Key FAQ for mk5 VW Jetta, Rabbit, Golf  remotes
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Introduction

This page shows how to program, take apart, and replace the battery in mk5 (mark 5 - 5th generation) VW Jetta remotes.  For mk3 (1995-1999) Jetta TDI or Passat TDI keyless entry programming, see 1000q: mk3 key FAQ.  For mk4 VW remote programming, see 1000q: mk4 key FAQ.

The remote/key is actually 3 different parts.  The keyless entry remote, the "sidewinder" flip key, and the immobilizer.  Each must be correct to get the key/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 about 1 second.  See 1000q: immobilizer FAQ for more details on the anti theft immobilizer.

Misc key info:  The key operates at 315 mHz (I guarantee you that the signal cannot be transmitted over a cell phone).  The replacement battery for the remote is CR2032.  The immobilizer chip does not use a battery, it's a radio frequency id (RFID) chip activated by the antenna in the ignition key slot.  The RFID chip range is about 1" through plastic.

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

-If you have an existing broken key (broken remote, key chain ring, or flip key), you can swap the key parts into a good key and it will work.  If the remote half is broken, swap over only the key half (has chip inside).  If the key half is broken, have a new flip key cut and swap your current immobilizer chip into the new key half.  The chip is pictured below, yellow arrow.  Either way, you can program the keyless entry yourself and have a new key cut anywhere which does laser cut or side mill "reverse cut" keys.  You could tape the chip to the outside of the ignition cylinder but that defeats the point of the immobilizer anti-theft and assumes you have really secure tape.

-If 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.

The biggest change on mk5 keys is that you cannot reprogram immobilizer chips that have already been matched to a car!  This has nothing to do with the remote half, only the immobilizer chip.  The only way to get a used key off ebay to work is if you swap your immobilizer chip into the replacement key.

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The yellow car symbol pictured below on the instrument cluster is the immobilizer symbol.  If you have MFD+ (full screen display) you'll also get the warning message that the immobilizer is active.  Due to the immobilizer, you cannot swap keys, ECUs, or instrument clusters without further programming.  All mk5 cars so far use immo-4.  The SKC was never given to customers so you must go to the dealer to change the ECU, instrument cluster, or key, or find an aftermarket solution to getting the SKC.

Because of this, refer to 1000q: immobilizer FAQ for generation specific details and procedures.  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.  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 an mk5 body car you have immo4, your Jetta remote is key #2, and is one of the part numbers below.  The best way to make sure is to split the key in half and see for yourself.  Check with your parts vendor to make sure!  The metal key section is VW# 1t0 837 246.
  hlo 1j0 959 753p? hlo 1k0 959 753p 1j0 959 753k? hlo 1k0 959 753h
FCC number or other misc identifying marks   FCC ID: NBG92596263
IC: 2694A-92596263		   FCC ID: NBG92596263
IC: 2694A-92596263

Secret Key Code (SKC) info

The SKC is a code to work with the immobilizer.  This is needed to program new instrument clusters and keys.  Only VWs from 2000-2001 were given the 4 digit SKC on a small plastic tag from the factory.  VW does not have access to give you the SKCs.  The only way you can DIY your new remote to work 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 commander cable and software but due to anti-theft reasons, that is all I will say.  Search and do more research yourself.  Vag Tacho software will not work on CAN BUS cars (mk5 Jetta/Golf/Rabbit).

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 contact someone who has tools to retrieve the SKC from the instrument cluster or buy the above referenced tool to retrieve the SKC.  Vag-com software or the dealer cannot retrieve the SKC.

Keyless entry programming 
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 your good 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 key #2 into the driver's side lock.  Lock the door.    
-Within 5 seconds of locking the door, press unlock 2 times on the new remote, key #2.
    -(if this is remote #3, press unlock 3 times.  if this is remote #4, press unlock 4 times).
-If there's a chirp or beep do not press it again.  This means that the car has recognized the new keyless entry remote.  
- Repeat with other remote or unlock the car and turn off - done.

Battery replacement or disassembly

To replace the battery, keychain, or switchblade, you have to take the key apart.  If you want to replace a broken keychain, just buy the cheapest remote you can find on ebay and swap the battery housings.

To separate the key and remote section, just grab each half and pull hard.  There's also a small notch on the side where you can insert a thin screwdriver.

Use a thin pry at the yellow dotted lines to split the keyless entry in half.  

Here is the other side.  Ignore the screw and disc, that's for replacing the switchblade.

Once the remote half is apart, put in a new CR 2032 battery.  The negative side (in this pic the side without writing) should face you when you put the battery in.  If your keychain is broken, you can just replace that half with a cheap key from ebay.

To replace the switchblade or remove the immobilizer chip, see the pic above with the screw.  Use an exacto knife to get under and pry up the VW badge to get to the screw underneath.  I suggest pointing it at the screw head because there's a little space between the screw head and badge.  The switchblade will come apart.

The switchblade and button sit on top of a torsion, or twisted spring.  This is what makes the switchblade open.  The spring sits on a tab in the plastic, note the yellow arrow.  Note the tabs when reassembling and twist the switchblade so that it opens correctly.  If it's clamped closed then you twisted the spring in the wrong direction.