VW Polo Key Fob Dies, Quick Battery Fix Guide

Had the same issue on my VW Golf TDI 2009 last month. The key battery low warning appeared first, followed by complete key fob failure within a week. This is typically not a serious problem. Most key fob issues stem from a depleted battery rather than car electrical problems. The dead key fob symptoms match exactly what you describe, unresponsive locking/unlocking and dashboard warnings. The battery replacement process is straightforward: Split the key fob housing carefully, Remove old battery (usually CR2032), Install new battery with correct polarity, Snap housing back together, Resync by pressing lock/unlock near vehicle After battery replacement, the key fob should work normally again. In rare cases where the new battery doesnt resolve the issue, the problem might be with the fob circuit board or receiver unit. But based on your symptoms, a simple battery replacement should do the job. Worth noting: Always keep a spare mechanical key ready, as fob battery failure can happen without much warning. Most VW key fobs have a hidden mechanical key inside for emergency access.

Really glad you shared this info since I had a very similar electronic key problem with my Polo recently. The key battery warning kept flashing and I couldnt lock or unlock the car remotely. Sounds like you got it sorted with a straightforward battery replacement. Curious to know how much the replacement battery cost you in total? Also wondering if youve had any other issues pop up since fixing it? The advice about keeping a spare mechanical key is spot on. I learned that one the hard way when my low battery key fob completely died in a parking lot. Not a fun experience.

Replacing the key fob battery was a simple fix and cost 37€ total at my local shop. Since the battery replacement, the key battery low warning disappeared completely and the remote locking works perfectly again. The fob battery they installed was a genuine CR2032, which should last several years of normal use. No other issues have come up related to the key system in the months since fixing it. The car starts right up and all the remote functions work as they should. The mechanic mentioned these fob battery failures are pretty common on VW models once they hit a certain age. You can actually find car key battery replacements for less at electronics stores, but I preferred having a pro handle it since they could also check the programming and make sure everything synced correctly with the car.

Thanks for all the input here. Just wanted to update everyone on how this turned out for me. I ended up going to a different auto repair shop than my usual one and had a much better experience. The mechanic confirmed it was just a dead key fob battery causing the problems. Total cost was 25€ for both parts and labor. They used a quality CR2032 battery and even helped reprogram the fob to sync with my car. The auto key is working perfectly now, no more low voltage warnings on the dash and the remote locking/unlocking functions like new. The whole repair took less than 20 minutes. Definitely learned to keep a backup mechanical key handy. Also discovered these car key batteries typically need replacing every 3-4 years, so I will be watching for those early warning signs next time instead of waiting until complete failure. Really relieved it wasnt a bigger electrical issue. Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one.