Replacement key Ingenious solution..or not?

**Seb** · 17-03-2011, 07:38 PM

Can i buy a used key/remote from a wrecker , get the key recut ($30)and reprogrammed at a dealer ($80) thus significantly reducing the official replacement key/fob cost? (Quoted $400).

Will this work?!

**Umai Naa!!** · 17-03-2011, 08:22 PM

You can't re-cut a key.

Which bit do you need? The remote part, or the key part, or both? The remote part you can source through a wrecker, as you can reprogram them to your car, but the key, you can't.

**alex g** · 18-03-2011, 07:21 AM

you can reproggram yourself if you have an existing key.

google it for the full run down , but from memory good key in ignition (window open) turn half on put new uncoded key in door lock , lock manually them hold something lights flash , unlock manually , bingo.

**Seb** · 18-03-2011, 12:34 PM

[QUOTE=Umai Naa!!;637669]You can't re-cut a key.QUOTE]

Depending on the key type you can replace the key with a blank.

there is a lot of info here but it is for USA cars:
VW Key remote fob FAQ for mk4: disassembly for battery change, program instructions, and replacement cost

**noone** · 18-03-2011, 01:44 PM

Really? A car can program a key???

If you just want a spare, the surf one was about 1/2 the price. No controls tho...

**The_Hawk** · 18-03-2011, 02:06 PM

I have a Mk4 Key I bought and modded to work in a Mk3. The short version is that I drilled a hole on the inside to drop my immobiliser chip (which has since been removed). The electronics still work, the immobiliser chip?? Who knows?

I also have a number of blanks from an alterative (generic) switchblade setup that *should* fit into the key. If your interested I can drag the lot out have make sure it all fits together??

Plan B (if my chip is dead): you can probably get your local locksmith to clone your current working key, then pull the chip out of that and stick it into my setup with an appropriately cut blank).

**balkanac** · 18-03-2011, 03:00 PM

i've asked wreckers if i can buy the key, i need the whole new key and apperently a local locksmith can duplicate the blade, but wreckers wouldnt sell me only the key, they wanted me to take the whole ignition lock with the key.
I have the v-checker and i can code the key but i need to find the "buttons" part somewhere first

**Back Door Shenanigans.** · 18-03-2011, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by balkanac

i've asked wreckers if i can buy the key, i need the whole new key and apperently a local locksmith can duplicate the blade, but wreckers wouldnt sell me only the key, they wanted me to take the whole ignition lock with the key.
I have the v-checker and i can code the key but i need to find the "buttons" part somewhere first

Wouldn't it just be easier to buy it from like ecs at about $80?