What are my options for a new key cut to my vehicle besides dealer?

Greaseburger

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2005
Location
Swanzey,NH
TDI
99.5 Jetta,2011 Tdi sportwgon
I have spare fobs but only one key for the 2004 jetta I just bought and have programmed the fob before with my vag com but paying the dealer $75.00 to cut me a key is rediculous , are there any aftermarket alternatives to get a key cut and sent and then I program the fob?
 

Greaseburger

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2005
Location
Swanzey,NH
TDI
99.5 Jetta,2011 Tdi sportwgon
Nope it was key only and he acted liked I was a bother which pisses me off considering I have bought tons of crap from them and went through dieselgate with 2 cars, I am not worried about programming I have done it many times before and have a rosstech cable, I just want the key and cut.
 

Nero Morg

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Oct 19, 2017
Location
OR
TDI
2014 A6 TDI, 2001 Jetta TDI, 2014 Passat TDI
Lots of locksmiths can cut them, there's also fixmyvw.com that can do them. Call around.
 

truman

Top Post Dawg
Joined
May 18, 2000
Location
columbia,MO,usa
TDI
'05 Passat Variant, Still miss the 03JW
I think it was AArodriguez that did one for me from a photo for 60. Works perfect. Still have to program.
 

Mongler98

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Mar 23, 2011
Location
COLORADO (SE of Denver)
TDI
98 Jetta TDI AHU 1.9L (944 TDI swap in progress) I moved so now i got nothing but an AHU in a garage on a pallet.
my local ma and pa locksmith (abbles locksmith in Frederick MD, is probably the best on earth, IMO, they cut me a custom key i could solder on to my mk4 keyfob for my mk3 mod, took them 10 minutes to do it, and the guy came out to my car 3 blocks up in 10* F weather while it was snowing and frozen ice patches on the sidewalk to custom file the key to perfection.
ALL FOR $8 bucks.
i said, dude here is an extra $10, he would NOT take it.
WHAT customer service.

go find a local locksmith in some small downtown office. you will be VERY happy. most places that do knife sharpening also are locksmiths of this sorth, same tools basically.

75 bucks is horrific and probably criminal lol,
 

leafs

Veteran Member
Joined
May 28, 2018
Location
canada
TDI
alh
I only have one fob/key too and should figure something out before I lose it. :D
 

Matt-98AHU

Loose Nut Behind the Wheel Vendor
Joined
Apr 23, 2006
Location
Gresham, OR
TDI
2001 Golf TDI, 2005 Passat wagon, 2004 Touareg V10.
I have spare fobs but only one key for the 2004 jetta I just bought and have programmed the fob before with my vag com but paying the dealer $75.00 to cut me a key is rediculous , are there any aftermarket alternatives to get a key cut and sent and then I program the fob?
Also beware that programming the remote fob is not the same as programming the immobilizer RFID chip.

Programming the remote just allows the lock, unlock, trunk/hatch pop and panic buttons to work. It does not mean the key will allow the car to stay running once started, though. For that, you need to know your immobilizer's PIN number, which can either be retrieved by a tool like VAG Tacho or even some Autel scan tools, or the dealer scan tool, which merely takes the immo serial number and pings their database in Germany for what the PIN should be, and then automates the process in the background so the technician doesn't see the PIN number.
 

BobnOH

not-a-mechanic
Joined
May 29, 2004
Location
central Ohio
TDI
New Beetle 2003 manual
Greaseburger's says he's got that covered, he just needs a blank and a cut. He either has an immo delete or he has the Secret Code. I did a bit of interweb and couldn't find a blank for sale, but they're out there. Should be under $20.
I only have one fob/key too and should figure something out before I lose it. :D
Depending on what car, you may need the secret code. Should be able to find a 2nd fob with key and cut on ebay, fixmy or even batteries plus or good auto parts store. Get one with the same part no. as your other.
 

IndigoBlueWagon

TDIClub Enthusiast, Principal IDParts, Vendor , w/
Joined
Aug 16, 2004
Location
South of Boston
TDI
'97 Passat, '99.5 Golf, '02 Jetta Wagon, '15 GSW
Problem we've encountered is that dealers aren't locksmiths. Ones I've talked to have difficulty cutting keys correctly, either because of poor equipment or inexperienced operators. So they're reluctant to do it. They don't want to cut a customer's key blank to then have it not work.

I spoke to a customer yesterday who bought an aftermarket key and his car won't run because of the immo chip being incorrect. He took the car to an independent shop who pulled the cluster and sent it out to have the immo defeated. He's been waiting two weeks, no car yet. Had to rent a car twice for work because his is down.

As a friend of mine says, people will expend a lot of time and money to save themselves a small amount of time and money. It would have been easier to simply buy a replacement key from the dealer.
 

Matt-98AHU

Loose Nut Behind the Wheel Vendor
Joined
Apr 23, 2006
Location
Gresham, OR
TDI
2001 Golf TDI, 2005 Passat wagon, 2004 Touareg V10.
Greaseburger's says he's got that covered, he just needs a blank and a cut. He either has an immo delete or he has the Secret Code. I did a bit of interweb and couldn't find a blank for sale, but they're out there. Should be under $20.

Depending on what car, you may need the secret code. Should be able to find a 2nd fob with key and cut on ebay, fixmy or even batteries plus or good auto parts store. Get one with the same part no. as your other.
He indicated he has "fob programming" covered with VCDS. I'm not sure he's aware of immobilizer programming being separate and generally only doable with VCDS if you already have the code. I was simply trying to make sure he was aware of the distinction between the remote programming and immo chip matching because he hasn't made it clear he's aware of the difference.

Hell, last dealer I was at wouldn't even cut keys. They'd order them by VIN from VW, they'd be cut according to what the car is supposed to have by VIN somewhere in Germany, and a couple weeks later you'd have your key...

At which point I'd be more inclined to give Fixmyvw or sidewinderkey a try, or for people in my area, NFSTDI on the forums here has a locksmith shop in Berkeley and can cut keys and match immo and remote for you.
 

PakProtector

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2014
Location
AnnArbor, MI
TDI
Mk.4's and the Cummins
I don't know a darn thing about programming keys, aside from the fact that with IMMO still active I have to. I just spent the $90 for a working key fob when I got my '04, and $75 for a plain key to the '00.
cheers,
Douglas
 

RoundHouse

Veteran Member
Joined
May 23, 2001
Location
Ga USA
I pulled the computer and fed exed it to someone who removed the immo software
Then all you need is a a key cut

I’m Not worried about someone stealing a $1,500 car
 

dieselnuts

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2016
Location
NE CT
TDI
1999 JETTA, 2002 JETTA 2003 JETTA
I bought a key and had it cut at a local hardware store for under $20.
 

dieselnuts

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2016
Location
NE CT
TDI
1999 JETTA, 2002 JETTA 2003 JETTA
I bought a key at a local hardware store and cut it for under $20. Now I'm looking for a place to cut and program a fob I got on eBay and my original fob lost the programming to lock and unlock but still starts the car. I have VAG lite but don't know if it will do it or how to do it.
 
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Vince Waldon

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 25, 2009
Location
Edmonton AB Canada
TDI
2001 ALH Jetta, 2003 ALH Wagon, 2005 BEW Wagon
Yup, two completely different systems, processes, and tools required.

Specifically: to have VCDS teach the immob system about your new key you need your cluster's SKC (Secret Key Code) which VCDS (by design) cannot provide.

If your local dealer will provide you with a new working key for $75 you should run... not walk... run and get it. And let the rest of us know who it is so we can get 'em too.

Where I live it's a $300 touch... there's programming labour involved as you are finding out... although my friend just paid $600 for a Mazda key from a dealer. :)
 
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RoundHouse

Veteran Member
Joined
May 23, 2001
Location
Ga USA
Friend of mine lost their only fob to their late model Subaru
That doesn’t use a actual key just the fob being near the car

$2,100 to replace
 

pdq import repair

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2016
Location
idaho
TDI
09 Jetta
Keys blades can be cut by any good locksmith that has the special machine. You can buy flip keys online from various places with blank uncut blades and virgin chip from $10.00 and up. The chip can be encoded by any good locksmith with the proper equipment, or an independent shop with the proper encoder, or the dealer. The remote is a separate part. Used keys cannot be encoded to a different car, so a virgin chip is required.


Dealer prices on the flip key, or remote run $70.00 to $80.00 each part. The dealer key can come precut though. None are encoded to the car and prices vary on that too. As an example, we charge $125.00 to read the code and match the key(s). We can tell you the SKC when done so you can use VCDS yourself in the future if desired. The dealer tech does not see the code, it is done automatically behind the scenes there through factory hookup.


Aftermarket keys can be used reliably if you match the RFID chip to the car and order appropriately. The 98-05ish cars require a Magamos ID 48 chip, T6 designation. Later cars require the Magamos ID 48 chip, TP23 designation. (dealer key).


Audi uses different chips in it's different years too. A good chart for transponder chips can be found at http://www.transpondery.com/transponder_catalog/volkswagen_transponder_catalog.html


The site has charts for many other cars too, if needed.
 
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leafs

Veteran Member
Joined
May 28, 2018
Location
canada
TDI
alh
Yup, two completely different systems, processes, and tools required.

Specifically: to have VCDS teach the immob system about your new key you need your cluster's SKC (Secret Key Code) which VCDS (by design) cannot provide.

If your local dealer will provide you with a new working key for $75 you should run... not walk... run and get it. And let the rest of us know who it is so we can get 'em too.

Where I live it's a $300 touch... there's programming labour involved as you are finding out... although my friend just paid $600 for a Mazda key from a dealer. :)
the Secret Key Code... where would one typically find that?
 

pdq import repair

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2016
Location
idaho
TDI
09 Jetta
SKC is derived from the engine ECU or the cluster by a special reader designed to do just that. I have a couple of professional shop based type that are quite expensive. I have seen mention of, but have never used a tool called Vag-tacho. There are others too I am sure.


Once you have the SKC you can encode keys and clusters and ECU's. You need to know the SKC of both clusters or ECU's if you want to swap them out.



Sometimes if the machine is capable you can read the eeprom from the original part and write it to the new one to save time, but that is also risky if you do not know what you are doing. It saves time because it will write the new part identical to the old one and the car has no idea and fires right up as though nothing had been changed.


Locksmiths can sometimes get the code too, depending on their tools. My local locksmith usually sends all the Euro cars to us as his equipment doesn't work well with them, or he doesn't care to learn.
 
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DivineChaos

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jul 27, 2019
Location
Minnesota
TDI
mk6 jetta sportwagen tdi
I have spare fobs but only one key for the 2004 jetta I just bought and have programmed the fob before with my vag com but paying the dealer $75.00 to cut me a key is ridiculous , are there any aftermarket alternatives to get a key cut and sent and then I program the fob?
on my mk6 jsw tdi. it was over 100 to have the key cut and immo chip programmed. and i still had to program the fob with rosstech. that's not including the fob cost. for us with newer cars non kessy is 500 to have a key done at a dealer. the side cut keys are harer and take specialised equipment. i recommend buying blank online and going to a locksmith.
 

pdq import repair

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2016
Location
idaho
TDI
09 Jetta
My friendly locksmith charges $20. to cut a modern side or center cut blade. I feel that is reasonable as the machine cost him about $8000.00, and does a very nice job.


Buy a blank online with the right chip and have it cut and programmed is the cheapest way out for sure.
 

dieselnuts

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2016
Location
NE CT
TDI
1999 JETTA, 2002 JETTA 2003 JETTA
I bought a OEM on Ebay for $15 and had it programmed at my local hardware store for $35, IMMO and fob programming. 2003 Jetta TDI. Plus he got my other remote to work. I'm a happy camper.
 

mollywatson

New member
Joined
Aug 25, 2021
Location
USA
TDI
none
It's actually a much better deal to go to a locksmith rather than a dealership. You even saw how the dealer treated you, and they also ask for much higher prices than locksmiths. I've had my honda key cut at a locksmith recently, and it went pretty great if you ask me. I just came in, and it took about ten minutes, I believe, I gave him his well-earned money, and I was good and gone. Programming the remote fob is also something you could do at home just by watching a few YouTube tutorials, but if you're not sure about what you're doing, I suggest looking up a specialist.
 
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fatmobile

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2019
Location
north iowa
TDI
an ALH M-TDI in a MK2, a 2000 Jetta, 2003 wagon
The local dealership only charged me $50 to cut the key.
They ordered it. Didn't do it themselves.

The local locksmith really wanted to nail me,
Don't remember exactly what it was. I quit listening when they said, "One hundred and...".
The SKC was in the vehicles manual.
I think A Rodriques sold me the fob and chip.

Sidewinder wanted clear pictures of the tags in the manual,
when I could have just typed the numbers.
Shamed me for blurry pictures, then quit responding after I sent a perfectly clear one.
Actually didn't know my camera could take a clear picture of something that small.
Took 20 tries to get one, then sent it and got no reply.
 

UhOh

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Location
PNW
TDI
2000 & 2003 Golf GLS (2005 Mercedes E320 CDI)
I have a "neighbor" (not exactly, but out in my rural area) that lost the only key to her 2003 Jetta [TDI]. Is it possible to read the SKC w/o the ignition being ON? I've got VAG-Tacho: got it for a proposed cluster swap on the wife's 2003 Golf (imported from Canada) but never used it (I did poke around and it seemed to see stuff).

Neighbor is getting keys from VW. That she'd have to have it brought to the dealer (read "towed") to get things programmed is a massive expense.
 

Nero Morg

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Oct 19, 2017
Location
OR
TDI
2014 A6 TDI, 2001 Jetta TDI, 2014 Passat TDI
If you make a bench harness for a cluster you can recover the skc, then the only hurdle you'll have is the key itself.
 
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