I've lost the keys to my 02 vw passat?

Question 1
I've lost the keys to my 02 vw passat?...  Help!!! I lost the only keys I have, the doors are not locked, but we lost the keys to turn it on. Can a locksmith make us a key to be able to drive it? or what can I do, I know at the dealership it will cost an arm and a leg.

Answers
1)   Go to the dealership, that's really your only choice, it sucks but they go off of your vin, and ECM. My buddy had a Saab, lost 2 keys to it. Each key was a mini computer basically. Long story short, it cost him 2000 dollars for another set of keys. It sucks but locksmiths cannot really do anything. Just keep searchin and searchin, then go to the dealer. Sorry bud. - Riley

2)   Not a problem really, Go to dealers present log book with 2 id's ( passport or and bill) they will order keys. They are around £170! each fully programmed.

I would not replace the looks to be honest. You will need to marry the keys to the ecu AGAIN. this would cost around £50 a key and max 2 keys per ecu/car. - Rubber Duck

3)   Firstly, I assume that you are in the USA, if you're not then some aspects of my response may not apply to you.

If you are in the USA, the quickest way to get replacement keys is to go to the dealership parts department and order keys for the vehicle. Now, they can order three types of keys: valet, which only opens the drivers door and starts the auto (but doesn't have the keyless entry feature); the so called "sub master" key, which opens and locks all locks in/on the car (i.e. glove box, boot (trunk), etc.) and the keyless entry key (so called switch blade key due to the pop out feature of the key from the assembly).
Originally, the car was sold with three keys: two "switch blade" keyless enrty keys and one valet key.

The least expensive option at the dealership is to order the sub master keys that will open all locks and start the car, though, the valet key is the same price between 50 - 70 USD (but as stated earlier it only opens the drivers door and starts the car). The keyless entry key is actually a two part key; one part is the key part, the other is the keyless entry part. To get a working keyless entry remote you'll need to order both parts and the cost varies but will cost at least $125 for both parts together.

In the area that I'm at (the Bay Area), the key can be ordered overnight on a daily order if ordered before 2PM ithout any additional charge. (we're about 400 miles away from the facing parts depot). In other locations that either don't have daily parts orders or are too far away for a daily parts order to be overnight, the keys can be ordered on a priority non-cancelable order but there is an additional charge usually based as a percentage of the wholesale cost and a charge also based upon how many lines it takes up on the order.

Remember that your vehicle has electronic key indentification or the so called "dead bolt" feature. This means that you have to have the keyless programmed to the vehicle. In your case, either the dealership or an independent VW specialist that has a VAG com will have to programme the keys to the vehicle. If my memory is correct, your vehicle can have up to six keys programmed to it. I recommend you order in your case at least three keys (since you lost two keys already!). Most places have a fixed charge to programme keys to the vehicle, where I'm at we charge one hour of labour at the posted hourly rate, though around here it varies from 3/4 of an hour to 1 1/2 hours of labour at the posted hourly charge.

A few independent locksmiths might be able to cut a key from the key code, but given that these are so called "laser cut" keys, they will be far and few... The dealership can look up the key code for you on the VW information computer system and obtain the code for you, before you do this, I'd recommend calling locksmiths first before wasting time trying to find someone who can do it. There is a machine that can cut laser cut type keys from factory code but the machine isn't cheap and locksmiths who have it charge about the same as an daily overnight order from the dealership. In the area where I'm at I know of only one locksmith who has the machine and that's because he specializing in auto keys.

I advise against ordering keys on Ebay or the aftermarket (other than a local locksmith), you might save a few dollars this way, but you'll add to the time it takes to get this resolved. Also, by the time you add for overnight shipping charges, you'll may well end up paying for more for the key(s) than it you ordered it from your local dealership parts department. Besides, once you get the keys, you'll still have to take them either to a VW dealership or independent VW specialist to have them programmed to your vehicle.

If you choose to get the keys from Ebay or other than a local locksmith, call various VW specialists to see if they can programme the keys to your car. If the garage doesn't have a VAG com or equivent device and the knowledge to run the programme, you'll end up at the dealership anyway.

Also, some locksmiths won't cut aftermarket keys (keys that they didn't sell you) or warranty that the keys will start your car. In this case, because of the time factor, ordering keys from the dealership can save you lots of headache and perhaps, money in the long run.

Now, I did notice that you menioned keys in the posting. If you had a different key to the ignition than the door, then you'll most likely end up having to replace the ignition cylinder as well. VW only keeps records of the original locks that were installed at the factory. Its rare, but once in while, I've come across a vehicle that had a complete lockset replaced on the vehicle and the original factory key won't open or start the car. In this very rare case, you'll end up replacing the entire lockset if you cannot obtain the key code for the replacement lockset.

I hope this helps, a car nut. - a car nut

4)   I would say to call a locksmith. Check out http://www.aaa-locksmith.com/new-car-keys.php

The price for the key is probably the same if you were to buy it from the dealership. But, you will end spending more if you go to the dealer.
1. You will need to pay to have your car towed to the dealer so they can make you your key.
2. You may have to wait at least 5 days before you get your keys.

If you call a locksmith, there usually is a small trip charge, usually between $20-$30. But, the locksmith will go to you and can make you a new key in just about an hour. Even if your key has a transponder, they can still program it. The key is guaranteed to work.

So my advice, just call a locksmith, http://www.aaa-locksmith.com are a nationwide company, you can try them if you like.

If you go to a mom and pop locksmith, they may need to copy of the key. But a national locksmith like AAA Locksmith has the resources to make you a new key with just the VIN. - Gil

5)   You are pretty much forced to speak to the dealers. Generally the locksmith has to copy the key which of course you do not have. - L G

6)   An automotive locksmith can make and program the key. - Hillbilly Locksmith


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Question 2
if i get a tdi clean Diesel car do i have to get diesel gas?...  i want a vw with good gas mileage and tdi has the best so i need to know

Answers
1)   Yes You do - ...

2)   yes since its a diesel and if you try gas it could mess your engine up and major repairs - Matthew

3)   "diesel gas" is an oxymoron. Its either diesel or gas. And yes, you have to put diesel in it. Especially when the lable says "Diesel Only". - Hunter

4)   Yes you do have to run Diesel fuel. You do have the option of getting bio-diesel from the select stations that carry it which burns considerably cleaner and was made via an environmentally friendly way. But I do believe that you will get better mileage with the regular pump Diesel. But they do get the best mileage by far and they're more reliable in the long run in my professional opinion. - Travis

5)   No, you can fill it with diced lions or unicorn eyelashes.

ps.
yes, it takes diesel - Mr. Bannana


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Question 3
Rolls Royce VW bug hood?...  I feel kinda stupid asking this question because I pride myself on being a hardcore old-school VW guy, but what's the story with those square nose beetles? They look just like regular beetles with the exception of the hood that looks like something off of a 50s American car. My friend says it's off a Rolls Royce or something like that. It even has a grille for a reason I can't fathom other than aesthetics. Any info would be great. Thanks!

Answers
1)   These hoods are accessory items to make the old bugs look like something they're not, a Rolls Royce. The hoods used to be everywhere twenty or thirty years ago. One thing they do is cut down on gas mileage since they have so much wind resistance. Worthless in my opinion.
By the way, the only stupid question is the one that never got asked. Don't worry about it. - Arthur O

2)   I think you mean Baja bug ? This was an accessory from 60 and 70s when Beetles were popular first time around. - L G

3)   Watch Cheech and Chong's Next Movie. Tommy Chong drives a bug with the RR hood on it.
It was an easy way to make your bug stand out. The are a fiberglass hood that replaces the nice looking stock hood. Right along the lines of all the fiberglass kit cars that were designed in the 70's. VW bugs were the #1 import car sold back then and everyone was making their own bodies that bolt right onto the pan. I have seen many different styles over the years, but have not seen one in years. - Rod Knocker

4)   There was a company (actually several different companies) that made front hood/grill kits that installed over the front fenders on the original VW Beetle. Probably the best known kit was the "Wunderbug" kit, which if my memory is good was a copy of the 1937 or so Ford grill. Several companies made kits during the late 1960's into the early 1970's that fit both the standard Beetle and the Super Beetle. The most popular of the styles was the 37 Ford grill type, followed by the 1940 Ford Grill type and then, last but not least, was the Rolls Royce grill style, complete with a copy of the "Flying Lady" hood grill ornament.

I haven't seen one in several years, but I understand that you can still get parts for the "Wunderbug" kit even today. The other kits parts would probably have to obtained in the Used Parts market thru Ebay, The Samba classified or contacts thru a local VW vintage club. The kits were designed to easily install over the stock fenders, so that the car could easily be returned to stock form. The kits were very popular during the early 1970's but popularity declined as the Rabbit replaced the VW Beetle as VW's best selling car. Most of these kit companies were gone by the time the 1980's rolled around, though the "Wunderbug" kit remained in production until fairly recently.

Hey, if you don't ask the question, how will you get an answer? - a car nut


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Question 4
Bad mechanic - Please help?...  So I took my car in for over heating issues. I neded a clutch fan for my 2002 GMC Envoy 4.2 liter SLE. ALso had the brakes done. Since then I have had to send the car back 3 times for the squeaky brakes. I use to do some mechanic stuff and know that new brakes will squeak, but not worse than before I had them done. THis is the first issue. THey have redone the front brake 3 times including the initial replacement. Now my care is overheating more then before and the brakes are worse. I have it in the shop now, and am waiting for the owner to call. if they do not fix this right waht can I do short of going to another mechanic and paying all over again
HELP ME PLEASE
So they are replacing the brakes and rotors for the thrid time. I dont they are trying to push me away. They know me I dont faulter. Problem is I have 6 cars my family brings to them. The owner died and his son runs the shop now. The inititally said I needed a Clutch fan, and I asked if a pressure test was done. THey said yes. Replaced the clutch fan-worked great for two days. Started over heating. Took it back leaky f'n water pump, which I just knew it was the pump. Now I need a thermostat, and water pump. I professionally went off. He agreed to 154 for the whole thing. water pump roughly 60 bucks, thermostat 35. 3hrs labor on the pump he cut to 1.5, and free labor for the thermosta. He also said I could pay half, now since I ahve given him so much money so far. They re-didn the brakes so we will see. Thanks to all for the feedback

Answers
1)   they need to clean off the mounting surfaces,apply a product that helps to eliminate squeaks-comes in blue or red- as for the over heat it may be some thing other than fan clutch. - Joseph

2)   Report them to the BAR and BBB if they will not take care of it. You can take it to another shop and have it fixed. Then you take them to small claims court and sue them.
I bet the overheating problem is another issue now. Probably need the radiator cored or acid dipped.
If they used ceramic pads, the brakes will always squeak. There are a few tricks to help eliminate the noise, 1 is non squeal and the other is to 45 the ends of the pads. - Rod Knocker

3)   Small Claims Court. Pay with a Visa/MC and then have them stop payment for being a ripoff place.

Shop more before leaving your vehicle somewhere.

Put your Question in Chevy not VW???

ASE Cert Auto Tech, since 1979, 2003 GLI - sci

4)   As far as what to do legally all these other people seem to know way more than I do. Mechanically speaking I'd assume that the people at your shop cut some corners. If they only replaced the pads and didn't replace/ turn the rotors that could cause the brake pads to get dusty fast and start squeaking. As far as when it started overhead I think the issue is they put on thicker pads the last time you brought it in hoping that it would stop the squeaking and you'd go away. But I think that those pads are riding the rotors too hard and making the engine have to work way harder than it should to move causing it to overheat. So that's my professional opinion on that, best of luck with the legal and mechanical issues. - Travis


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Question 5
2001-2003 Jetta VS. 2001-2003 Civic?...  Hey guys, im about to buy a car, but please give me honest answers, what better! Jetta 01-03 or Civic 01-03?? I really need to know because i dont want my car to brake fast, its not much about gas, its more about how long it can last with out braking!!! I want to buy Jetta, but something tells me it will break quicker!!! PLEASE HELP!!
And Jetta is Automatic Transmission. Thank You guys!

Answers
1)   go for jetta - ♫V4L♫

2)   I agree Jetta is your best bet I owned one and it was a really well built car Vdub all the way - Chris S

3)   You must go for the Volkswagen Jetta..They would definitely last longer than the Honda Civic plus it has a powerful engine making it fun to drvie..They win against Civic! So u must go for the Jetta - Yash

4)   You also should compare car insurance quotes for cars before buying one, for example here - carinsurance.deep-ice.com - Phil


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