VW Tiguan Key Fob Failure: Battery vs Serious Issues

When my 2014 VW Golf GTI had similar electronic key issues, the symptoms matched yours exactly. The key fob began failing to unlock doors consistently, and keyless entry became unreliable. The dashboard showed Battery in key empty warning messages intermittently. The basic functions like starting the car still worked because the key contains a backup physical chip that functions even with a dead fob battery. This turned out to be a simple fob battery replacement issue. The CR2032 battery in the electronic key typically lasts 3-4 years before needing replacement. The warning messages start appearing when battery voltage drops below a certain threshold. The fix was straightforward, accessing the battery compartment in the key fob, replacing the old battery, and resetting the system by locking/unlocking a few times. No serious mechanical or electrical issues were involved. For VW models from that generation, these symptoms almost always point to a depleted key fob battery rather than problems with the car's electrical system or door locks. Getting the battery replaced should resolve the keyless access and central locking functions.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I also had these car key troubles with my Tiguan last spring when the auto key started acting up. The fob battery died completely and I got those same warning lights. After replacing the dead key battery everything went back to normal. Just wondering, do you recall what you paid for the new battery? Also curious if youve had any other key fob issues since the replacement?

Glad I could help with those key fob troubles. Since getting the battery replaced at the shop, all my electronic key functions have worked perfectly with no more low voltage warnings. The repair cost was 37€ total, this included both the battery and labor for programming the key back to the system. Have not experienced any issues since then. The car key works flawlessly now for both remote locking and keyless entry. If your key fob starts acting up again in the future, its usually just another sign of a dying battery rather than a deeper electronic problem. These batteries typically need changing every few years when the voltage gets too low. A useful tip: its worth keeping track of when you replace the key battery, so you can anticipate when the next change might be needed. This helps avoid getting stuck with a dead key unexpectedly.

After your helpful advice, I took my Tiguan to a new mechanic. What a difference, they diagnosed the electronic key issue right away and confirmed it was just a battery replacement needed. 15€ later my auto key was working perfectly again. The mechanic showed me how to check if the key battery was actually the problem, apparently when you have to press the fob multiple times to work, its a clear sign of low voltage. They also mentioned these batteries typically last 3-4 years, so I made note to check again in 2027. Since the battery replacement, the keyless access and central locking have been working great. No more error messages or problems getting into the car. Such a relief it wasnt something more serious with the electrical system.