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Want to buy something? / WTB: 7D1857010AC Double-Din Bar for Dashboard
« on: May 22, 2018, 01:46:25 pm »
Looking for the 7D1857010AC dashboard bar cross member. OEM Plus used to sell this.
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2
Westfalia / Replacing an Underseat Battery on my Weekender
« on: September 17, 2016, 10:45:49 am »
I have a 2001 Volkswagen Eurovan with the Weekender package. This includes the second auxiliary battery underneath the driver's seat. The battery that originally came on the Eurovan was a special Varta series 47 that VW doesn't carry anymore.
My local dealer has suggested an Interstate Battery series 48, which is also 7 1/2 inches tall and about an inch wider. I know this is the same height as the Varta, but is this the best way to go? The Bentley manual states the 7 1/2" battery should only be replaced with a 6.9" height battery. Why? Shouldn't I look for the same size battery as the original?
Who is right in this case? Has anyone tried using AGM or a deep cycle gel type battery? I would like to find the best-fitting option with the most Ah if such an animal exists.
My local dealer has suggested an Interstate Battery series 48, which is also 7 1/2 inches tall and about an inch wider. I know this is the same height as the Varta, but is this the best way to go? The Bentley manual states the 7 1/2" battery should only be replaced with a 6.9" height battery. Why? Shouldn't I look for the same size battery as the original?
Who is right in this case? Has anyone tried using AGM or a deep cycle gel type battery? I would like to find the best-fitting option with the most Ah if such an animal exists.
3
Interior! / Eurovan Security Keys - Discontinued by Volkswagen of America
« on: July 27, 2016, 01:17:29 am »
If you're like me, you just brought home your new Eurovan and realized that the seller only gave you one key fob and probably kept the other in a drawer somewhere as a keepsake of some long lost love. Weird.
The good news is you have a key. The bad news is that if your EV is newer than 1997, that key is the only thing that will move that 5,000 lb. Wildebeest blocking everyone at the end of your driveway. You are one misplaced key away from disaster.
Volkswagen of America discontinued security keys for many Eurovans as of January 2013. I've called about a dozen dealers nationally, and they've all told me there are "None in US stock, this part has become obsolete." To consider a part obsolete implies there is something newer and better that replaces it, but there is no superseded part number for this. If you have a two-button key fob like mine, they have become almost impossible to find.
I was quoted $299 for this key at the local Volkswagen dealership in Cerritos last weekend. Programming was another $159 per key. No discounts if you ordered multiple keys. I live in Southern California and I'm used to getting ridiculous quotes and poor service. I told them the security key was originally $80 MSRP, and he said "Well good luck finding one." I told him "Thanks, but no thanks" and left the parts counter.
Your key assembly should have a switchblade action, two buttons, and a pointed key end. These key types are called 'AH' series keys and came on all Eurovans. The transmitters which locked and unlocked the doors ran at 315mhz and 433mhz depending on the year of your car. 2001 was a transitional year. Finally and most importantly, the key contains a Seimens rfid chip which allows the car to recognize the key and start the engine.
This chip is part of a transponder / immobilizer system. Your Eurovan needs to recognize the rfid chip to start. Once a chip has been written, it belongs to the car, it cannot be re-written. You cannot reuse an rfid chip, it's one and done.
In order to assess what key you have, I recommend separating the two halves of the key fob, they pull apart with some effort. Find a good YouTube video, there are several that take you through it step by step.
Once you've pulled the key assembly apart you will have two sides to your security key. One side has the remote transmitter, and the other side contains the key and rfid chip. Once you pull away the transmitter side, you will see a range of text on the opposite side of the buttons. This should have a ten digit part number at the top of it. More importantly, it will show what frequency the transmitter uses, this is in very small type. Mine used a 315 MHz frequency to lock and unlock the doors.
Thankfully, while the assembly has been discontinued, VW still carries the key with rfid.
STEP 1: Start looking on eBay for transmitters. These can be reprogrammed to operate the locks of your car, as long as you have a working security key. If you look on eBay, many sellers will offer the cases only with no pcb and a blank sidewinder style key. Other seller's list used remotes. My advice is look for remotes with working internals that share the same frequency details as your own. I purchased two this way.
STEP 2: Blank keys with rfid chips are still available through Volkswagen of America, part number 7D0837246DROH. These apply to my 2001, check with your dealer if it applies to your vehicle. Troy at 1stVWparts.com advised that with a VIN, you can even purchase pre-cut keys (these run quite a bit more at about $67) but then you don't have the extra expense of having to pay the dealer to cut a key.
Once you get these parts, you will still need to have the van programmed to recognize the rfid chip inside the key. The dealer may be reluctant to do this unless they sell you their part. I recommend if you are going to have the dealer do this, buy the key half at the dealer.
An alternative is to find a skilled mobile locksmith in your area who is familiar with VW security systems that can program the van to recognize the key, and then purchase the part through one of the big discount VW parts guys (1stVWparts, VWparts, VWpartscenter, VolkswagenPartsAmerica, etc.). Based on my experience, this way may save you some money.
For more details about VW remote matching and rfid chip vehicle programming, go to: http://www.sidewinderkey.com
Click on the Eurovan Page to learn more about the Eurovan security keys, years and application.
The good news is you have a key. The bad news is that if your EV is newer than 1997, that key is the only thing that will move that 5,000 lb. Wildebeest blocking everyone at the end of your driveway. You are one misplaced key away from disaster.
Volkswagen of America discontinued security keys for many Eurovans as of January 2013. I've called about a dozen dealers nationally, and they've all told me there are "None in US stock, this part has become obsolete." To consider a part obsolete implies there is something newer and better that replaces it, but there is no superseded part number for this. If you have a two-button key fob like mine, they have become almost impossible to find.
I was quoted $299 for this key at the local Volkswagen dealership in Cerritos last weekend. Programming was another $159 per key. No discounts if you ordered multiple keys. I live in Southern California and I'm used to getting ridiculous quotes and poor service. I told them the security key was originally $80 MSRP, and he said "Well good luck finding one." I told him "Thanks, but no thanks" and left the parts counter.
Your key assembly should have a switchblade action, two buttons, and a pointed key end. These key types are called 'AH' series keys and came on all Eurovans. The transmitters which locked and unlocked the doors ran at 315mhz and 433mhz depending on the year of your car. 2001 was a transitional year. Finally and most importantly, the key contains a Seimens rfid chip which allows the car to recognize the key and start the engine.
This chip is part of a transponder / immobilizer system. Your Eurovan needs to recognize the rfid chip to start. Once a chip has been written, it belongs to the car, it cannot be re-written. You cannot reuse an rfid chip, it's one and done.
In order to assess what key you have, I recommend separating the two halves of the key fob, they pull apart with some effort. Find a good YouTube video, there are several that take you through it step by step.
Once you've pulled the key assembly apart you will have two sides to your security key. One side has the remote transmitter, and the other side contains the key and rfid chip. Once you pull away the transmitter side, you will see a range of text on the opposite side of the buttons. This should have a ten digit part number at the top of it. More importantly, it will show what frequency the transmitter uses, this is in very small type. Mine used a 315 MHz frequency to lock and unlock the doors.
Thankfully, while the assembly has been discontinued, VW still carries the key with rfid.
STEP 1: Start looking on eBay for transmitters. These can be reprogrammed to operate the locks of your car, as long as you have a working security key. If you look on eBay, many sellers will offer the cases only with no pcb and a blank sidewinder style key. Other seller's list used remotes. My advice is look for remotes with working internals that share the same frequency details as your own. I purchased two this way.
STEP 2: Blank keys with rfid chips are still available through Volkswagen of America, part number 7D0837246DROH. These apply to my 2001, check with your dealer if it applies to your vehicle. Troy at 1stVWparts.com advised that with a VIN, you can even purchase pre-cut keys (these run quite a bit more at about $67) but then you don't have the extra expense of having to pay the dealer to cut a key.
Once you get these parts, you will still need to have the van programmed to recognize the rfid chip inside the key. The dealer may be reluctant to do this unless they sell you their part. I recommend if you are going to have the dealer do this, buy the key half at the dealer.
An alternative is to find a skilled mobile locksmith in your area who is familiar with VW security systems that can program the van to recognize the key, and then purchase the part through one of the big discount VW parts guys (1stVWparts, VWparts, VWpartscenter, VolkswagenPartsAmerica, etc.). Based on my experience, this way may save you some money.
For more details about VW remote matching and rfid chip vehicle programming, go to: http://www.sidewinderkey.com
Click on the Eurovan Page to learn more about the Eurovan security keys, years and application.
4
Want to buy something? / The Quest for a Eurovan Key Fob Transmitter
« on: July 20, 2016, 02:19:11 am »
I am the most happy new owner of a 2001 Eurovan MV Weekender. I love making this van new again, almost as much as I enjoy driving it. I'm in love and one part of this love affair is buying parts!
So, it struck me as absolutely insane that Volkswagen of America discontinued the key fob transmitter with immobilizer for the 2001 Eurovan, part number 7D0959753K. I know this part number well, I've been saying it in my sleep.
Is there a VW parts store that might have this 2-button remote? I've talked with Troy and Zeb at 1stVWparts and they said this was discontinued in 2013. Right now I have one transmitter with the built in key, which means I'm one misplaced key away from disaster. I can't start the car without the chip in the key, and I don't want to pay a locksmith $600 for a solution less than OE.
If not, then is there a contact at VoA that us little CaveVan forum people could reach out to?
We need to request this part number be activated again. Why on earth would you discontinue parts support for such a complex system? Why on earth would you discontinue parts support for such a cult car?
I want to know the name of the guy in part number administration who thought it would be a good idea to make this part "Obsolete" because he is the biggest idiot ever to have walked the face of the earth. If you can't buy the parts at the old cost, raise my cost. No automaker can support every part into perpetuity, but this is a critical part, wouldn't you say?
To say this part is obsolete implies there is something newer and better that replaces it. There is no superseded part number for this.
Holy hell, I'm coming to the realization that I'm gonna be hold up in my garage for the next five weekends like MacGyver.
So, it struck me as absolutely insane that Volkswagen of America discontinued the key fob transmitter with immobilizer for the 2001 Eurovan, part number 7D0959753K. I know this part number well, I've been saying it in my sleep.
Is there a VW parts store that might have this 2-button remote? I've talked with Troy and Zeb at 1stVWparts and they said this was discontinued in 2013. Right now I have one transmitter with the built in key, which means I'm one misplaced key away from disaster. I can't start the car without the chip in the key, and I don't want to pay a locksmith $600 for a solution less than OE.
If not, then is there a contact at VoA that us little CaveVan forum people could reach out to?
We need to request this part number be activated again. Why on earth would you discontinue parts support for such a complex system? Why on earth would you discontinue parts support for such a cult car?
I want to know the name of the guy in part number administration who thought it would be a good idea to make this part "Obsolete" because he is the biggest idiot ever to have walked the face of the earth. If you can't buy the parts at the old cost, raise my cost. No automaker can support every part into perpetuity, but this is a critical part, wouldn't you say?
To say this part is obsolete implies there is something newer and better that replaces it. There is no superseded part number for this.
Holy hell, I'm coming to the realization that I'm gonna be hold up in my garage for the next five weekends like MacGyver.
5
Tires and wheels! / Re: The ultimate tire and wheel guide thread!
« on: March 18, 2016, 01:27:44 am »
I did a lot of research here and just made my own tire purchase about 2 weeks ago. I purchased a set of Nokian Entyres for my 2001 Eurovan, size 225 60 R16. They fit the stock 16" wheel, come with a 102H XL load rating, have a comfortable ride and are just as quiet at the Michelins they replaced. They have a 75,000 mile warranty. Best of all, they were $67 a corner on Amazon.com, and shipping is FREE for Prime members!
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Shiny things you no longer want / Re: Stock 6 Disc Changer and Radio
« on: March 15, 2016, 11:29:57 pm »
I'll happily take them off your hands. I have an EV with a rickety old head unit that's about to bite the dust. Can you contact me by email/IM? I'll pay whatever the shipping is to 90274.
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