This guide provides detailed instructions on how to program new radio-frequency remote keys for many Volkswagen and Audi vehicles using VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System). This process focuses solely on matching the remote’s radio frequency to the car; it does not cover Immobilizer component matching. For Immobilizer-related procedures, consult other resources on our website.
Programming VW Remotes with VCDS: Method 1
This method utilizes the Adaptation function within VCDS. Before you begin, ensure you have all the remotes you intend to program, including existing ones.
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Key in Ignition: Insert a working key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
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Access Central Convenience/Locking Module: In VCDS, select:
[46 - Cent. Conv.]or[35 - Cent. Locking]depending on your vehicle. You can find the correct module for your specific car model in our application guide.
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Enter Adaptation Mode: Go to
[Adaptation - 10]. -
Select Channel: Enter channel
01. In some Audi models, this might be channel21. Click[Read]. The “Stored Value” field will display the number of currently matched remotes. -
Input Desired Number of Remotes: In the “New Value” field, enter the total number of keys you want to program (up to a maximum of 4). This includes any existing keys. Click
[Test]to verify the number in the “Test Value” field is correct. Then, click[Save]. -
Program Each Remote: Within 15 seconds, press and hold the UNLOCK button on each remote for at least one second. Do this for every remote you want to program, one at a time. Your car might acknowledge each successful programming with flashing lights, a horn beep, or another indication.
Programming VW Remotes with VCDS: Method 2
If Method 1 fails (neither Channel 01 nor 21 is available), try this alternative procedure using Measuring Blocks.
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Key in Ignition: Insert a working key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. Do not start the engine.
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Access Central Convenience/Locking Module: In VCDS, select:
[46 - Cent. Conv.]or[35 - Cent. Locking]depending on your vehicle.
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Enter Measuring Blocks: Go to
[Meas. Blocks - 08]. -
Select Group: Enter group
003. In some vehicles, this could be group007. Click[Go!]. Field 2 will display the number of matched remotes and their memory positions (e.g., “0001” signifies one transmitter in position 1). -
Lock the Car: Lock the car from the outside using the new, unprogrammed key in the driver-side door lock. You may need to hold the key in the unlock position for the next step.
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Press Unlock Button: Within 5 seconds, press the UNLOCK button on the new key repeatedly until you reach the next available memory position. For instance, if Field 2 displayed “0001,” press the UNLOCK button twice to program the new key to position 2. The car might acknowledge this action.
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Unlock the Door: Wait 5 seconds and press the UNLOCK button on the new key to unlock the door.
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Cycle Ignition: Turn the ignition OFF, remove the old key, then insert the new key and turn the ignition ON (do not start the engine).
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Verify Programming: In VCDS, navigate back to
[46 - Cent. Conv.]or[35 - Cent. Locking], then[Meas. Blocks - 08]and group003. Click[Go!]. Field 2 should now reflect the newly programmed key in its assigned memory position.
Clearing Existing Remote Matches with VCDS
If necessary, you can clear all existing remote matches:
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Access Central Convenience/Locking Module: In VCDS, select
[46 - Cent. Conv.]or[35 - Cent. Locking]. -
Enter Adaptation Mode: Go to
[Adaptation - 10]. -
Clear Channel 00: Enter channel
00, click[Read], then[Save]. Confirm the prompt to save a value of 0 to Channel 00 by clicking[Yes]. This will erase all programmed remotes. You’ll need to reprogram all keys using one of the methods described above.
Remember to always code new keys into free memory positions (indicated by a “0” in Group 003, Field 2). Using an occupied position will overwrite the existing key in that slot.
