How to Change the Battery in a VW Key Fob

If you recently purchased a new or pre-owned Volkswagen model, something you’ll need to learn is how to change the VW key fob battery. So, how do you change the battery in a VW key fob? It depends on the model year you drive, though changing this battery is a fairly simple and straightforward process. Learn how to change the battery in a VW key fob today and let us know if you have any questions. You can also schedule VW key fob battery services with our Marietta dealership whenever you need them to avoid issues when driving in Atlanta or anywhere else. 

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 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 looks more like 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

No matter what kind of modern Volkswagen vehicle you drive, replacing the battery is pretty simple. You’re going to 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 that 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 over and over again, but it’s clearly not working properly, and you think 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 a push-button start feature, simply holding the emergency key below the ignition should allow you to get the engine started.

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. So, if you have a spare key available, you may want 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 Smyrna.

 

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 as soon as the key arrives.

Schedule VW Key Fob Replacement Near Kennesaw 

Do you require VW key fob battery services? Call 770-525-6023 or contact us online today to make an appointment. Our service team is here to help you maintain your Volkswagen and enjoy an efficient, performance-ready vehicle for years. Learn more about our services today, including our Volkswagen Care Prepaid Scheduled Maintenance Plans and our Volkswagen Carefree Scheduled Maintenance services.  

Disclaimer: 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 Volkswagen of Marietta

  • What Is Volkswagen Conquest Cash and How Does It Work?

    If you’re currently driving a vehicle from another brand but have been thinking about making the switch to Volkswagen, conquest cash could make that decision even easier. At Volkswagen of Marietta, we’re excited to offer special conquest incentives designed to help you save on a new Volkswagen model when you own or lease an eligible…

  • 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Configurations: An Overview

    If you’ve just compared the 2025 VW Tiguan vs. Atlas and determined that a new Atlas is right for you, it’s time to choose a trim level! The Volkswagen Atlas configurations include five versatile options to suit every Atlanta driver. Right from the start in the entry-level Atlas SE, you’ll get premium comforts like heated…

  • 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Interior

      Whether hauling heavy equipment around Atlanta or traveling with a full cabin of passengers to Smyrna, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas interior is versatile enough for anything your busy schedule demands. From the roomy Volkswagen Atlas dimensions to the smart Volkswagen Atlas interior features, allow us to introduce you to this best-selling SUV. See why…