Key fob, blade cutting & re-coding

[Dan Glibitz]

Hi again.

my new 2004/04 Passat tdi has only one key fob and 'd like a spare.

My old car has a spare that I could "Re-blade" and re-program i think.

can anyone tell me if blades are available and if they can be cut from the key number (VW say I can only buy a whole key fob which they order for £150

also, is re-programing the same as the process in the hand-book when a key "Looses it's code memory" and you can re-program following the VW instructions? Or do you need the VAG COM leads & software?

Fanx again

[passat 130 tdi]

blanks on ebay start at £6

[Danesgate]

If it is of any assistance, this has been my experience (2003 Passat);


I bought a second-hand key off ebay, ensuring that the part number was exactly the same (the last 2 letters are vital!)
Cost - £18

I replaced the blade from ebay seller (who just needed a picture of my key!) -http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/ddkeyprogrammers
Cost - £7

I went to my local VW dealer and had the imobiliser matched
Cost - £25

My dealer kindly also matched the remote (unlocking) and used the process described elsewhere on this forum (key in ignition, other key...)

Cost - Free (but I could have done it myself)



Total Cost - £50


Note - you MUST get the same part number and MUST get the blade matched before taking the key to the Dealer as they can't pair it without being able to put it in the ignition.

PS
At the time I bought my key off ebay, I watched the selling prices, buyer names etc and it was clear to me that there is at least one seller with multiple accounts, pushing the price of VAG keys (and other manufacturers) up. This person was bidding £15ish on anyone elses auctions (for a standard 3 button fob) and selling theirs through multiple identities, shill bidding to (in some cases) £30+ and always to over £20. I believe I identifed at least 4 identities for the same seller.
The answer for me was to buy from a seller who had not either bought or sold a car key of any description before, and to bid £20 (I paid £16 plus £2 p&p). I believe the "other" bidder was the seller with multiple ids bidding £15.