How to Change the Battery in a VW Key Fob

Is your Volkswagen key fob giving you trouble when you have somewhere to be in Temecula? If your key fob only works close to your car or the buttons require multiple presses, you probably just need to replace your VW key fob battery. Don’t worry, this is an easy process that should only take a few minutes to complete! Plus, you have the Volkswagen of Murrieta service team to guide you through every step. Learn more about how to change the battery in a VW key below, and contact us with any questions.

Which VW Key Fob Battery Do I Need?

Learning how to change the battery in a VW key fob isn’t difficult, but if you’re not sure which VW key battery to use, you’re sure to run into trouble. Find the right product below: 

• If you drive an older VW vehicle with a fob that looks like a simple Volkswagen car key, there’s a good chance that you need a CR1632 battery. 
• Most new models made after 1999 use a fob that looks more like a small pod with buttons on one side and a retractable emergency key. You’ll most likely need a CR2032 battery.

VW Key Fob Battery Replacement: Step-by-Step

No matter what kind of modern Volkswagen vehicle you drive, replacing the battery is pretty simple. You’re going to need a small screwdriver and a new CR2032 battery. To avoid scratching and damaging your fob, wrap the flat-head screwdriver with a small piece of tape.

You’re ready to get started:

1. Hold the button on your Volkswagen key fob until the emergency key pops out. 
2. Grasp the fob firmly in your hand, or attach it to a small metal key ring that you can hold on your index finger. 
3. Locate the seam that connects the lid and the base of your fob. Use your fingers to create a small distance between the two, and then use the flat-head screwdriver to finish prying them apart. Take care to avoid scratching the inside.
4. Take out the dead battery and insert the new one, with the positive side facing downward.
5. Close the remote case tightly to hold everything in place, and then get back on the road!

How to Start the Car Without Your Smart Key

It’s every driver’s nightmare. You’re about to get on the road and go to a job interview or a long-awaited family gathering. You press the button on your key fob over and over again, but it’s not working properly, and you think the key fob battery has died.

Thankfully, even older VW key fobs contain what’s usually referred to as an emergency key or a bayonet key, and you won’t need any battery power to make use of it. Even if your car has a keyless entry or a push-button start feature, simply holding the emergency key below the ignition should allow you to get the engine started.

Volkswagen Key Replacement

After reading our guide on how to change the battery in a VW key fob, if you’ve discovered your battery isn’t the issue, or you’ve lost your key, don’t give up hope. Car key replacement can be expensive, and Volkswagen is no different. So, if you have a spare key, you may want to keep it handy. Otherwise, a driver in need of a VW key replacement will need to come to our dealership and ask! Remember to bring your driver’s license and proof of ownership before you drive in from Fallbrook.

If you’ve just picked up a new VW key fob, you may need to spend some time programming the key before it will work as it should. We’ll gladly take care of this for you at our VW service center, as soon as the key arrives.

Get Help With Your VW Key Fob Battery at Volkswagen of Murrieta

We hope this explanation of how to change the battery in a VW key has helped you successfully swap out your VW key fob battery at home in Lake Elsinore. However, we’re ready to assist with additional service and parts information if needed. Call our service team at 833-465-0176 to start a conversation today.

Disclaimer: These recommendations may become outdated over time or differ from recommendations for older vehicles. To ensure accuracy, always consult your owner’s manual or a certified OEM mechanic.