how to use vw emergency key to start car

[MacHarrison]

To start your Volkswagen with the emergency key, you'll use the physical key blade to unlock the door, but you must still use the key fob itself to start the car, even if its battery is dead. The emergency key does not start the ignition directly. The process involves accessing a hidden door lock, entering the vehicle, and then using a specific technique to get the car to recognize the "dead" key fob.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Remove the Emergency Key: Your VW key fob has a small release switch or button on it. Slide or press this to pull out the physical metal key blade.
2. Unlock the Driver's Door: Look at the driver's door handle. You'll see a small, rectangular plastic cover. Insert the tip of the emergency key into the slot at the bottom of this cover and gently pry it off to reveal the traditional key cylinder. Insert the key and turn it to unlock the door.
3. Start the Vehicle: Once inside, you will not see a keyhole on the steering column. Sit in the driver's seat and press the brake pedal. Then, take your key fob (the main plastic part, even if the battery is dead) and press it directly against the right side of the steering column. You should see a symbol of a key. While holding the fob there, press the engine START/STOP button. The car's immobilizer system will recognize the key via close-proximity induction, and the engine should start.

It's a safety feature. The metal key only gets you inside; the car's computer must still authenticate the key fob to start, preventing theft.

[RebeccaDella]

Just went through this with my Jetta last week. The little key gets you in the door, but that's it. The real trick is what you do next. Pop the brake pedal, then take the whole key fob and press it right against the steering column, near where it says "KEY." Hold it there and hit the start button. The car will sense the key even if the battery's toast. It felt like a magic trick, but it worked perfectly.

[ClaytonAnn]

Think of the emergency key as just a skeleton key for the door. The car's computer is what actually allows it to start, and it needs to talk to the chip inside your key fob. The metal blade can't do that. By holding the dead fob against the steering column, you're allowing a short-range wireless signal (like NFC) to power the chip just enough for the handshake to happen. It's a clever backup system.