TheSamba.com :: View topic - Locating your Key Code... various years and models

Mon Mar 04, 2013 12:16 pm

What about the location of the code on a '67-'70 type 3 ignition? My 66 Fastback has a '68 column, and like an idiot I lost both the ignition and door key. Luckily I left it unlocked!

Mon Mar 04, 2013 12:28 pm

There is a code stamped onto the side of the ignition cylinder. You will have to disassemble the entire top end of column and remove the ignition housing. Should be a thread on here some where on how to disassemble column.

Mon Mar 04, 2013 1:31 pm

That's what I was afraid of. I really don't want to take it all apart!

Mon Mar 04, 2013 2:02 pm

I just took out my steering column and took it to my local Locksmith to have keys made for $75.

Fri May 03, 2013 4:46 pm

Is this thread still alive?
Can anyone out there make keys by code?

Fri May 03, 2013 4:57 pm

Yes, both SteelersBus, who started this thread and has multiple ads on the site, can do it, as well as other people who advertise key services.

Sun May 05, 2013 4:34 am

I sure do cut keys by code. You can PM me or message directly at [email protected]

Thanks! Justin

Tue Jun 25, 2013 7:25 am

Can someone shed light on how to locate the key code on the rear hatch lock on Vanagons with central locking?

I have several hatch locks on hand w/o keys. The manual version was easy to find the stamped code. I am not having so much luck with the power lock version.

Thanks,

Tue Jun 25, 2013 1:13 pm

Code location should be same as the manual lock. On the lil tab that attaches to the back of the lock. Four digits.

Tue Jun 25, 2013 5:58 pm

His Justin,

The problem is the power lock equipped hatch lock has an assembly that goes over that piece. It's attached with a roll pin. It seems unlikely that VW will put the code in a spot which can't be accessed without disassembling the lock as all the other locations have it in an obvious place. It they indeed place it there, there is another obstacle to getting the code.

To remove the rollpin, it would require the cylinder to be rotated 90 degrees. Otherwise, the mounting bracket (the thing used to screw the lock onto the door) obstructs the roll pin. If I have the key, it's no biggie. Without the key...
well, it would take some fancy footwork. A 90 degree punch would be needed and tapping it with a hammer would add an additional challenge.

I will keep trying. Was hoping somebody had already done this so I don't waste time, if the code is not there. Pictures later.

Tue Jun 25, 2013 7:58 pm

OK, I'm a step closer. All you have to do is push in the lock button and the roll pin is revealed. Now to get the pin out and see if there's a code there.

Sat Aug 17, 2013 1:12 pm

I am new so if I ask something on the wrong spot I'm sorry. I bought a 2003 gti and it only came with one key. I am trying to get a key that has the remote for it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sat Aug 17, 2013 2:52 pm

celstrom wrote: I am new so if I ask something on the wrong spot I'm sorry. I bought a 2003 gti and it only came with one key. I am trying to get a key that has the remote for it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

It's kind of the wrong spot but I might be able to help. Your Mk4 GTI has a key which requires cutting with special equipment. They come in two flavors. The switchblade kind and the plain key. I assume by "remote" you are referring to the switchblade key. Besides the actual key, each is equipped a radio frequency identification (RFID). That rice grain-sized chip tells your car's instrument cluster that your key is allowed to start your car. Otherwise, your freshly cut key will start your car for only about 10 seconds before the immobilizer (IMMO) kills the engine.

Programming your remote is relatively easy. I bought a new one from my local dealer for $70 some months back. That included cutting the key but NOT programming your cluster to recognize the RFID. Most dealers want 1 Hoyt's worth of shop time to do what takes a few seconds to do. Unfortunately, you have to use a specialized program which can talk to your car's computer to do this. One such program cost about $400. Clones can be found from reseller's on eBay and Amazon but most do NOT work. You might want to get on VWVortex.com. There's a couple of club members who have invested in one of these programs and provides service for free or little cost during events such as Waterfest.

As for your keyfob to just work as a remote, you can do that yourself. You will need two keys to do this though. Rather than retyping, I'll post the quote below from the TDIClub archives:

"Programing the button REMOTE portion of the key is simple.
You do need 2 keys. You must be able to lock the drivers door and have the red led alarm light next to the lock button blink. If it does not blink, the alarm does not know the door is closed and will not go into program mode. Put one key in the ignition switch, turn on, do not start engine. Close the door, use 2nd key, turn door lock and hold in lock position for 10 seconds. Release key to neutral position. Press a button on the remote, within 2 seconds press the same button again, the turn signal lights will flash,
this indicates your remote matches the car system and is now recognized. Unlock door remove key from ignition.
So don't pay extra 99 cents to $5 for these instructions in hopes of getting the KEY to function with the car.
Instructions are only for the keyless remote, not the key."

PM, of you need further information.

Sat Aug 17, 2013 5:13 pm

Thank you for the quick help! I will check out vw vortex for a key fob b/c all I have is the regular key.

Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:17 am

Great Info, Ben! Thanks!

Sun Dec 15, 2013 7:08 pm

Merry Christmas Volks!!

Moving this up the list because I've had a few messages lately with key code locations.

Tue Jan 21, 2014 8:37 pm

Bus Front Exterior Door Handle Key Code

SteelersBus wrote: Here is where the code is located. Sometimes a lil filing or sanding over the number will expose it better.

As previously posted, an example would be 17R098 (first digits can only be 11-99 and second set can only be 001-120

What years have the key code on the Front Exterior Door Handles?
Thank You
Tcash

Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:54 am

All of them. If they are original handles. Look on the backside of the handle for a VW part number.

Wed Jan 29, 2014 9:29 pm

Do you know what blank is used on a 58 SC ? build date is 10/57 if that makes a difference. I've looked at a lot blanks on The Samba and none seem to match. I have keys but would really like the classic vw logo key if possible.

Wed Jan 29, 2014 10:23 pm

It's the normal VW cutout key.

From the owner's manual: