VW Polo Remote Key Fob - how to replace battery and synchronise?

DIYhelp76

Hi

I have a 2016 VW Polo 1.2 TSi.  The key fob has stopped working - not flashing when keys are pressed.  I assume it's a dead battery.

First I panicked, because now every time I open the car with the manual key the alarm goes off - and it won't switch off until I start the engine. It's noisy and embarrassing. Is there a way to disable the alarm whilst I get this fixed?

Second, I rang VW (nearest is a 30 mile round trip for me, so not convenient). They told me I needed to go to them to get the battery replaced because if I did it myself I risked "losing the code" and then they would have to reset the key. They didn't say what that involved or cost.  VW also told me the fact the alarm is going off could mean there is a problem with the central locking which they might have to fix. Is this true?

Since then I've googled and watched You Tube videos. It seems very simple to replace the battery (though I don't yet know which size it takes).  The only query is what VW were talking about a code?  The videos I've watched said sometimes you have to "synch" the key again after a battery change.  Different people suggest different ways to do this - can anyone help with the correct way for my car please?  I do have a spare key as well but haven't yet checked to see if that is working as a remote.  

The videos say a combination of putting one key in the ignition, locking the car with a spare key manually, then pressing unlock button on the remote. But I'm a bit confused as to the correct way and which key to put in the ignition/which to use manually in the door.

Can anyone please help with a definitive way to do the synchronisation and explain what VW were talking about needing a "code"?

Is there less likelihood it will need re-synching if I deal with the battery change super fast or doesn't that matter? I need to open up the fob in order to check the battery size and then buy one, unless I get a few different sizes in advance so I can swap them quickly.

Many thx in advance.

facade

Doesn't it say in the owners handbook how to change the battery?  It should explain it, give the type of battery, and go through any resetting/synchronisation.

You can likely download a handbook from VW if you have the VIN number of the car, which is on your V5, or the metal plate somewhere under the bonnet. Then you can get a battery from Wilkos or Tesco if you can't wait. (probably it is a CR2025 or 2032)

As to the alarm, probably nothing wrong and it is supposed to go off when the door is opened with the key, and cancel when the ignition is turned on, that is how the factory fitted alarm works on my car- it is set and cancelled by the remote key (so you'd never even know there was an alarm), without the remote it goes off when I open a door with the key.

roddydogs

Never heard of this on my mazda!, just straight forward battery change.

BOWFER

Watch one of the umpteen youtube videos, it's dead easy and you shouldn't have to pair anything again.
Literally a one minute job and it should work again fine.

droopsnoot

My Audi requires the fob to be paired with the car any time the batteries are changed, I forget the exact sequence (and it's probably different, as mine is much older) but it's very straightforward - something like lock and unlock in the door lock and then start the car within a minute. Only hitch on mine is that it only ever seems to work if I sync it in the passenger door, not the drivers door.

GrumpyDil

Taking the fob apart doesn't remove the battery so you safely open it to check.  I've changed the batteries a few times on my VW with no issues.

And the alarm going off in that situation happens on my car as well so before worrying about any alarm issues I'd swap the battery first. As long as you have the other key and it works you already have a back up if anything odd does happen. 

clearancer

Go to the VW dealership. It takes a few minutes and costs a few pounds. I did this with my car and it cost £30 to have both keys done. 

MikeWhite

droopsnoot said:

My Audi requires the fob to be paired with the car any time the batteries are changed, I forget the exact sequence (and it's probably different, as mine is much older) but it's very straightforward - something like lock and unlock in the door lock and then start the car within a minute. Only hitch on mine is that it only ever seems to work if I sync it in the passenger door, not the drivers door.

I can never remember on my '95 A4, it's about the only thing I ever need the handbook for.

GrumpyDil

An option but I did both of mine for £5.00 and avoided a 40 mile round trip to get it done. 

DIYhelp76

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies.  It's reassuring to know that it's normal for the alarm to be going off.  I would prefer to try to do it myself if I can as these batteries are very cheap and my nearest VW involves a 30 mile round trip.  I can't find the manual but will see what else I can find online. Failing that I will test the spare remote fob key to see if that still works (it's been in a drawer for several years!) and if it does I'll be brave and just try the battery change myself.  

It was just a bit disconcerting that VW put so many worries in my head about the potential for it to go wrong by talking about a "code" which doesn't seem to exist!

Thanks again to all who replied.

BOWFER

Going to a dealer to replace key fob batteries is akin to going to a dealer to have your wipers changed.
More money than sense.