VCDS Key Coding: Matching Remote Controls to VW and Audi Vehicles

VCDS, or VAG-COM Diagnostic System, is a powerful tool for diagnosing and modifying settings in Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. One common use for VCDS is key coding, or matching new remote controls to your car. This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform Vcds Key Coding for various VW and Audi models. Important Note: Ross-Tech, the maker of VCDS, is not responsible for any issues arising from following these instructions. Proceed at your own risk and always consult your vehicle’s Factory Repair Manual. This guide focuses on matching radio-frequency remotes, not immobilizer components.

Two Methods for VCDS Key Coding

There are two primary methods for matching keys using VCDS. The best method depends on your specific vehicle model. Always check the Ross-Tech Wiki for model-specific instructions.

Method 1: Adaptation Channel Coding

1. Gather Your Keys: Collect all the remotes you want to program, including existing ones.
2. Ignition On: Insert a working key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position (do not start the engine).
3. Select Controller: In VCDS, select either [46 – Cent. Conv.] or [35 – Cent. Locking], depending on your vehicle. Refer to the Ross-Tech application chart to confirm the correct controller.
4. Adaptation Channel 01 (or 21): Go to [Adaptation – 10] and enter channel “01”. In some Audi models, this may be channel “21”. Click [Read].
5. Stored Value: The “Stored Value” displays the number of currently matched remotes.
6. New Value: Enter the total number of keys you want to program (up to 4) in “New Value”. This includes both existing and new keys. Click [Test] to verify.
7. Save: If the “Test Value” is correct, click [Save].
8. Program Remotes: Within 15 seconds, press and hold the UNLOCK button on each remote for at least one second. Program each remote sequentially. The car may acknowledge each successful programming with flashing lights or a horn beep.

Example of unlock button location on a key fob

Method 2: Measuring Block Coding (If Method 1 Fails)

If Method 1 doesn’t work (e.g., channels 01 and 21 are unavailable), try this:

1. Ignition On: Insert a working key and turn the ignition ON.
2. Select Controller: Choose [46 – Cent. Conv.] or [35 – Cent. Locking] as appropriate.
3. Measuring Blocks: Go to [Meas. Blocks – 08] and enter group “003” (or “007” in some vehicles). Click [Go!].
4. Check Matched Remotes: Field 2 displays the number and position of matched remotes. For example, “0001” indicates one remote in position 1.
5. Lock Car: Lock the car manually using the new, unmatched key in the driver-side door lock.
6. Press Unlock: Within 5 seconds, repeatedly press the UNLOCK button on the new key enough times to reach the next available memory position. For example, if Field 2 showed “0001”, press the UNLOCK button twice to program the new key to position 2. The car might acknowledge each press.
7. Unlock and Turn Off: Wait 5 seconds, press UNLOCK again to unlock the door, then turn the ignition OFF and remove the key.
8. Test New Key: Test the new key by locking and unlocking the car. Insert the new key and turn the ignition ON.
9. Verify Matching: Return to [Meas. Blocks – 08] and group “003” (or “007”). Field 2 should now show both the old and new keys in their respective memory positions.

Clearing Existing Remote Matching

Sometimes, you might need to clear all existing matched remotes:

1. Select Controller: Choose [46 – Cent. Conv.] or [35 – Cent. Locking].
2. Adaptation Channel 00: Go to [Adaptation – 10] and enter channel “00”. Click [Read] then [Save]. Confirm saving a value of “0” when prompted. This will erase all previously matched remotes. You’ll then need to reprogram all keys using one of the methods above. Remember to code new keys into free memory positions (indicated by a “0” in Group 003, Field 2) to avoid overwriting existing keys.