2000 volkswagen beetle has trouble starting. Warning Light came on showing a key. battery is fine and alternater is good. could the key need to be programed again for the computer system?

You have an electronic immobilizer key recognition problem. Your key chip is not recognized by the transponder antenna fitted on the ignition switch barrel. Do you have this warning symbol lightning on the dashboard?



This warning lamp indicates that the engine is locked by the immobilizer system, and the engine start sequence must be repeat again.

From year 1995 in Audi-VW (VAG) cars is used engine immobilizer. The VAG group immobilizer system consists of an immobilizer ECU which controls the recognition of keys and the Engine Management ECU system. Immobilizer is activated when the ignition key is removed and, together with the engine control unit, largely prevents unauthorized starting of the engine. The system uses a transmitter and receiver unit in the ignition key (transponder). Whenever an attempt is made to start the engine, it transmits a new code to the car's electronics. The immobilizing is only cancelled and car motor electronic receives permission to start engine if the key sends a right authorization code.


Use another ignition key that you have, and start the engine.

You will need to programm all ignition keys using suitable diagnostic equipment (VAS, VAG-Com) connected to the data link connector of the car.

May want to read test the battery on your fob. My Volkswagen Jetta batteries on the fob go dead every year. My Chevy Cruze fob has yet to go dead after three and a half years