Mk1 Key Lost Code

[viking]

Sharan 1997 TDI, non remote locking. Tried to start the car this evening, engine fired up but died as quick as it started. Ended up getting recovered. Using spare key, engine starts and runs fine. The key has somehow lost its programmed code. I've searched the forum and checked FAQ's. Lots of good information but nothing covers the more basic non remote locking key. Can anyone provide instructions on re-programming the basic key immobiliser only. I only have 2 keys, one of which does not work. Incidently, these keys do not have batteries, well one does but that is only for the mini flash light.

[looneytoon]

Sharan 1997 TDI, non remote locking. Tried to start the car this evening, engine fired up but died as quick as it started. Ended up getting recovered. Using spare key, engine starts and runs fine. The key has somehow lost its programmed code. I've searched the forum and checked FAQ's. Lots of good information but nothing covers the more basic non remote locking key. Can anyone provide instructions on re-programming the basic key immobiliser only. I only have 2 keys, one of which does not work. Incidently, these keys do not have batteries, well one does but that is only for the mini flash light.

you need two working keys to programme a key or a good auto locksmith cost me

[viking]

Found out a bit more on this, a 3rd master key ( which I don't have ) is required. 2 working keys can then be used in the ignition to set up a programming sequence for extra keys. Looks like a costly job at the stealers ! unless there's another way or auto locksmith able to fix it.

[cyborg]

Sharan 1997 TDI, non remote locking. Tried to start the car this evening, engine fired up but died as quick as it started. Ended up getting recovered. Using spare key, engine starts and runs fine. The key has somehow lost its programmed code. I've searched the forum and checked FAQ's. Lots of good information but nothing covers the more basic non remote locking key. Can anyone provide instructions on re-programming the basic key immobiliser only. I only have 2 keys, one of which does not work. Incidently, these keys do not have batteries, well one does but that is only for the mini flash light.

 

Hi there ,

Sounds like keys have taken a knock and the pats chip inside key is no more . On paper you could get another chip and reprogramme to lock using vag but iirc you need a master code plus time+hassle etc... It's got to be easier and i would Try taking your duff key and working key to a locksmith and see if they will replace chip and clone even working key if it means a new key can't see them charging more than

[viking]

The dead key has not been banged or damaged in any way. After my routine run into work the key returns to a leather pouch and sits in my trousers pocket. The only explanation I can come up with is that some freak radio interfearence has wiped the code or its simply developed a fault through age (13 yrs). As you say, may start working again if code cloned to existing good key. I'll search for a local Auto locksmith and contact my insurance company, not too hopeful on that one though ! Thanks anyway.

[sotal]

I think the confusion on this thread is that your car is a Sharan and the advice has been based on the galaxy.

 

The first response about needing two working keys is applicable to the galaxy not the sharan.

 

The next regarding the Pats chips is again applicable to the galaxy not the sharan.

 

The sharan uses a VW immobiliser, I'm not fully up on what can be done with VCDS with respect to the keys but it may be possible (it might be in the paid version?)

 

A lot of key cutter places which advertise that they do car keys etc have testers which will read the chip, they should be able to confirm if you chip is working correctly.

 

The cheap way out would be to have your working key cloned onto a new chip then replace the chip in the duff key with the clone.

[viking]

I checked the Sharan hand book and it says the vehicle was supplied with 3 keys. I accept that the key coding proccedure is different from the Galaxy so if anyone knows the coding process for the Mk1 sharan, that may help. I spoke to the VW main dealer, they charge

[viking]

Key problem now resolved. After a bit of digging on the net found out the correct transponder type for my year. Cost inc delivery

[gregers]

mmm tell me a bit more of this cloning melarky?

[viking]

For a transpoder key to be accepted by the vehicle immobiliser it must have a matching code. In my case the transponder chip in my key stopped transmitting. The cheap way round this is to buy a new transponder chip, get it programmed with the same code as the spare key. As the spare key code is logged on the vehicle immobiliser you can make as many duplicates as you like. Known as 'Clonning' . The expensive method is to buy a new key from Dealer. Their key comes with a code already programmed. Dealer then inputs the code on to the immobiliser. They charge

[snowytop]

I see

[sotal]

If it's a Galaxy and not a Sharan, and you have two keys then the cheapest way is to buy a third key with a transponder chip in (has to be the right type of chip) then have the blade cut and program the chip to the car yourself using the two working keys

 

Only real disadvantage to a cloned key is that the car can only see one key (they both appear the same to the car) so you can't use a pair of cloned keys to program a third into the car, not a huge disadvantage though.

[snowytop]

If it's a Galaxy and not a Sharan, and you have two keys then the cheapest way is to buy a third key with a transponder chip in (has to be the right type of chip) then have the blade cut and program the chip to the car yourself using the two working keys

 

Only real disadvantage to a cloned key is that the car can only see one key (they both appear the same to the car) so you can't use a pair of cloned keys to program a third into the car, not a huge disadvantage though.

 

 

Thanks Sotal that

[gregers]

just for info,

timpsons will cut the key for about 8 quid

[snowytop]

just for info,

timpsons will cut the key for about 8 quid

 

Thanks Gregers, fair play to them that sounds really reasonable.

Can you buy the blank key from them as well, or do you think it would start getting expensive that way?

Thanks, Mark