Volkswagen Car Key System

Volkswagen is one of the most successful German car brands that is known globally and imported globally. Volkswagen first gained popularity with their Beetle and Microbus car models which were considered the classics at that time. Ever since then they have produced other Volkswagen models such as the Passat, Jetta, and Golf which are very successful all over the world. Volkswagen had its own challenges when it comes to the keys they used on their vehicle because they faced a hacking problem with their smart keys about five years ago. Ever since then they have worked on improving their cars immobilizer and chip system to make it more secure. Compared to how simple the first Volkswagen metal keys were, we can easily say that they made great progress in protecting these cars from thieves.

Volkswagen Transponder Keys

In the late 1990s Volkswagen took the first step into making their vehicles more secure and much harder to steal. This was possible with the introduction of chipped keys also called transponder keys. These keys were just like a regular metal key, however they had a chip embedded inside the plastic cap of the key which was responsible for sending an electronic code to the car’s immobilizer system. If the code was correct then the immobilizer system granted access to the key to start the engine. If it is the wrong key or if the chip inside the key is broken then the immobilizer will block the key from starting the engine. As a result it made it nearly impossible for thieves to start the car by picking the ignition of the car and turning to start the engine. What’s so amazing about this system is that most people don’t even know that the chip exists in their metal keys because of how quickly the communication is between the chip and the immobilizer system. People do not experience any lag time when they are using the correct key to start their Volkswagen car.

Volkswagen Remote Programming

Remote locking and unlocking was first introduced by Mercedes Benz in Germany in 1998. Shortly after Mercedes, Volkswagen introduced remote controller for their own cars, first for their luxury models but quickly after that remotes become a standard. Today almost every single car manufactured provides remotes as a standard even for their cheapest models. If you break or lose your Volkswagen’s remote you are able to get a new one programmed into your car either at the dealer or through a local locksmith near you. Volkswagen remotes use short radio signals to lock and unlock the doors as well as unlocking the trunk. Typically it works from 20-25 feet away from the car, but that’s enough to give you the convenience of double checking to make sure all your car door locks are locked when you are walking away from the vehicle instead of having to manually check each door.

Volkswagen Smart Key Programming

Newer Volkswagen car models use keyless entry smart key fobs which are typically for push to start ignition cars. Keyless entry smart fobs allow you to enter your car without pressing the unlock button because the proximity sensors in the car send out signals and when the key is in proximity it will send back a code as a response. As a result the car will unlock the driver side luck as soon as you touch the door handle. Push to start ignition will start the engine with a push of a button as long as the correct key is inside the car. Push to start ignition is great because it will prevent the issues of broken ignition that standard metal key ignition owners face. This whole process happens in less than a second so you do not experience any lag time! If you lose your smart key fob for a Volkswagen you will typically have to go through the dealer to get a new one. However keep in mind that there are some automotive locksmiths who can program a new smart fob which will cost you a lot less money. Make sure to call your local locksmiths to check and get price quotes so you can get the best deal for your new Volkswagen smart key fob.