How to Change the Batteries in a 1998 VW Jetta FOB

In 1983, the keyless entry system made its debut in high-end luxury cars. By time the 2000s came around, only base-model, entry-level cars did not include this convenient feature. Whether it was due to convenience or for security, Americans simply loved unlocking all of the vehicle's doors with just the press of a button. The 1998 Volkswagen Jetta was just one of many vehicles of the era to use keyless entry, but it added an extra twist: the manufacturer integrated the ignition key with the keyfob. This made replacing the battery in the keyfob seem more difficult, but you can replace this battery yourself with a little care and concentration.

Instructions

1

Press the release button on the keyfob to extend the Jetta's switchblade style key.

2

Look closely near the center of the keyfob, and find the seam where the key side and the remote side of the fob join together. Grab the keyfob on either side of the seam, then pull the two halves apart from each other. If needed, you can separate the halves by inserting a small flat-head screwdriver in the seam, then twist the screwdriver.

3

Insert a medium-sized flat-head screwdriver into the slot where the switchblade-style key goes when closed -- on the remote-side of the keyfob -- and pry upward to separate the two halves of the remote side of the keyfob. Pull the two halves apart.

4

Find the battery -- the small metal disc -- inside the remote half that does not have the keyfob buttons. Pry the battery from its mount, using a small flat-head screwdriver.

5

Position the new battery so that its positive side -- the side with the "+" on it -- faces away from you, and press the battery into its mount inside the keyfob.

6

Press the two halves of the remote side of the keyfob together, until they snap into place. Press and release any button on the keyfob and watch for the red light to illuminate, indicating the remote is working correctly. If the red light does not illuminate, disassemble the keyfob and check the positioning of the battery.

7

Line up the key side of the keyfob up with the remote side of the keyfob, and press the two sides together to reassemble the keyfob. Close the switchblade style key.