How to open the key fob

**.Ray** · 17-08-2008,03:17 AM

I have just figured out how to open my Passat key fobs and thought I'd share it in case anyone is struggling like I was.

Please take great care when trying this out. Perform at your own risk, it is possible to damage your key. Neither myself or the forum can be held responsible for any issues from anyone trying this out.

1 - remove the plastic key by pushing the little button on the side

2 - remove the metal end cap. This is done by firmly pushing the metal cap sidewards towards the key release button. It will move 1-2mm, then it will easily come off the fob body.

3 - the main fob can now be opened up by carefully but firmly prying the two part apart from the side (I just used my finger nails). There is a little catch at the tip of the fob, so it's easier to start from the back end (where the metal cap was). The two halves should come apart without too much force.

4 - replace the battery with the same type

5 - put two halves back together

6 - push metal cap and plastic key back.

Incidentally my local vw dealer sold a battery for only £2.30 ish for the 2032 battery and changed it for me (although it took them ages to figure out how to open the fob), this is probably cheaper than a high street shop would have charged.

**james_tiger_woo** · 17-08-2008,09:09 AM

Nice one :-) i'd've probably gone mad and hit it wi' an 'ammer

**RIDGMONT61** · 17-08-2008,09:16 AM

A CR2032 battery is a very common battery, I have replaced them in wireless door bells, computers and elsewhere - they are very cheap on Ebay. But for a couple of pounds I would alse get the dealer to do it - just in case of a problem.

**STEWY L** · 17-08-2008,09:28 AM

is their a time limit to change the battery?
by that i mean could you remove the battery, letting the fob stand before fitting the new one, or does it have to be fitted imeadiatly?
i am sure i have read somewhere of some sort of battery powered gizmo that can't stand too long without the battery before needing to be "reset"?
regards,
stewy.

**Spudrig** · 17-08-2008,10:19 AM

Originally Posted by STEWY L

is their a time limit to change the battery?
by that i mean could you remove the battery, letting the fob stand before fitting the new one, or does it have to be fitted imeadiatly?
i am sure i have read somewhere of some sort of battery powered gizmo that can't stand too long without the battery before needing to be "reset"?
regards,
stewy.

Yeah, I as wondering the same thing Stewy because if it was reset, it means a trip to the dealer to have the key reprogrammed. Some electrical equipment is like that (Sky TV remote control being the main culprit!!)

**STEWY L** · 17-08-2008,10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Spudrig

Yeah, I as wondering the same thing Stewy because if it was reset, it means a trip to the dealer to have the key reprogrammed. Some electrical equipment is like that (Sky TV remote control being the main culprit!!)

i can reach my telly with a fishing rod

take care,
stewy.