Hi folks,
Lost the last key to my B5 with about 208K miles on it. Does not seem worthwhile to get a new key from the dealership which is very likely more expensive than the car's worth. What are my options here ? Are valet keys available from the dealership that is not too expensive ?
Thanks
Since you have an 2003 (listed in another post), you have an immobilizer. If you have the original key tag, you can have one made by the dealer, but it will not be cheap. Some people have bought aftermarket key sets with matching door locks and ECU. I don't recall the cost, but it might be cheaper, especially if you have a nearby junkyard.
Sorry, I was not clear as I am not certain how it all works. I though it was the key, switch and ECU, but I remember people taking about the instrument cluster as well. I know many people delete the immo in the ECU.
Call a good local automotive locksmith. They should be able to cut a key, locate the Secret Key Code, and get you driving again. The main thing is getting the key cut so you can even take/tow it to the dealer, or someone capable of reading the SKC, to have the immobilizer match done with multiple keys at the same time.
For some values of "good". The excellent locksmith who does work for my (Jeep) dealership, can do almost anything, but not VW. Apparently, the courts said VW had to make it possible for third party vendors to work with their keys; but not necessarily easy or inexpensive.
I lost my main fob. Bought one off Ebay with electronics and the uncut blade. 20-30 bucks.
Brought it, the car (using my valet key) to a local locksmith. They were able to cut the new blade and sync everything to the new fob. 40 bucks.
Dealer wanted almost 400 bucks....
I am not sure the cost of a valet key plus programming at the dealer...I would be calling your local locksmiths...Many don't mess with cutting the sidewinder keys like ours due to the cost of the machines nor many don't want to invest in the computer to code
I'd seen ACE Hardware cutting FOBs for very affordable prices in the past but am not sure about programming of it.
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