Blank - Surf Key

[jimbomort]

Petho

what year model is your Tig? Ours is 09, the black body of the key does have a seam at about the 60:40 split mark (coming from the key end), but the lock button at least, is in '60' end with the key. I have tried pulling it apart, maybe because we've had our keys for a while its going to need a hard pull, but reluctant to put more pressure on it without being certain.

Is there anything else you press etc to release the two 'halves'? If you have a picture or anything that would be great or is it in the manual (just thought of this and I will check). Any details appreciated

[Sanman]

I bought a valet key without the transponder from Ebay for $6.
EDIT: Link for Transporter: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/KEY-VW-BEETLE...#ht_1523wt_905

costs $32 to have it cut at Local locksmith.
Dealers cannot cut keys, they buy them in from VWA

It subsequently occurred to me that the surf lock for $70 linked on the first page (or a Realtor key lock box) may be a be a better buy as you can use it for emergency spare house key storage at home the rest of the year, and can be tax deductible if you have a rental/holiday house

[Transporter]

I bought a valet key without the transponder from Ebay for $6. costs $32 to have it cut at Local locksmith.
Dealers cannot cut keys, they buy them in from VWA

Where from? Can you post the link?

[MGV]

Just found out the other day the Tig key will split into 2. Just pull both ends and you end up with the electronic half separated from the key. You can then use this as a surf key if you need.

Had a surf this morning & was reluctant to leave my gear on a busy beach so gave Petho's suggestion a go. Just pulled apart, quite stiff, but a little wiggle back & forth while pulling did the trick! Rinsed in some fresh water & left it to dry before a light Inox & snap back together! All good!

[jimbomort]

I have been doing the same (splitting the key in too) and it does work well, except yes you do need to then wash, dry and wd40 or the like. I didn't do that the first time and sure enough the key wouldn't flick open then, was seizing up, a bit of wd40 etc soon fixed but lesson learnt.

Not sure how prying the cover off the door handle will go on a regular basis, may wear, so would almost need to leave the cover off if going regularly.

[team_v]

My key doesn't have a seam on the button side to split it in two..... (sad face)

[Sanman]

under the VW emblem sticker on the back of the key fob is a small screw (or at least, it is in the Golf V). I'm wondering if this is to keep the two halves together.
Also, from what I have read, the lower half of the key fob is the transmitter (to open the doors) but the top half with the key contains the passive transponder to match codes with the Body Computer.
Don't know how waterproof this part is, the transponder is probably embedded in the plastic head - but I wouldn't be testing it out with salt water...

[rogerd63]

After asking the dealer about the same Key required for my T5 transporter i was left wondering as they couldnt help or it was going to cost an arm and a leg.
My solution was to use the towbar hitch to put the key in and i made a new pin with a hole drilled big enough for a padlock to fit.I take the padlock key surfing and the keys cant be got at as they are locked inside the towbar hitch.Works a treat!! Ps i had one of those Padlock Key Locks and the Transponder /key wouldnt fit inside.Waste of cash there unless they make a larger one these days.

[roju]

Just found out the other day the Tig key will split into 2. Just pull both ends and you end up with the electronic half separated from the key. You can then use this as a surf key if you need.

Dave

I wouldn't do this. The electronics for the remote are in the bottom half, but the transponder chip is in the top half with the blade, and probably doesn't agree with getting wet too well.

I'm a locksmith in Melb, and I can cut a plain mechanical key. I'll need the key to cut from, or I *may* be able to do it from a good picture of the blade if you can't get to me. PM me if you're interested, you're looking about $30 or so.

[jimbomort]

well I may just be lucky and/or need to rethink my approach, but I have taken the top half of the separated key with me a number of times now in the Briny without any problems whatsoever

if the transponder chip is molded into the plastic of the top half, then cant see how it will get wet, short of the plastic cracking. Given no problems so far, makes me think it is moulded in and therefore truly waterproof