Guys,
I was after some help with a 98 VW Golf.
The car came with a single key, which between me and my dad we lost! We managed to get a replacement key from VW that works the locks and ignition
OK.
The car will fire and run for 2 seconds and then dies. The fault code basically says key not authorized. We have spoken to VW and they say about
£150 to code the key. 
Is it only VW that can code these Or can it be done my an independent VW garage or even better at home?
Thanks
Ash
Yes it can be done by someone else as long as they have the right equipment , lots of mobile guys can do this sort of thing .
A fair few locksmiths can do it as well. There is a place in Coventry that I've used who can code any key to any car. For my Toledo (which was
essentially the same as your Golf), it cost me £65 for a plain key that was cut and encoded to the car. I could have had a flip key for £120, but as
it was my spare key I wasn't bothered about having another flip key.
Here's one in Sheffield;
http://www.autolocksmithsheffield.org/key-programming.html
Vw used a couple of different immobiliser systems. Some keys can be cloned and some can't.
Most locksmiths have a machine which can read the transponder chip in the existing key and imprint that code into a blank key. You can only encode a
transponder once.... I have a 2001 polo and can't clone the keys because they are an obscure transponder. The only way for me to code new keys
into the ecu is to get vw to do it...so if your lucky you can clone....
You could try (getting someone with VCDS software) to code it to USA/Canada spec. I don't think they got immobiliser's til early 2000's
Have you got the original factory black keytag? Keytag
It should have a scratch off section which will have the immobiliser code on, which can be used with vcds and some aftermarket diagnostics to program
the key.
If not, a vag tacho usb interface (ebay) can read the immobiliser code from the immobiliser/instruments. It can also program keys, however i would not
use it for this function as it can glitch and mess up the immobiliser.
Dave
I suspect that most of you have missed the part of the question here that is applicable. The ONLY original key has been lost in this case so no key
available with ANY encoding.
In this case I suspect that the ONLY way out is to visit the dealers and pay the money for ONE encoded key, then, after that, cheaper options can be
sought.
I would see if I could find a cheap used ECU with keys, change the ECU over and swap the transponder chip in to the new key you have.
Thanks guys. Yes, the original key was lost, so the only key we have is the non coded key we got from VW based on the chassis number.
quote:
Originally posted by pmc_3
I would see if I could find a cheap used ECU with keys, change the ECU over and swap the transponder chip in to the new key you have.
It's not cheap, but a VW dealer is most likely your best bet!
I gave a co. Passat back with a £10 key off ebay, the collector could not have been less bothered.
To add to the thread, I recently flattened the battery on my Passat (57 plate). Charged it fine, got the car started, but realised I didn't have
the radio code - arse!
To their credit, the local VW dealer charged £28 to unlock it for me - I thought that was OK.
Timpsons the ones in little huts in supermarket car parks, do coded keys as long as they have one to copy
David
We got this sorted thanks.
An autolock smith came, took the ECU out, plugged it into his computer, coded the vw key, cut a second key and replaced the whole lot for £120.
I thought it was a bargain, VW wanted lots more and we needed to take the car to them.
Sorted - seems a reasonable deal to me 