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Thought I'd write up this thread for those who want to DIY fit an aftermarket keyless entry (not alarm). The reason is I went through quite a bit of trouble, mainly because of some misinformation (yeah, we have TOO MUCH in this day and age). How ironic that I've written this up then 
1. First of all, there IS an OEM remote keyless entry module that is a plug and play unit.
It's inclusive of all lock features, and this includes opening/closing all windows with the remote. Part number is 1H0 054 640B - I double-checked this with VW Australia (Denlo Group Parts) and they indeed do have them in the country. However, they wanted ~$300+ for the unit. Forgive me for not remembering the exact price.
2. My next port of call was the great VWVortex. Any Mk3-er that uses Vortex should know about Dan J Reed's DIY page. He has installed a very simple aftermarket keyless entry unit (Omega Research REC43T + DLPP3 polarity switcher) that does pretty much the same functions as the OEM unit above, except he managed to relay in a trunk popper too. You can read all about it in a DIY he wrote up and a very lengthy discussion in the corresponding Vortex thread.
At this point, I was pretty convinced with giving this unit a try. Long story short, it doesn't work as straight forward as Dan J Reed's DIY article. Our door lock setup are somehow different to the NA Mk3 Golf door lock setup, so we can't just simply tap in unlock and lock triggers to the corresponding wires on our cars. I couldn't get it working at all and had no idea why; eventually, I reluctantly gave up and sent it back for a refund.
3. I went to buy another aftermarket keyless entry kit, and stumbled upon a unit (HT18
being sold by VirtualVillage (anyone wanting to buy stuff from there, use discount code XY3MF for 25% off). It was pretty cheap, coming in at ~$45 shipped.
Installation was pretty straight forward - follow the wiring schematics for the pneumatic lock. Make sure the jumper position is at 3.5 seconds.
The "Green/Blue Main" wire from "Door lock switch" to "Pneumatic lock" is the black/red wire that connects to the central locking motor. This is located under the driver's side taillight:
Then hook up the power and ground. The unit also comes with a flasher that you can hook up to your hazards but I haven't done that yet and don't know what would be the easiest way.
Rest of the instructions can be found here:
The problem with this wiring is that it doesn't simulate the window opening/closing upon unlocking/locking. I'll be looking into it soon as it really is a handy function.
4. Another aftermarket keyless entry unit I found was one that incorporates the switchblade key fob (albeit a replica). This one can be available via Rightclick2003 (eBay shop; search for KE60bPLUS or KE60wPLUS - difference is just in colour highlights) and TMTuning.
They're more expensive than your typical aftermarket remote keyless unit but they've done all the work in using the switchblade key fob as the remote. I've searched for reviews and found that the key fobs are a bit lacking in quality compared to the OEM units, but I think that's to be expected.
I also found the corresponding wiring diagrams for these too; here they are for interest's sake:
Oh, and these incorporate the window close function. Nothing about window open though.
5. I also looked into locally-available units (those sold in audio shops etc.) and found the Dynamco/Cyclops KE-CLR-TX90 to be a very comprehensive and neat-looking unit. I called up a few places (LS Audio in Lakemba stocks these) and the unit comes in at a hefty $100.
Wiring schematics for this unit can be found here. This unit DOES cater for pneumatic locks AND window closing as well.
That's about to the extent that I've been looking into keyless entry units. Now I'm gonna somehow try and see how I can incorporate the window roll up/down feature with the press of a button... any ideas very welcome!
Edit: DIY guide to retrofitting your current remote into a genuine switchblade. Credit goes to Cybersombosis for this.
1. First of all, there IS an OEM remote keyless entry module that is a plug and play unit.
It's inclusive of all lock features, and this includes opening/closing all windows with the remote. Part number is 1H0 054 640B - I double-checked this with VW Australia (Denlo Group Parts) and they indeed do have them in the country. However, they wanted ~$300+ for the unit. Forgive me for not remembering the exact price.
2. My next port of call was the great VWVortex. Any Mk3-er that uses Vortex should know about Dan J Reed's DIY page. He has installed a very simple aftermarket keyless entry unit (Omega Research REC43T + DLPP3 polarity switcher) that does pretty much the same functions as the OEM unit above, except he managed to relay in a trunk popper too. You can read all about it in a DIY he wrote up and a very lengthy discussion in the corresponding Vortex thread.
At this point, I was pretty convinced with giving this unit a try. Long story short, it doesn't work as straight forward as Dan J Reed's DIY article. Our door lock setup are somehow different to the NA Mk3 Golf door lock setup, so we can't just simply tap in unlock and lock triggers to the corresponding wires on our cars. I couldn't get it working at all and had no idea why; eventually, I reluctantly gave up and sent it back for a refund.
3. I went to buy another aftermarket keyless entry kit, and stumbled upon a unit (HT18
being sold by VirtualVillage (anyone wanting to buy stuff from there, use discount code XY3MF for 25% off). It was pretty cheap, coming in at ~$45 shipped.Installation was pretty straight forward - follow the wiring schematics for the pneumatic lock. Make sure the jumper position is at 3.5 seconds.
The "Green/Blue Main" wire from "Door lock switch" to "Pneumatic lock" is the black/red wire that connects to the central locking motor. This is located under the driver's side taillight:
Then hook up the power and ground. The unit also comes with a flasher that you can hook up to your hazards but I haven't done that yet and don't know what would be the easiest way.
Rest of the instructions can be found here:
The problem with this wiring is that it doesn't simulate the window opening/closing upon unlocking/locking. I'll be looking into it soon as it really is a handy function.
4. Another aftermarket keyless entry unit I found was one that incorporates the switchblade key fob (albeit a replica). This one can be available via Rightclick2003 (eBay shop; search for KE60bPLUS or KE60wPLUS - difference is just in colour highlights) and TMTuning.
They're more expensive than your typical aftermarket remote keyless unit but they've done all the work in using the switchblade key fob as the remote. I've searched for reviews and found that the key fobs are a bit lacking in quality compared to the OEM units, but I think that's to be expected.
I also found the corresponding wiring diagrams for these too; here they are for interest's sake:
Oh, and these incorporate the window close function. Nothing about window open though.
5. I also looked into locally-available units (those sold in audio shops etc.) and found the Dynamco/Cyclops KE-CLR-TX90 to be a very comprehensive and neat-looking unit. I called up a few places (LS Audio in Lakemba stocks these) and the unit comes in at a hefty $100.
Wiring schematics for this unit can be found here. This unit DOES cater for pneumatic locks AND window closing as well.
That's about to the extent that I've been looking into keyless entry units. Now I'm gonna somehow try and see how I can incorporate the window roll up/down feature with the press of a button... any ideas very welcome!
Edit: DIY guide to retrofitting your current remote into a genuine switchblade. Credit goes to Cybersombosis for this.
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