How to Change the Battery in a VW Key Fob

Volkswagen Key Fob

 

Do you need to know how to change the battery in a VW key fob? Although your battery should last for years, almost everyone will need to address this small challenge at some point. Our service team near Milwaukee is happy to take care of the problem for you, but you may want to handle your VW key fob battery replacement yourself. Here’s everything you need to know.

 


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 fob 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 resembles 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

Regardless of the type of modern Volkswagen vehicle you drive, replacing the battery is a relatively straightforward process. You will 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 which 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 repeatedly, but it’s clearly not working properly, and you suspect 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 push-button start feature, simply holding the emergency key below the ignition should allow you to start the engine.

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. If you have a spare key available, it’s a good idea to keep it handy. Otherwise, a driver in need of VW key replacement will need to come to our dealership and ask! Remember to bring your driver’s license and your proof of ownership before you drive in from Madison.

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 in Brookfield as soon as the key arrives.

Schedule for VW Key Fob Replacement Near Racine

Need help with replacing your VW key fob battery? Head to Hall Volkswagen, or give our Volkswagen service team a call at 262-782-5300. And before you go, check out our other Volkswagen service tips!

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.

More from Hall Volkswagen

  • 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Trim Levels

      Madison families know that a Volkswagen is an excellent choice for the whole crew. And as the family SUV of Volkswagen, the 2026 Atlas has everything you and your family need to have a great trip—whether you’re driving to practice, to your parents’, or across the country. Learn more about all the 2026 Volkswagen…

  • 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Overview

      The new Volkswagen Tiguan is the perfect balance of practicality, sophistication, and driving excitement. With its refreshed design, premium materials, and cutting-edge technology, this SUV redefines what it means to drive with confidence. Whether you’re running errands around Brookfield or setting out on a long-distance road trip, the VW Tiguan delivers comfort and performance…

  • 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Colors

      With the Volkswagen Tiguan for sale at Hall Volkswagen, you can personalize every detail. A thoughtfully selected range of colors and materials across its trims allows you to create a look and feel that reflects your personality. From subtle tones to bold shades, each option adds a layer of personality to this versatile SUV. Experience…

Get Directions

19809 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI, 53045
Hall Volkswagen 43.035323, -88.161979.