jetta 98 keyless entry problem

1998 VOLKSWAGEN
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VWJETTA98
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I have a ’98 VW Jetta. I purchased a new replacement key fob for the keyless entry because the original two that came with my car no longer work (the buttons disinigrated). I could still use my key in the door to unlock and lock my doors with the alarm working – just not with the key fob. I had even replaced the batteries with brand new ones. I took it into the service department for them to program the new key fob and they were not able to do so. They checked the signal from the key fob and said it was strong. I then had to pay them $82.00 to for a “visual” diagnostic test and to get it working again. When I got the car back the keyless entry would work sporadically; once every 8th time or so. I took it back to have them look at and they said I would need a new alarm modulator for $297.00 and now the alarm does not work at all. My car just locks and unlocks – no alarm, no red light on the door.

Where is this alarm module at so I can “look” at it? Can I replace it myself?

Does anyone have a suggestion as to how I can fix this????? Please help!
Jan 19, 2006 at 2:58 PM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Provide the replacement fob identification and any existing shop notes explaining the diagnosis and work performed.

Guidance references and applicability

Source: Original question and visible replies. Owner reports and other participants' experiences are distinguished. Next steps are editorial requests for clarification or existing diagnostic findings, not a verified repair procedure or an independently confirmed component diagnosis.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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SCENICWEST
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  • 17 POSTS
Hi,
Check for broken wires in the wire harness that connects the drivers door to the car body. When even one wire breaks, this function can act funny to not working at all. Repair the wires here and the system should work properly.
Mar 7, 2006 at 1:30 PM

Discussion summary

jetta 98 keyless entry problem

The owner of a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta sought help after replacing damaged remote key fobs. The shop reportedly found a strong signal but initially could not program the replacement. Keyless entry later worked only intermittently. After another visit, the owner reported no alarm activity or red door light, although the doors still locked and unlocked.

Reported outcome: No successful repair was reported. The shop recommended an alarm module, but the owner did not say it had been replaced.

The thread does not establish fob compatibility or the cause of the alarm failure. A reply suggested broken door-harness wiring, but no inspection findings confirmed it. The sequence of shop visits does not establish responsibility for the fault.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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