I learned a lot from this forum so I wanted to share my experience of replacing the key lock cylinder for my 2014 model.
When I installed an additional remote key, I found out that my key lock was jammed (possibly a failed attempt to unlock it using plastic key...) When I looked at the system closely, I realized that the manual key is not connected to other keys in the system, meaning it could be a DIY project. But I couldn't find any info....
Thinking it might be similar to other Volkswagen models, I got some hints by watching videos on replacing the key box cylinder for other models.
First, I searched "Touareg left door keybox cylinder" on AliExpress (I live in Korea so it's close) and found a product for the second generation, which I purchased. It came as shown below, costing 25 USD including shipping. Make sure the shape matches your original key box.
When you open the driver door, there’s a rubber cover over it, and once you remove that, you’ll see two screws like the ones below. They’re T20s. First, you need to completely unscrew the one on the right.
Then, partially unscrew the screw inside the groove until it stops turning. You should stop there.
Now, you’re ready to detach the front key box.
However... I had trouble here. It hadn’t been removed in 10 years, so it wouldn’t come off easily. I used a pry tool and a flathead screwdriver to carefully loosen it for about 20 minutes, applying gentle force all around. When I felt a slight gap forming, I inserted a thicker flathead screwdriver and the pry tool more deeply, and with considerable force, it finally popped out. It took quite a bit of force. (Had I used wd40, the job could have been easier.)
I then inserted the new key box, but it didn’t go in smoothly at first. After inserting and removing it several times to adjust, it finally slid in easily. At this point, it must fit perfectly, as shown in the photo below. If there’s even a slight gap, remove it and reinsert it properly.
Once you’re sure the key box is fully inserted, you can tighten the screw on the left again. Then tighten the screw on the right that you had removed earlier. If you look at the key box cylinder, you’ll notice one large groove and one small groove. These are where the screws on the side of the door attach.
Overall, it took about an hour to complete. While I don’t expect to use this often, I repaired it as a precaution. I hope this helps.
When I installed an additional remote key, I found out that my key lock was jammed (possibly a failed attempt to unlock it using plastic key...) When I looked at the system closely, I realized that the manual key is not connected to other keys in the system, meaning it could be a DIY project. But I couldn't find any info....
Thinking it might be similar to other Volkswagen models, I got some hints by watching videos on replacing the key box cylinder for other models.
First, I searched "Touareg left door keybox cylinder" on AliExpress (I live in Korea so it's close) and found a product for the second generation, which I purchased. It came as shown below, costing 25 USD including shipping. Make sure the shape matches your original key box.
When you open the driver door, there’s a rubber cover over it, and once you remove that, you’ll see two screws like the ones below. They’re T20s. First, you need to completely unscrew the one on the right.
Then, partially unscrew the screw inside the groove until it stops turning. You should stop there.
Now, you’re ready to detach the front key box.
However... I had trouble here. It hadn’t been removed in 10 years, so it wouldn’t come off easily. I used a pry tool and a flathead screwdriver to carefully loosen it for about 20 minutes, applying gentle force all around. When I felt a slight gap forming, I inserted a thicker flathead screwdriver and the pry tool more deeply, and with considerable force, it finally popped out. It took quite a bit of force. (Had I used wd40, the job could have been easier.)
I then inserted the new key box, but it didn’t go in smoothly at first. After inserting and removing it several times to adjust, it finally slid in easily. At this point, it must fit perfectly, as shown in the photo below. If there’s even a slight gap, remove it and reinsert it properly.
Once you’re sure the key box is fully inserted, you can tighten the screw on the left again. Then tighten the screw on the right that you had removed earlier. If you look at the key box cylinder, you’ll notice one large groove and one small groove. These are where the screws on the side of the door attach.
Overall, it took about an hour to complete. While I don’t expect to use this often, I repaired it as a precaution. I hope this helps.
