Hey gang,

So one of my friends managed to semi-break my switchblade key. The key doesn't fully lock into the closed or open position, and the release button doesn't fully recess anymore. There's a lot of play when it's in the ignition. I can buy an uncut one on ebay for $25-ish, and it'll cost $40 for the dealer to cut it...it would be a full $80 for the cut and program, but i think I can handle the programming myself. So I've got a few questions....

1. The key still works, but could it possibly damage my ignition hanging all loose?
2. Could I have a locksmith cut the new key instead of the dealer?
3. I'm assume these are fairly easy to program, right?

Any comments on my best options? It still works, but it's not 100% anymore, and that kinda bugs me....is it worth fixing?

Thanks

 

I'm not sure about getting the key cut, but for the programming you don't even have to if you don't want to. I pulled mine apart yesterday just to see what was inside and its actually two pieces. One piece is just the key and the other is the remote part. So just swap the new key half to the old remote half and you're good to go.

 

Only the dealers can cut them.

Programming is cake. If you do a quick search, there are a couple posts on how to do it.

 

I tried finding out how to program my moms 2001 golf 1.8T and came up with nothing... well, I found some stuff, but it made no mention of it working on the golf.

EDIT: but for 80 bucks all said and done, I'd do it... 40 for the cut isnt bad at all, I've heard of dealers charging a lot more than that. A lot of dealers arent equipped to cut the keys, either.

 

Yeah, I've read the instructions on the forum, they look pretty simple on paper....but I've heard mixed results.

Kextyn, if I were to buy a remote without an uncut key in it, could I swap my original key out of the broken remote and into the new one? I haven't pulled it apart, so I'm not sure how the mechanism works and what exactly is broken.

 

Kinda off subject, but I read that the security guards at Dallas Ft. Worth airport confiscated an audi key, simply because it was a "Switchblade like" object. The guy argued that it was only a key, but the guards would not budge, and they took it. What a bunch of losers!! Sometimes this homeland security is lacking in common sense.

 

a good locksmith shop should be able to cut the key 4 under $50

 

Yeah actually, that makes the most sense... IF you can find one with no key, or an uncut key... just install your new key. It's simple.