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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: gunnag on 23 December 2009, 09:56

Title: 1997 GOlf MK3 TDI Key Replacement
Post by: gunnag on 23 December 2009, 09:56

Ive only got one key for my 1997 MK3 TDI and am thinking about getting a spare.

IM not sure whether there is a transponder in the key and if an immobliser is fitted, I cant see anything obvious. There was an after market alarm fitted years ago but this had been partly removed. I guess this points to there being no immobliser.

Can I simply take the key to a locksmith and have a copy made or do I need to go to my VW stealer?

All info welcome! :smiley:

Title: Re: 1997 GOlf MK3 TDI Key Replacement
Post by: Wayne on 23 December 2009, 10:07

Pop the key open and see if you have a chip inside.

Title: Re: 1997 GOlf MK3 TDI Key Replacement
Post by: justalex81 on 23 December 2009, 13:45

vw stealer will lift £120 notes from your wallet for a new key!!!

Title: Re: 1997 GOlf MK3 TDI Key Replacement
Post by: gunnag on 23 December 2009, 14:04

Ive opened up the key and there is a small black rectangular box on the edge, is this the transponder? I cant see any chip or wires.

Title: Re: 1997 GOlf MK3 TDI Key Replacement
Post by: justalex81 on 23 December 2009, 14:52

that is indeed the transponder. take it out then start your motor. let it run for at least 30 seconds. if it does that then you don't need a transponder key just a normal one which will cost peanuts. if it doesn't start or starts but cuts out then you need a transponder key which you can only get from vw (legitimately)  :wink: :wink:

Title: Re: 1997 GOlf MK3 TDI Key Replacement
Post by: robby on 23 December 2009, 21:58

Wasn't an old trick to take the transponder out of the key and fix it in the steering cowling next to the ignition lock - the ign can then read the transponder so you can get a cheap replacement key

Title: Re: 1997 GOlf MK3 TDI Key Replacement
Post by: Wayne on 24 December 2009, 00:20

Quote from: robby on 23 December 2009, 21:58

Wasn't an old trick to take the transponder out of the key and fix it in the steering cowling next to the ignition lock - the ign can then read the transponder so you can get a cheap replacement key

Yes you can do it that way but the insurance companys can refuse to pay out.

Title: Re: 1997 GOlf MK3 TDI Key Replacement
Post by: gunnag on 24 December 2009, 15:14

I took out the transponder and tried starting the engine, it ran for a couple of seconds before cutting out.

Looks like I have a transponder key, anyone know where I can get a spare one cut?

Title: Re: 1997 GOlf MK3 TDI Key Replacement
Post by: justalex81 on 24 December 2009, 15:22

yep VW!!! like i said they want £120 + vat last time i checked

Title: Re: 1997 GOlf MK3 TDI Key Replacement
Post by: boneybradley on 24 December 2009, 16:04

most decent key cutters (stimpsons etc) can do them for £20ish coded.....