How to Start a Volkswagen Lavida When the Key Fob Battery Dies?
4 Answers
When the Volkswagen Lavida key fob battery dies, you can use the mechanical key to open the door and place the key in the induction area to start the car. Here are some solutions for when the car key is lost: 1. Spare Key: Generally, cars now come with two keys—one for regular use and another as a spare. 2. Professional Locksmith Services: If the vehicle is far from the spare key or the spare key is also lost, you will need to call a professional locksmith to unlock the car. 3. Dealership (4S Shop): Every vehicle comes with a built-in anti-theft code. The owner can provide their driver's license and identification information to the dealership, which can then retrieve the vehicle's anti-theft code based on the provided details and configure a new key. Additionally, the dealership can erase the data of the lost key, rendering it invalid for starting the vehicle (though it may still open the door). Therefore, the dealership may also recommend replacing all the locks to ensure security.
I found a way to start the Volkswagen Lavida when the car key battery is dead. First, use the mechanical key to open the driver's door—the small cover on the door handle can be pried open with a fingernail to reveal the lock. After getting in, don’t rush to press the brake pedal. Instead, press the remote key against the area below the start button to power on the car. The dashboard will light up, as the vehicle can still detect the chip even if the key battery is dead. Then, press and hold the brake pedal, place the key firmly against the start button, and press it again to ignite the engine. After starting, it’s best to replace the battery immediately—a CR2032 button cell from the supermarket works fine and can be replaced easily. Once, I encountered this situation and noticed that the area near the metal Volkswagen logo on the back of the key was the most responsive.
Last time my car key suddenly stopped working, it was because the battery died. The Volkswagen Lavida usually has a backup solution: first locate the key induction area on the right side of the steering column, typically a small groove with a key symbol. Press the key into the groove, then step on the brake and press the start button as usual. You'll need to use the mechanical key to open the door—don't yank the door handle too hard, as it might damage the decorative cover. I always keep two CR2032 batteries in the glove box to prepare for such emergencies. After starting, the dashboard might display a 'Key Not Detected' warning—don't panic. Just drive to an auto parts store, and they can replace the battery in five minutes for half the price of a dealership.
Don't panic when your key fob runs out of battery - the Lavida has a thoughtful design. Simply use the metal key blade to open the door, then place the remote against the steering column below the steering wheel. Press the brake and start the engine - the system will recognize the key chip via low-frequency antenna. Once when this happened to me late at night, I found placing it near the left side of the steering column worked even better. Changing the key battery yourself is easy - just pry open the key casing with a coin to replace it (be careful not to reverse the polarity). With this solution, you won't need to call for a tow truck or roadside assistance at all.
