Key batteries playing up

[C2K]

Ok, my car is now 17 months old, normal key (i.e. no keyless) and recently asked me to change the key battery at about 16 months old - seemed to be in line with others experiences. Had a read of the manual, nothing exciting, plopped in a new battery.

That battery lasted exactly 7 days, and 2 uses of the car (I was cycling everywhere). Thinking it was probably a duff battery i fitted another (both Energizer). This one again lasted 7 days and the car was complaining once again of low battery. This time I went and bought a Duracell battery, and yet again this has lasted 7 days and it's kaput, car complaining once again.

Have I missed something crucial in re-synching? Duff key? Evil car? I've been through about 5 quid of batteries in 3 weeks. The most irritating thing it you get about 1 use out of the remote after it warns you - almost got stranded at work the other day when I hadn't noticed it didn't lock and came back to a dead remote.

Has anyone else had this? I pushed the Duracell battery straight out of the packet last time into the remote, so hadn't even touched it with my fingers! 

[monkeyhanger]

Sounds like one of your buttons is permanently pressed internally, or you have a dodgy connection inside your key that's draining your battery. If you other key isn't doing it then it's your key and not the car.

Never had to replace a key battery in 7 new VWs prior to my current R (too early to say, i've only had it 6 weeks today).

[p3asa]

The most irritating thing it you get about 1 use out of the remote after it warns you - almost got stranded at work the other day when I hadn't noticed it didn't lock and came back to a dead remote.

The key should open the door and deactivate the alarm though!  I'm not even sure the immobiliser needs a battery in the fob as it doesn't in the Polo.

Anyone know for sure?

[itavaltalainen]

I had the warning after about 16 months, then again after 18 months when I finally replaced it. No issue since then.

You can still get into the car with the key blade when the battery is empty, you can also start it but need to hold it to where the ignition barrel is on non-keyless models (then it uses the passive transponder rather than active keyless).

At OP: What battery type did you put in?

[physio]

I changed mine about 2 months ago  my car was approx. 18 months old
 had no problem since
got battery from my local VW dealer cost me £3

[C2K]

It's a CR2025 iirc. The one that came out was unbranded, I tried two Energizer variants and then a Duracell lithium (even had a little car key symbol on the packet).

I'm aware you can get in the car with the key, but frankly the key cover at the read of the handle isn't the best design and looks like it will last about 5 removals before it fails. It also set the alarm off when i opened the door.

[itavaltalainen]

Is it possible that the old battery has leaked or lid was not on properly and contacts are corroded?
Sure it's a 2025 cell? You can also fit a 2022 - which is the one most shops sell, it will fit but can throw problems at you...

[Bellend]

For starters go to VW to get a battery to rule any issues with the batterirs out.


Just wondering if they use a special type of battery. 

[C2K]

It was a 2025 that came out, and that went in. I'll take it up with VW.

My closest VW dealer is 13 miles away so not particularly cost effective to go for a battery!!

[C2K]

For the benefit of anyone reading this,  my key was faulty. Finally got vw to order me a new key under warranty and just waiting for it to arrive.