More keys, please.

[beno]

I have a 2003 Golf GLS TDI with only one key (the valet ). I bought the car used and don't have any original paperwork. If I buy a couple uncut remote FOBs from ebay, is it possible to reprogram them without going to the dealer? Can a VAG-COM help me do this? Can I get the "secret code" stuff that I've read about from anywhere other than original paperwork (which I don't have)? I'm pretty new to this and would love your suggestions.
Thanks!
Ben

 

[NFSTDI]

Check the price of a key at a local locksmith shop. If you call around there is a very good chance you fill find someone who can make your key.

I found the remote for my car was about the same price at the dealer as it was on Ebay. I bought one from the dealer and I would do it again.

 

[beno]

Thanks NFSTDI, the local dealer apparently charges $200 per remote plus $50 programming. I found lots of blank remote keys on ebay for $50 a piece. I know I can get new keys made at a locksmith, but what I want is to be able to open the car from the passenger side without going to the driver's side first. Any other suggestions?

 

[landrumdh]

I believe that the remote portion can be done easily enough, but the microchip to unlock the imobilizer needs to be done at a dealer (I don't recall it being done with a vag-com) and would require all keys to be present as it wipes the memory of the computer when you add keys.

 

[wny_pat]

$206.00, plus tax, for key and programing at dealer in Buffalo, NY area. Checked last week. You can program, but you need two programed master keys to do it. There are good instructions on doing this here and at VWVortex. Search function.

Oh, I have read a lot about locksmiths messing up the cuts and you end up buying another key. Impex use to do keys too, but you need the codes.

 

[lildevildee]

We programmed a key with a Vag for a 2001 Jetta. But, we already had a working fob (needed.) For the first one, you might have to suck it up and head to the dealer. The second one, you might be able to do yourself.

 

[NFSTDI]

VAG-COM can set the transponder for the key to start the car.

Some locksmiths are careless so you have to be cautious and ask questions just like you would with a mechanic. Any locksmith that has the capability to do the work will have the key blanks as well. You can always have him cut one of his and you will have an extra key!

The fact is you just can't get around the cost of the keyblanks, remote, and programming equipment/expertise. Two hundred dollars sounds like a lot of money for a key when you are used to paying a buck or two at the hardware store. However, what you are paying for is security. The cost is no more than an aftermarket alarm or the deductable on your insurance if your car were stolen.

Anyways, the best thing to do is to find someone who can cut the blank and get your hands on a VAG-COM if you want to save money.

 

[Konstruct Performance]

Vag Com can not program immobilizer any more. This is a Dealer only function. the random pin number to set immobilizer used to be availible on-line to dealers, now the only way it can be aquired is with a 5051/b or 5052 that is connected to the internet. the number is now downloaded directly from VWOA in michigan. It is my opinion you not have a locksmith cut the key.

the Remote entry portion is easy to set though.
1 take the one key you have and stick it in the ignition, turn the igniton to on
2 use the key with the remote in the door lock, turn it to lock, hold for two seconds and then hit either the lock or unlock button on the remote. (you may have to hold it for a second) you will then hear the horn honk. you now have a programed remote, repeat procedure for any other remotes. (up to 6 I belive)

 

[beno]

Thanks everybody!
I've finally wrapped my head around giving up and having to pay some cash for new keys (although I think its pretty pricey still!)

FYI, I thought this was informative from Ross-tech...

4.15 How do I obtain an SKC for Immobilizer and Key-Matching functions?

We do not know of any way to retrieve an SKC for VW/Audi/SEAT/Skoda vehicles other than getting it from an official dealership. Prior to 2002, some vehicles were delivered with a scratch-off panel on a plastic tag, details on using that 4-digit SKC can be found here. Starting in 2002, dealerships implemented the WIN2 system to provide SKC's to their technicians and customers, details on using that 7-digit SKC can be found here. Recently, VW/Audi dealerships have switched to the new GEKO system, whereby their factory scan tools dial up the factory while connected to a car. Under this system, the technician no longer sees the SKC at all and you will need to bring your vehicle into the dealer to have Immobilizer work performed. VAG-COM does not interact with the GEKO system.
​

So, unless I want to fork out $400 for something like THIS, I think I'll be talking with a dealership.
​

 

[l1o9s7t6]

Vag Com can not program immobilizer any more. This is a Dealer only function. the random pin number to set immobilizer used to be availible on-line to dealers, now the only way it can be aquired is with a 5051/b or 5052 that is connected to the internet. the number is now downloaded directly from VWOA in michigan. It is my opinion you not have a locksmith cut the key. quote]

This is an incorrect statement...IF YOU HAVE OR CAN GET YOUR SKC #.
VAG-COM IS cabable of programming the keys.

 

[BudsBug]

Get a look at this mess about keys http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=126777

 

[Konstruct Performance]

This is an incorrect statement...IF YOU HAVE OR CAN GET YOUR SKC #.
VAG-COM IS cabable of programming the keys.

did you read what I said....VAG COM CAN NO LONGER PROGRAM KEYS BECAUSE THE PIN IS NO LONGER AVAILIBLE, I didn't say it never could....the only way I know of getting the pin is through VW's tech hotline which is also dealer only (they still have win2 for emergency situations, like if the dealer network is down or atleast they did last summer).. the function is there but with out that number its like t*ts on a nun..

I've programed keys with it many times before. there was also an emergency start procedure using the 4pin number and at one point there was a on-line converion tool to go from 4pin to 7pin(I don't think it exists any longer)..

trust me.. they don't want people to get the numbers, especialy the 4pin (7pin number changes every day). with it all you'd need is a screw driver and a vag com to steal a car. then what good is an immobiliser..

 

[l1o9s7t6]

there are still way of getting the SKC..other than the dealer and once you have it Vag-com will work fine.

 

[Konstruct Performance]

how?

I've worked in a dealer for 3 years and now my own shop, the only way I've seen of getting the pin was win2 before geko... or with special tools like this.. http://www.carcodtools.com/immo_audi_vw.html

that tool's not even something I'd get (Rarely do I have to replace a instrument cluster, ECU or ignition switch pick up) so the $400 is not worth it to me..

 

[l1o9s7t6]

I think that you are mis understanding what I am saying. I did not say nor did I mean to imply that I know of a way to cheat the system. I was just stating that IF you have or can get your SKC, VAG-COM works fine.

No the dealer is not going to help you (not that they help much anyway)

But there are other programs out there that are designed to do just that...get the SKC. Most of them are for Locksmiths to use, so that they can make keys for customer(sorry I have lost my links to them) but if you do searches on the club you will find them.

The link that you have there is also one of them. I personally don't think that $400 is that bad. But then I live in Alaska and the dealer wants $165 for the key(with remote) valet is $65 and $89(1 hour) to program it. Total of $319 for 2 more keys. I bought my car used and was given only 1 key. I would like to get three.
But at the website it states does not work on everything and $400 gamble is a little high.

 

[NFSTDI]

I'm curious as of when that occured. I don't make car keys but I have several friends that do. I can check on that to be sure but I can tell you that it not only can be done but is being done by many locksmiths using a VagCom for most VWs. Many locksmiths use a device called a T-Code that can program numerous cars besides VWs. There is software that is available to locksmiths for retrieving the pin codes.

I'm curious, what do you have against locksmiths?

Perhaps it's the same thing I have against dealers who don't use the right oil. Personally I let my instincts be my guide.