Where is the emergency ignition keyhole located on the Passat?
2 Answers
The emergency ignition keyhole on the Passat is typically located behind the one-touch start switch. Method to use the emergency keyhole: The keyhole is positioned behind the start button. You need to remove the one-touch start switch to access the keyhole. Method to start the vehicle when the remote is out of battery: You can use the mechanical key to start the vehicle. The mechanical key is usually hidden inside the remote. If there is no matching mechanical keyhole, simply press the remote key against the one-touch start button or place it in the cup holder area to start the vehicle when the remote battery is dead.
I've been driving a Passat for several years and have experienced the awkward moment when the key battery died. The emergency start keyhole is usually located near the ignition switch under the steering column, hidden behind a small cover. When looking for it, I recommend opening the car door, sitting inside, and looking down at the bottom of the steering wheel. There's a circular area where you can gently pry open the plastic cover with the physical key to insert and start the car. The position is fixed, but it varies slightly across different model years, with older models being easier to locate. The key is to stay calm and ensure the gear is in P before operating to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. I also make it a habit to keep a spare key in the car, so I'm not left in the dark when the battery runs out. Regularly checking the key battery or using Volkswagen's reminder feature can help avoid such hassles. The location isn't complicated—once you remember it, you can handle it safely even if you break down at night.
