getting a transponder key from VIN?

uktyler

Guest
I have a '96 Toledo and need a new key. Obviously the new key will need to have the transponder programmed to the ECU. Is there anywhere that can do this from the VIN, or is it a main dealer cost a packet job?
 

Fl@pper

Back older greyer and less oilier but always hope
Jun 19, 2001
12,368
25
Gloucester
dealers can order/ supply / code via vehicle details as you said at a cost of course

suggested a few times - if you have an already working key then enquire at a few local 'decent' locksmiths and key cutters to see if they can 'clone' your orignal one - usually cheaper & less hassle
 

uktyler

Guest
suggested a few times - if you have an already working key then enquire at a few local 'decent' locksmiths and key cutters to see if they can 'clone' your orignal one - usually cheaper & less hassle

Unfortunately I live in Germany, in the middle of no-where. My local locksmith can't do it and can only suggest the dealer. I have one key, but need a spare.

Cloning is not an option, any other ideas?
 

Fl@pper

Back older greyer and less oilier but always hope
Jun 19, 2001
12,368
25
Gloucester
dealer is then the only option if no clone/locksmith available

any local vw specialists? migth be able to offer an alternative to dealer?

unless any in the country offer postal ?
 

Viking

Insurance co's are crap.
May 19, 2007
2,317
4
Near Richmond, North Yorks
You might find that a dealer isn't all that expensive. Worth asking them anyway. When you take into account the cost of the new blank key, getting it cut, then getting it coded to your vehicle etc. it might be more cost effective to just let the dealer do it. You could do a good few miles and waste a fair bit of time to save yourself £30 - £40 when you could just have it done and sorted. :shrug:

There are ways, and certain programs you need (Vag Tacho and VCDS) but the cost makes it prohibitive for just coding one key. Unless someone local to you has both programs and the required cable, and is prepared to help out for beer money then you're better off going to the dealer (or a proper locksmith ;) ).
 

Fl@pper

Back older greyer and less oilier but always hope
Jun 19, 2001
12,368
25
Gloucester
did you call and ask them ? or 'shown' them the key? although it's seat of course a VW key for golf/polo of a similar era will be the same

surely there is somewhere within driving distance that could do a volkswagen ?
 

uktyler

Guest
I've got a local dealer ship, but they want 75 euros for a basic key without the remote locking.
I can buy a new blank key with remote function for about £15 on Ebay, if I can find someone to program the transponder (for £20 or so), and post me they key, then I'm laughing. I can have the blade cut locally.
 
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Viking

Insurance co's are crap.
May 19, 2007
2,317
4
Near Richmond, North Yorks
The transponder has to be coded specifically to the car. Whoever does it needs the car, the key, a laptop, some software (see previous), and codes the new key to the immobiliser inside the dash clock assembly. It's not something that can be done by post. The trick stuff is in the immobiliser in the car, not the transponder in the key.
 

uktyler

Guest
The transponder has to be coded specifically to the car. Whoever does it needs the car, the key, a laptop, some software (see previous), and codes the new key to the immobiliser inside the dash clock assembly. It's not something that can be done by post. The trick stuff is in the immobiliser in the car, not the transponder in the key.

I was hoping it could be done from the VIN, but I suspect only the dealers can do that.

Never mind, looks ike I'll have to splash the cash.
 

Viking

Insurance co's are crap.
May 19, 2007
2,317
4
Near Richmond, North Yorks
Dealers can't do it from the vin either. The code required to do the procedure is stored inside the dash unit. They need to connect the car to their computer to code a new key (and disable any previous lost keys aswell).
 
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