VW Key Fob Dead, Quick Fix vs Electrical Issues

Had the exact same problem with my VW Golf 2002 last winter. As someone who does basic maintenance myself but leaves electrical work to the pros, this was actually a simple fix. The key fob battery was completely drained, causing those central locking issues. The auto key started showing similar symptoms, inconsistent locking, dashboard warnings, and error codes popping up. Took it to my regular workshop and they confirmed it was just the battery replacement needed for the car key. The whole thing cost 37€, including diagnostics and the new fob battery. They cleared the error codes too, and everything worked perfectly after. Quick test you can do: check if the key works when held very close to the door lock. If it only works at extremely close range, its likely just a weak battery. Which specific Bora trim level do you have? Knowing the engine size and whether its a base or higher spec model would help, as some versions had different key fob types. Could share more specific details about compatible battery types for your exact model. Also worth mentioning, if your key fob is original from 2004, might be worth getting a spare programmed while youre at it. These old VW key batteries tend to fail every 2-3 years.

Latest service was at 119000km. Thanks for sharing your experience. The problem seems quite similar. I tried your suggestion of testing the electronic key at close range, and it actually worked better when right next to the door. This gives me hope its just the key battery. My Bora is a 1.6L base model with the standard electronic central locking system. Would you know which battery type fits this specific car key model? The original key fob still looks intact, just not responding well anymore. The error codes are still present on the dashboard. Wondering if these will clear automatically once the battery is replaced or if I need specific diagnostics equipment?

Thanks for those details. Yeah, based on the close-range test working and what you described, its definitely pointing to a dead key battery issue, exactly like what happened with my Golf. For the 1.6L Bora base model, youll need a CR2032 battery for the key fob. Its a common 3V button cell that costs around 5€. When replacing it, just be careful opening the key housing, theres a small notch on the side that helps split it without damaging the casing. About those error codes, they wont clear automatically after the key battery replacement. The fault codes need to be reset using diagnostic equipment. When I had mine fixed, the workshop used their scanner to clear them after confirming the new battery was working properly. A useful tip from my experience: while replacing the battery, clean the contact points inside the key fob with an electronics cleaner. This helps ensure good connection with the new battery. Also, dont forget to test all key fob functions (lock, unlock, trunk release) after the battery replacement before having the codes cleared. Let us know how it goes after changing the battery. If the close-range test is working, this should solve your central locking issues completely.

Appreciate all the detailed help and guidance. Just got back from fixing this issue and wanted to share the outcome in case someone else runs into the same problem. The key battery replacement did the trick. Bought the CR2032 battery for 4€ and carefully changed it following the advice about the notch in the casing. Cleaned the contacts while I had it open, which was a good suggestion. After installing the new battery, the electronic key worked perfectly again, all functions responding normally. Took it to a shop to clear those error codes, and the central locking system is now working like new. The whole fix, including diagnostic clearing, came to 45€. Really glad it turned out to be just a simple battery replacement rather than a more complex electrical issue. The close-range test was super helpful in diagnosing the problem. For anyone dealing with similar car key issues, definitely worth checking the battery first before assuming worse problems.