Hi, all,

Ten thumbs me did DIY replacements of batteries for both keys after the car flashed a warning to do so.

After following a You Tube clip, the battery went in OK and the plastic body mated up with the other half of the key but now, the blade/shaft does not lock in place and detaches itself whenever the key is handled by the key ring.

Any advice gratefully accepted. otherwise it's off to the stealership come Monday.

Have a look at this video. I think it explains the problem you may have and how to fix it

😘

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&si=4zFIP0JndpT7hTB7&v=5H8nFH-IOUs&feature=youtu.be

As the, very good, video says seems (the usual modern) flimsy. I always synchronise the remote to the car (details in 'Owner's Manual') after changing a remote(s) battery(ies) and I alternate the use of the remote usually used with the second every 6 months that way it evens out wear of remotes and batteries and the location of the other remote is always known.

(ETA: for info 2032 battery is 20mm diameter and 3.2mm deep, 2025 battery is 2.5mm deep)

Edited 7 March7 Mar by nta16
ETA:

From memory, there is a small spring clip inside the key which likes to bid for freedom. Open both your keys up and see if it's missing now on the broken one. U shaped and about 1cm x 0.8cm in plan view (looking down.

As far as I know it's not available as a spare so you may have to buy a dead key and rob it of the spring.

Hi!

Original poster here - my thanks to all who responded.

This YT clip is better than the one I used to replace the batteries with. That little U shaped clip is a real PITA and the issue was resolved by keeping the key blade retainer outside of the fob as the shaft is slid back in after the job is done.

Another really clever piece of wunderbar German logic and engineering!

However, in getting one of my keys back in order, I noticed that the obveerse side where the three buttons are is now coming adrift after slightly over three years in use, despite my rotating the keys monthly. Any suggestions to fix this or will it be a trip to the dealer?

Thanks again.

Don't go to the Dealership unless you still have warranty on the parts, in the UK the Dealership would just sell you a new remote fob and charge to 'code' it, total at about £200.

I know you are in New Zealand but have a look at the shop of the video producer as he sells car key repair kits or you could email or look on line for the cases being sold but I have no idea of the various qualities. Hopefully you can just swap over parts.

Or look at your case and see if you can repair it, again 'The Car Key Man UK' may be able to advise you on this or he might have put up a video on this, I've not looked. - https://www.youtube.com/@TheCarKeyMan/videos

I would guess if the remote has made it out of warranty period then it has achieved its VW design and build aims. I've never understood why anyone in your part of the world favour European cars unless given to you as part of your job or your wealthy enough not to worry about the ownership costs and inconveniences.

Good luck.