.

Bob

Thank you so much. This is wonderful. I changed both of them with ease.

x

Thanks. That worked!

A

Thanks SO much. I changed two of them! The thought of having to go to the dealership (like they suggested on the phone) just to have key batteries changed was making me nauseous.