VW Key FAQ for 4th generation VW 
back to 1000q: mk4 "how to" list
back to 1000q: mk4 "how to list for pumpe duse
Introduction

This page shows how to program mk4 (mark 4, mkiv, 4th generation) VW remotes.  For mk3 (1995-1999) Jetta TDI or Passat TDI keyless entry programming, see 1000q: mk3 key FAQ.  For mk5 Jetta remote programming, see 1000q: mk5 remote and key programming.

The remote/key is actually 3 different parts.  The keyless entry remote, the flip key, and the immobilizer.  Each must be correct for the car for the remote to work as intended.  You must program the immobilizer in addition to the keyless entry or else the immobilizer will shut off the engine after 2 seconds.  See 1000q: immobilizer FAQ for more details on the anti theft immobilizer. 

It's possible to program up to 4 keys for the car.

They key operates at 315 mHz

Do you know something that should be added to this article?  Post your comments in the myturbodiesel.com forums

The first step in getting a new remote/key - MUST READ

• If you have no immobilizer you can program the keyless entry yourself and have a new key cut almost anywhere.  This applies to early mk4 cars and earlier generations only.
• If you have an immobilizer and have an existing broken key (broken remote or flip key), remove the immobilizer chip from the old key and swap it into your new key or else the engine won't stay running.  In other words, remove the new chip in your new key and replace it with your old chip from your old key.  The chip is pictured below (yellow arrow).  Then you can program the keyless entry yourself and have a new key cut almost anywhere.  You could tape it to the outside of the ignition cylinder but that defeats the point of the immobilizer anti-theft.  Then program the keyless entry part as described below.
• If you have an immobilizer and you don't have an old key to salvage the chip out of, you must read the notes below about the SKC code and key variations.  In this case, I would just go to the dealer.

How to tell if you have an immobilizer and differences by year
If you have the yellow car symbol pictured a few paragraphs below on the instrument cluster, you have an immobilizer.  The three main types of VW TDI immobilizers are immo-2,  immo-3, and immo-4.  Only immo2 and immo 3 were used on the mk4.  VW up to 1999 do not have an immobilizer and immo-1 was not equipped on cars sold in the US.  Immo 4 was used on mk5.

• Immo2 - you need SKC to use a new key or instrument cluster, it has an emergency drive function that will let you drive to the dealership or mechanic for them to fix but you must know the SKC code.
• Immo3 - you need SKC to use a new key, instrument cluster, or ECU.

2000-2001 were transition years for immo2 in the US.  If your VW is model year 2002-2005, it probably has immo-3.  Immo-4 is on 2005.5-2006 and newer mk5 cars. 

Because of this, refer to 1000q: immobilizer FAQ for generation specific details and procedures.  Because of the variation in build dates, immobilizer generations, and remote compatibility, I recommend going to the dealer for replacement keys if you don't have an old key to salvage the immobilizer chip out of.  It is expensive, but they can setup the immobilizer and if it's the wrong part they'll take it back.  If you buy an ebay replacement key for an immobilizer car you have to figure out how to program the immobilizer, if your car was a transition year, and there are no refunds once you cut a key.  The part numbers below are only a guide, double check the correct part number with your parts vendor, this website is not responsible if you order the wrong key!  There may have been left over parts that were used on your car so the exact VIN number transition may be off.  The best way is to double check the FCC ID number, see below!  

• If you have a car with VIN >9M 1 083 594 and a build date 11/98-09/00, (about model year 1998-2001) your remote probably looks like #1 pictured below, part number should be VW# 1j0 959 753f, this is for immo 2.  The key buttons are more rubbery and are oval.
• If you have a car with build date 10/00-05/01 (about model year 2001, maybe some 2000), you may have the remote that looks like #2, it should be VW# 1j0 959 753t and is for immo 2.  These key buttons are more plasticy and are more squared.  This part number should work with any mk4 VW pre immo and up to immo 2.  
• If you have a car built after 05/01 (about model year 2001-2002 and above), you should have immo 3 and use remote #2, it is either VW# 1j0 959 753 am, this has been superceded by 1j0 959 753 dc, it should have immo 3.  These key buttons are more plasticy and are more squared.  You don't have immo 4 unless you have an mk5 car.

Part numbers (click to see retail prices, make sure you read the above paragraph, double check with your vendor if it's only the remote or the whole key!)

Immo2 vs immo3 if you have a 2002.  The below picture is for mk4 cars only.  If you have 3 warning lights you have immo2, if you have 4 warning lights you have immo3.  They otherwise look the same except for the computer/auto trans/manual trans.

Secret Key Code (SKC) info

If you have a car 2000-2001, you might still have the 4 digit plastic tag with the SKC printed on it.  If you have a car model year 2001 or higher, or you lost the plastic tag, you don't have an SKC and you cannot program the immobilizer yourself.   If you cannot find this then you cannot input the SKC!  VW no longer has access to give you the SKCs.  The only way you can get your new remote to work as intended is to take apart the old remote and swap the old immobilizer chip into your new remote.  There is a way to retrieve the SKC using a vag tacho cable and software but due to anti-theft reasons, that is all I will say.  Search on ebay and do more research yourself.  

The SKC is 4 or 7 digits, if your program asks for a 5 digit SKC code, simply input a "0" as the first digit.  After 2001, VW used a 7-digit SKC which was really an encoded 4 digit SKC.  The dealer input it into their diagnostic tool which translated it into a 4 digit SKC.  After 2005, VW used something called the Geko system for distributing SKCs.  The SKC goes directly from the Geko Server to the diagnostic tool.  The VW tech never sees any code so they cannot give any codes to you!

If you want your SKC you must find the black plastic key code, contact someone who has tools to retrieve the SKC from the instrument cluster, or buy a tool to retrieve the SKC.  Vag-com software or the dealer cannot retrieve the SKC.  If you happen to have an old -7-digit encoded SKC, you can use it with your vag-com and vag-com will translate it into a 4 digit code.

Keyless entry programming 

If you do not have any keys, you must use a vag-com to program one.  If you have 2 keys or more, you can use the below procedure.  Remember, this only programs the keyless entry, it has nothing to do with the immobilizer, you still have to find someone who can program the immobilizer or take it to the dealer for them to program it.

To program your keyless entry:

• Put one key in the ignition and turn to "ON", do not start the engine.  Make sure all the remotes you want to use are present because they have to be programmed at the same time.  
• Close the door and insert a second key into the driver's side lock.  
• Turn and hold to the lock position.  
• Press lock or unlock on the new remote and hold for 2 seconds.  Let go of the button and press it again.  The alarm will chirp.  This means that the car has recognized the new keyless entry remote.
• Repeat with other remote or unlock the car and turn off - done.