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My spare key won't hold its code, what are my options?

The spare key for my VW Passat refuses to hold its code. We first noticed this shortly after taking receipt of the car 2 years ago. Our local garage has recently re-coded the key, but after 2 weeks it has lost the ability to open the car again - the key fob battery was changed at the same time. Is this a common issue and can you advise us on how we can fix this (preferably cheaply)?

Asked on 5 January 2024 by Carl Dowdell

Answered by David Ross
This is not a common problem as far as we are aware, but one of the keys operates normally and it is only the spare key that fails to hold the code then that would suggest the issue lies with the spare key and not the receiver. Replacing the battery is the obvious first step but given that has not solved the issue it may be that there is a drain that is causing the key to continually operate. We would suggest trying an automotive locksmith who will be able to examine the spare key and hopefully diagnose a fault, failing that we would suggest replacing the spare key - again an automotive locksmith will be able to do this more cheaply than a main dealer.
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