Spare key fob lost it's programming?

[probedb]

So after a recent unintentional trip into the North Sea my main key fob range has reduced to being basically next to the car, even with a new battery.

I've got a spare, which locks and unlocks the car remotely, but triggers the immobiliser? I've tried the free guides but the immobiliser kicks in as soon as the key is in position 2 and it seems I can't reprogram it.

Any thoughts or am I going to have to pay someone to sort it?

Cheers!
Paul.

[pudding]

is the spare a genuine key?  Never heard of a proper VW key losing it's immobiliser cipher/PIN.  That part of the key isn't DIYable without VAG Commander.

[probedb]

is the spare a genuine key?  Never heard of a proper VW key losing it's immobiliser cipher/PIN.  That part of the key isn't DIYable without VAG Commander.

As ridiculous as it sounds, maybe in the 5 years I've had the car I've never actually started the car with the second key, assuming the fact it locks/unlocks meant it was fine. Where's a face/palm emoji when you need one.

[pudding]

Yeah the immobiliser and central locking are separate components within the key.  The central locking bit you can program yourself, but the immobiliser, unfortunately not!

I reckon the previous owner maybe got a generic clone key made up but didn't do the immobiliser bit.

A key from VW was about £250+VAT when I got one 7 or so years ago.  Must be closer to £400 now 

[probedb]

I'll advertise as 2 keys (one only unlocks doors) when I sell it then

[pudding]

Yeah why not. Not worth spending money on a new oem key if you're shifting it