Key fob won't work

140

Asked by MsMarsh Dec 17, 2016 at 09:05 AM about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

Question type: General

My 2012 Jetta key fob won't work.  So we got the spare fob, put in a new
battery and that one won't work either.  It's been very cold here and we're not
sure if the car battery may be dead because the fobs won't work to let us in!  
Help!

9 Answers

155

Do you know how to open the car door by popping off the cover on the door handle? If you look under the door handle, there is a slot to insert the key to twist in order to take the cover off. Once you do that, you'll be able to get into your car to see if the battery is dead.

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
155

Sometimes if the key fob doesn't work after you put a new battery in, it might be a couple of things wrong. One popular reason is if you have ever dropped the key, the battery might not be connected to the switch board within the key. Another popular reason is sometimes over time, the key might lose programming. That means you would need to take it into a dealership to get it reprogrammed.

4 people found this helpful.
140

Thanks so much for getting back to me! I'm heading over there now to try the lock cover! I appreciate your help!

140

By the way, now I feel really stupid... : / Got the car without the manual and never had a question till now.

2 people found this helpful.
155

Don't feel stupid. A lot of people don't know about that trick. The only reason why I know about it is because I work in service at a VW dealership.

2 people found this helpful.
140

REALLY??? Then I may be contacting you more often! Thanks again!

1 people found this helpful.
140

Hi, again etaylor20! Another Jetta question: I'm planning on purchasing a new battery. However, I'm told that disconnecting the old one would render the car "unstartable" and in need of a tow to a dealer for "reprogramming". What is THAT about?

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Jetta

Looking for a Used Jetta in your area?

CarGurus has 15,492 nationwide Jetta listings starting at $1,500.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    12,330
  • #2
    Goodwrench707
    Reputation
    5,400
  • #3
    Ed92626
    Reputation
    4,630
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Volkswagen Passat
340 Great Deals out of 4,247 listings starting at $31
Used Honda Civic
1,235 Great Deals out of 32,815 listings starting at $1,495
Used Volkswagen Jetta GLI
55 Great Deals out of 1,319 listings starting at $5,297
Used Honda Accord
1,385 Great Deals out of 29,501 listings starting at $1,075
Used Toyota Camry
2,022 Great Deals out of 40,475 listings starting at $1,550
Used Volkswagen Golf
70 Great Deals out of 888 listings starting at $2,800
Used Toyota Corolla
1,587 Great Deals out of 24,282 listings starting at $995
Used Volkswagen Tiguan
963 Great Deals out of 26,299 listings starting at $3,370
Used Hyundai Elantra
869 Great Deals out of 25,019 listings starting at $1,500
Used Nissan Altima
1,220 Great Deals out of 36,374 listings starting at $800
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
179 Great Deals out of 4,386 listings starting at $2,995
Used Mazda MAZDA3
473 Great Deals out of 12,003 listings starting at $1,495
Used Chevrolet Malibu
848 Great Deals out of 21,414 listings starting at $1,300
Used Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
37 Great Deals out of 405 listings starting at $2,995
Used BMW 3 Series
1,091 Great Deals out of 13,359 listings starting at $955

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
6 Great Deals out of 7,474 listings starting at $19,849
2023 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
39 Great Deals out of 822 listings starting at $16,797
2022 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
20 Great Deals out of 230 listings starting at $15,358
2021 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
121 Great Deals out of 1,330 listings starting at $11,477
2020 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
70 Great Deals out of 1,032 listings starting at $8,990

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.