Open/Close door with manual key

[sylvester]

The passat's remote fob has a plastic key that you can pull out. According to the car manual, you can use this plastic manual key to lock and open the driver's side door. I remembered I tested it okay when I just bought my new 2008 TDI back then.

Never tried it again until a couple of days ago as I want to use this feature later that day. However, I was only able to lock the doors with the manual key but I can't open the door with it! When I turned the key, the headlights flashed once but the door still locked. Lucky I tried it first otherwise I would have locked the remote fob inside the car!

Any setting changes that may have stopped it from opening?

[AALocksmiths]

Your not turning it far enough. It's a really stupid setup, its hard to turn the lock but you get a plastic key.

[pseudofusion]

It takes a fair bit to turn. Just be snappy to get in the car and sort yourself out, as the alarm fires off when you open the door.

[sylvester]

Thanks for all your replies.

Yes, I didn't turn it far enough.

For the record, the key needs to be turned in opposite directions for locking and unlocking. Somehow, at least for my car, there are far more resistance to go all the way in the unlocking direction than the locking direction. It seems stuck at a position that I need to put a bit more force to get it to the end to unlock.

[xR360]

Has anyone experienced a broken plastic key?
If one was to break inside the lock, how the Harry do you get it out? It ain't metal so a magnet won't cut the mustard.! Hmmm...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AALocksmiths]

Has anyone experienced a broken plastic key?
If one was to break inside the lock, how the Harry do you get it out? It ain't metal so a magnet won't cut the mustard.! Hmmm...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

With very tiny tools used to extract broken keys
Even with metal keys magnets aren't that successful as there are a few parts holding it into the lock. And NEVER use glue on the end of the key, or anything to "stick" to the broken part. It will end up making it harder and costing more.

[xR360]

With very tiny tools used to extract broken keys
Even with metal keys magnets aren't that successful as there are a few parts holding it into the lock. And NEVER use glue on the end of the key, or anything to "stick" to the broken part. It will end up making it harder and costing more.

Very sound advice AALocksmiths thank you. May I enquire on such a cost, "if that is your real name"? [emoji6]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AALocksmiths]

My real name is Brendan

Depending one where you live and how bad the key is broken will vary the price. With these keys I would expect them to break right at the front of the lock making it easier to get out. If you drive into a Lock shop to get it removed you would be looking around $50, if someone has to come out then $100+. I think in bigger cities like Melbourne and Sydney it could be more due to how long it takes to get anywhere with your traffic

For a replacement key. The dealer really shouldn't be charging more than $80 for the over ride key, after all it is just a bit of plastic.

If you are planning on using your door lock frequently for what ever reason then it would be a good idea to get a metal key cut for this, it shouldn't cost more than $50- $60. Remember though these locks are not made to be used frequently. They don't take much use till they start to play up as they are only designed to be used in an emergency.