Key Fob Replacement from Batteries Plus

Has anybody tried the key fob replacement program through Batteries Plus? They have like 700 locations nationwide in the US and a replacement program that can supposedly do cutting and transponder programming all for $112, which is less than half the price quoted by the dealer.

Just to be clear, you lost a fob? Or is your fob just "broken"?
If you still have the fob, the RFID chip is probably still fine. If your fob isn't working for the remote function, you can fix that for way less than $100. Provided you still have your "old broken fob.
Either way, you might learn more, and choose a DIY option:
https://www.tunemyeuro.com/vw-key-fob-programming-guide/

I bought a new fob off of Amazon for $20 and paid the local locksmith $80 to cut the key and program the RFID chip.

https://www.tunemyeuro.com/


You might want to try these guys.

I bought 2 complete key fobs off alibaba for $9 ea.
I also got an older Vagtacho cable for $20.

The hardest part was getting the key cut. It's just a simple milling process, but I called a few different places that only replied with "we can get you the remote, cut it, and program it for $160." Right, but I already have the remote and I know how to program it myself. How much just to cut it?
They just repeat their answer:
"We can get you the remote, cut it, and program it for $160"
They don't want to just cut it for you because that's the cheapest part.

My local Ace hardware actually does replacement transponder remotes. Their price was $200 for a new remote for my car - key, cut, program. They said they would just do the cutting for $25, BUT "we can't guarantee the key won't be damaged in the process if you bring the key. If we supply the key, we do guarantee it will be cut properly".
LOL okay guys... I was almost willing to give up and risk the $25.

I ended up buying my own key copy milling machine for $130. It's just a Chinese clone type of deal (like all the other stuff I bought) but I enjoyed getting excited about it and actually doing my own copies!





The issue was that I was going from a valet key to a regular key, and I wasn't sure how different they are. At first, I thought the difference was in the flare of the tip, but then I realized it's mostly in the thickness of the keyblade.
My physical trace&copy is not perfect, especially as some vendors (TuneMyEuro.com and etc) claim to cut the key perfectly via a stored profile database, but I got it to work everywhere - door, ignition, glovebox, and hatch!
Then I programmed it and the key fob works perfectly!

So my costs were:
$9 key
$20 cable
Whatever your cost is for cutting the key. In my situation, I paid $130 for my own cutter. But I've already cut 2 keys, and have ordered about 8 more between my 3 VAGs and any others I might buy. I later found HU66-specific key cutters for $45. Oof!

I also plan to buy a GoPro and record a Youtube video of the entire process - start to finish - about how to get replacement keys. Let me know if you think there might be a demand.

Good job I had to order a second key for my 15 Golf, is the dealer the only place to have it programmed?

I also plan to buy a GoPro and record a Youtube video of the entire process - start to finish - about how to get replacement keys. Let me know if you think there might be a demand.[/QUOTE]

A demand for the video or providing the service? Do you want to start a part time business? Anything beyond doing for family, friends or possibly club members sounds like a lot of work and liabilty. On the liability if you copy a key to not the rightful owner, you lose or damage the only key, random people coming to your house, stock costs, if they bring you crap parts, taxes, business license, bond. you're only doing older vag cars, you're not a locksmith.
On the postive side you could meet new people, make new friends, possibly barter services. make some money.

Not sure i the 2006 VW has the RFID chip in the key, but I would guess it does. That was why I went to the locksmith. They had special software to get the secret 4 digit code for the immobilizer. I have 2003 VWs that have the immobilizer.

drucifer said:

A demand for the video or providing the service? Do you want to start a part time business? Anything beyond doing for family, friends or possibly club members sounds like a lot of work and liabilty. On the liability if you copy a key to not the rightful owner, you lose or damage the only key, random people coming to your house, stock costs, if they bring you crap parts, taxes, business license, bond. you're only doing older vag cars, you're not a locksmith.
On the postive side you could meet new people, make new friends, possibly barter services. make some money.

Click to expand...

I meant demand for the how-to/walkthrough video. I planned to cover all aspects. From ordering key fobs, RFID programming, key cutting, and fob programming.
Kinda like a "Stop me if you've already heard this story: The VW I just bought only came a valet key... Here's how to fix that on the cheap" type of deal

mrfiat said:

Not sure i the 2006 VW has the RFID chip in the key, but I would guess it does. That was why I went to the locksmith. They had special software to get the secret 4 digit code for the immobilizer. I have 2003 VWs that have the immobilizer.

Click to expand...

All VW (MK4s at least) have the RFID chip starting in 1999.5
That "special software" is VagTacho or similar.
Yes, 2003 has the immobilizer as well.

Most cars, VW or not, started using immobilizers in late 1990s, or early 2000s. There is no rhyme or reason though. I had a 2005 Toyota Tacoma with a plain jane metal key. Go up to the hardware store and get as many copies cut as you want, ~$3 per copy.
At the same time, it's been around 'forever' when GM introduced their VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) on the 1986 Corvette! That system was not RFID-based, but rather a resistor in the key blade.

I'd be interested in seeing this end-to-end diy video on key replacement!

I think helping the vw community is admirable. I'm sure flexing your creative muscles would be beneficial to your psyche.

tdi-mb said:

I'd be interested in seeing this end-to-end diy video on key replacement!

Click to expand...

drucifer said:

I think helping the vw community is admirable. I'm sure flexing your creative muscles would be beneficial to your psyche.

Click to expand...

I'm pretty excited at the idea of documenting and sharing my tips, tricks, and projects.
The main thing that is discouraging me is the process of video production.
I picked up a cheap GoPro last week, and it's...less than ideal. BUT! I knew that going in. Just like everything else you fantasize about. "Oh boy! I can't wait until I get XXX! It's gonna be SOOO great! Then I'll be able to do xxx and zzz"
Then you finally get your hands on it, and reality kicks in.

With this project, the idea of video editing, splicing, adding text effects, etc etc is not my forte. Even capturing decent lighting and non-static-icky audio is almost beyond me.

But, alas! I will try, for you

subscribed.