VW Virtus Key Fob Issues: Simple Fix vs Workshop Visit

As someone with moderate car repair experience, I had a very similar issue with my 2020 VW Polo last winter. The key fob started acting up just like yours, giving inconsistent unlocking responses and showing the low battery warning on the dashboard. Initially tried the basic checks, but the car key became increasingly unreliable. The range kept decreasing until it barely worked from a meter away. The keyless entry system completely stopped responding. Took it to a workshop where they confirmed the fob battery was nearly dead. They replaced it with a new CR2032 battery, taking about 15 minutes total. The repair cost was 37€, including parts and labor. After the replacement, all functions returned to normal, both the remote locking and keyless access worked perfectly again. Before suggesting specific solutions for your case, could you share: Have you noticed any gradual decrease in the key fob range? Does the physical key blade still work normally? Are you getting any specific error messages besides the low battery warning? Have you previously replaced the key fob battery? This information would help determine if your situation is a simple battery issue or if there might be other factors involved.

Just had my 58198km service done last month and experienced this exact problem. A battery replacement fixed it completely and restored all key functions. The CR2032 battery cost 15€ at the dealership. I was worried about possible electrical issues but the dead key fob battery was the only problem. Worth trying this simple fix before exploring more complex solutions. The car key works flawlessly now, both for remote locking and keyless entry.

Glad to hear your feedback, it matches exactly with my experience on the VW Polo. A failing key fob battery often causes these symptoms and replacing it is definitely the right first troubleshooting step. The 15€ you paid for the battery is actually quite reasonable compared to the 37€ total I was charged. When the auto key battery gets too low, the keyless system typically starts failing before the remote buttons stop working completely. This progressive failure pattern is a clear indicator of battery issues rather than more serious electronic problems. For anyone else reading who encounters similar symptoms: watch for decreased key fob range and inconsistent operation as early warning signs. These usually appear before the car shows any battery warning messages. Getting the battery replacement done early can prevent being stuck with a completely dead key. After about 2-3 years of regular use, most key fob batteries need replacement, which matches the timeline for both our cases. Keeping a spare CR2032 battery at home can save hassle, though make sure to check proper polarity during installation.

Thanks for sharing those details about the service and battery replacement outcome. The 15€ cost for the CR2032 key fob battery was reasonable considering it restored full functionality. Having experienced the gradual decline in key performance and low voltage warnings, I can confirm replacing the battery was the right fix. The key fob now works perfectly at normal range, both for remote locking and the keyless entry system. No more battery warning messages on the dash either. For anyone else with similar symptoms, definitely try the battery replacement first before assuming worse problems. Getting back full key functionality for just 15€ was a relief after worrying about potential electrical issues. Make sure to keep track of when you replace the key battery, as they typically need changing every few years with regular use.