New Beetle Tidbits

A place for little bits of info that don't belong anywhere else?...

Remote control

• The '98 remote control takes two CR2016 3V batteries.
• The '99 remote control / key takes two CR1620 3V batteries.
• To take apart the '99 remote / key:
  • Pry apart the two halves by inserting a screwdriver in the slot beneath the VW logo. The key and the remote portion will seperate.
  • Look at the remote portion, with the buttons facing down and the lock button towards you. There is another small pry slot for the top half. Pry off the top half.
  • The two batteries are in the top half, the rest of the remote guts are in the bottom half.
• My remote remained programmed for my car even after removing and reinserting the batteries.

Side-cut keys

VW's retail price for a replacement side-cut key (with no remote) is $29.50 (as of April 28, 1999).