AUTO LOCKSMITHS EXTRA
New Autowave step-by-step guide
Volkswagen Golf GTE Mk7 virtual cockpit spare remote key
In Autowave’ s latest tutorial, it shares instructions to help workshop technicians and locksmiths use an ACDP solderless programmer to produce a spare remote key for a 2018 Volkswagen Golf Mk7 GTE with a virtual cockpit. This is a digital screen that replaces traditional analogue dials and gauges behind the steering wheel.
The following will be needed for this spare key:
• Original working key
• New aftermarket key( AUTRK0079)
• ACDP device with MQB module
• Stable laptop connection via USB
• Access to the vehicle’ s OBD-II port
• Tools to remove the instrument cluster( Torx drivers, trim tools)
» THIS WRITTEN STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE complements Autowave’ s popular YouTube portfolio, which is edging closer to 10,000 followers. This particular video has amassed thousands of hits in almost three weeks.
Whether a video or written tutorial, Autowave is confident this material is showing the lucrative revenue opportunities replacement keys and programming equipment present, as well as boost knowledge and reduce errors.
Step one: Confirm original key functionality
Test the original, working key by locking / unlocking the vehicle then starting it. Test over, place the new AUTRK0079 key in the ignition and attempt to start – but it shouldn’ t!
‘ Immobiliser active’ should be displayed, confirming it is not yet programmed.
Step two: Connect ACDP device
Connect the ACDP device to a laptop via USB and plug into the OBD-II port. Turn the ignition on with the working key. On the ACDP interface, navigate: VW → MQB IMMO → MQB 48 IMMO → OBD Identify. This reads the instrument cluster’ s part number, VIN and key data. Confirm that the device can communicate with the cluster.
Step three: Attempt OBD read
Select‘ Read IMMO Data’ via OBD. If unsupported, the procedure requires removal of the instrument cluster for direct data reading.
Step four: Remove instrument cluster
Remove the trim around the radio, unclip surrounding panels and undo the cowling. Then remove Torx screws securing the cluster and carefully detach the cluster – noting connectors for the top plug and fibre optic connections. Take the cluster inside and remove the back cover, speaker and fan connector to expose the circuit board.
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NOVEMBER 2025
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