VW Crafter Key Fob: Total System Failure & Solutions

Having some experience with VW vans, I dealt with a similar electronic key issue on my 2013 VW Transporter. The symptoms were exactly the same, first the low voltage warning, then complete failure of the keyless system. The fix was straightforward: needed a fob battery replacement. The workshop checked the key and found the battery had dropped below the required voltage threshold. They replaced the battery (CR2032 type) and reprogrammed the key to clear the stored error codes. Total cost was 37€, which included the new battery and the brief diagnostic work. The whole process took about 30 minutes. Since then, no more issues with the key system. For your specific case, would be helpful to know: Do you get any response at all from the key? Are you able to start the vehicle using the emergency key slot? Have you checked if there are any visible damage signs on the key fob? When was the last time you replaced the key battery? This information would help determine if your issue is also just a simple battery replacement or if there might be other underlying problems with the electronic key system.

Last service was at 121177KM where they also checked the electronic key systems, but this issue started shortly after. The fob actually shows some response with a very faint LED blink when pressing buttons, but the car does not react at all. Emergency key works fine for door locks, and engine starts normally when using it. The key fob casing looks intact with no damage or water exposure marks. Never changed the fob battery before in the 13 years of ownership. Given the age of the original battery, it seems the key likely just needs a new one. Rather than going straight to the workshop, might try replacing the fob battery first. A low voltage situation would explain both the warning and gradual loss of function in the electronic key system.

Thanks for those details about your key fob situation. Your symptoms match exactly what I experienced with my Transporter, that faint LED blink is a classic sign of a low battery in the key fob, especially considering the original battery has been in there for 13 years. When my key battery voltage dropped too low, I noticed the same pattern: weak LED response and complete loss of keyless functions, while the mechanical key still worked perfectly. The car key error messages appeared because the low voltage prevents proper signal transmission between the fob and vehicle. One tip from my experience: after replacing the key fob battery, you might need to do a quick reset procedure. For my VW, this involved holding the unlock button for about 5 seconds after installing the new battery. This helped clear any residual error codes in the system. If the new battery does not resolve the issue, then yes, a workshop visit would be the next step. But given all the symptoms and the age of your original battery, I would definitely try the battery replacement first. It is a much cheaper solution than a full diagnostic session.

Based on your information and the previous replies, I will go ahead with a battery replacement first. After 13 years, the original fob battery has served well beyond its expected lifespan. The symptoms all point to a classic low battery situation, the faint LED response, loss of keyless functions, and system warnings. I found a CR2032 battery at an electronics store for 5€. This is much more reasonable than paying for workshop diagnostics. Will try that quick reset procedure too, holding the unlock button for 5 seconds after installing the new battery to clear any stored codes. The fact that the emergency key works perfectly for both door locks and starting confirms the core key functions are fine. Since there is no physical damage to the fob casing, and these issues started gradually with battery warnings, I am confident a key battery replacement should get the electronic system working again. If the new battery does not fix it, I can always take it to the workshop later. But no point spending money on diagnostics when all signs point to a simple fob battery problem that I can solve myself for just a few Euro.