Locked out of my T6.1 Coast - a cautionary tale.

[Ladymuck]

Must have been a nightmare ! Glad you got it sorted in the end but it must have ruined your weekend
I've read this thread several times but I'm still confused and obviously want to avoid being in this situation ...
So the van self locks if you don't open the driver door first ?
You can unlock it via your phone app (if you have it on you and there is a signal) but this is only available the latest model

Is that right? ?

 

[WelshGas]

Must have been a nightmare ! Glad you got it sorted in the end but it must have ruined your weekend
I've read this thread several times but I'm still confused and obviously want to avoid being in this situation ...
So the van self locks if you don't open the driver door first ?
You can unlock it via your phone app (if you have it on you and there is a signal) but this is only available the latest model

Is that right? ?

Correct.

 

[GP]

Correct.

The last para above about only available on the latest model is not wholly true. If the build is MY21 then I don't think the app will unlock and lock. If it is a MY20 build then it appears from other replies above that it does work. I think (fingers crossed) VW will hopefully sort that out in their 'big' software upgrade in January or February?? Certainly mine (6.1 MY21 build) does not work but I am trying it on an iPhone so that might complicate matters. VW have said to me though that it doesn't work for any phones on the MY21 models. Hope that makes sense.

 

[willwander]

Hope the VW ‘big’ software update fix is a success. As a software developer ‘big’ updates are usually not a good idea, release small and often is usually the best way to go.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Hope the VW ‘big’ software update fix is a success. As a software developer ‘big’ updates are usually not a good idea, release small and often is usually the best way to go.

Just chipping in here. VW digital team told me so time ago that lock/unlock via WeConnect is available for T6.1 MY20 and will be for MY22 but is not available for MY21. Like everybody i’m hoping that my MY21 will have this feature after a software update but I do wonder why they’ve said what they’ve said about MY22.

 

[Ladymuck]

The last para above about only available on the latest model is not wholly true. If the build is MY21 then I don't think the app will unlock and lock. If it is a MY20 build then it appears from other replies above that it does work. I think (fingers crossed) VW will hopefully sort that out in their 'big' software upgrade in January or February?? Certainly mine (6.1 MY21 build) does not work but I am trying it on an iPhone so that might complicate matters. VW have said to me though that it doesn't work for any phones on the MY21 models. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks what does MY21 mean? My van is being built as we speak so what MY is it ?

 

[Corradobrit]

From my understanding Cali model years switch over around June/July in any given year. So if my Cali is scheduled to be manufactured in July 2021 it will be a MY22 build. If built in May 2021, then its a MY21 build. Little confusing for sure.

 

[Ladymuck]

From my understanding Cali model years switch over around June/July in any given year. So if my Cali is scheduled to be manufactured in July 2021 it will be a MY22 build. If built in May 2021, then its a MY21 build. Little confusing for sure.

Thanks for the explanation

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Thanks what does MY21 mean? My van is being built as we speak so what MY is it ?

MY = Model Year.
This year it went from MY20 to MY21 around September time.

 

[hirsty]

I didn't read all of the thread, but this has happened to me on my previous T5 on the Glen Nevis campsite. The biggest risk to me is whilst camping;

• at the time I think we were walking away from the van to go for dinner in the pub & unlocked it with the remote to rush back for a coat or similar, entering via the side door ...
  
  
• Put the key down on the back seat, grabbed whatever it was out of the back & slid the side door closed again to hear the door lock & hazards blink

DOH!

My best-case at that time (with one key, 200-miles from home & a hungry 8-yr old) was to make a cut in the pop-top fabric along the window & climb in from top, though it felt like I was slicing into my own arm at the time - so cross.

I can only presume this 'feature' is a hangover from the Transporter & designed for DHL parcel delivery folks or similar - open side door & slide closed with your arms full, locks the van without needing key.

 

[Eber123]

Good evening,

I need to test this again tomorrow.

I believe that the VW California T6 won't lock the van on it's own accord.

What it allows is to press the lock button on the remote control when a door(s) is (are) still open. If the user is not aware of this (that the van has been locked) and the doors are closed the van is locked. If in this case the key is inside (which I believe can happen easily) - disaster.

The fault of this system is that either it should not be possible to lock the van as long as a door is open or if the remote control lock button is pressed a lout warning sign (maybe even the horn) should come up.

As long as the remote control lock button is not used, the van won't lock itself. But as already mentioned I believe it is easily possible to press the button by mistake without the user knowing and that is were the problem occurs.

I will do some tests tomorrow. I was so lucky to get the van with 4x keys. I wonder if that issue can be sorted with a software update.

Regards,
Eberhard

 

[Jenny H]

Why not phone a friend, ask them to install VW Connect and log in to your account (you can change password later), and they can use app to unlock. Alternatively, borrow a phone from someone and do same. Obviously only works if vehicle has phone signal, but most time it will.

Is this an option on the Coast too do you know?

 

[Cali Phillip]

Good evening,

I need to test this again tomorrow.

I believe that the VW California T6 won't lock the van on it's own accord.

What it allows is to press the lock button on the remote control when a door(s) is (are) still open. If the user is not aware of this (that the van has been locked) and the doors are closed the van is locked. If in this case the key is inside (which I believe can happen easily) - disaster.

The fault of this system is that either it should not be possible to lock the van as long as a door is open or if the remote control lock button is pressed a lout warning sign (maybe even the horn) should come up.

As long as the remote control lock button is not used, the van won't lock itself. But as already mentioned I believe it is easily possible to press the button by mistake without the user knowing and that is were the problem occurs.

I will do some tests tomorrow. I was so lucky to get the van with 4x keys. I wonder if that issue can be sorted with a software update.

Regards,
Eberhard

for me the most likely explanation is as you suggest, accidental lock pressed on key fob while doors open. Unless there's someone in the vehicle I would have a key with me, never leave keys in the vehicle.

 

[Trudi]

I know it's an old thread but....
I have a T6.1 coast, picked up last July so a MY21.
The WE CONNECT didn't work so just had the vw garage do a software update and I now have it.
However I can't lock or unlock via the app.
Is anyone else able to use this function on a MY21 coast?

 

[Stu@rt]

I know it's an old thread but....
I have a T6.1 coast, picked up last July so a MY21.
The WE CONNECT didn't work so just had the vw garage do a software update and I now have it.
However I can't lock or unlock via the app.
Is anyone else able to use this function on a MY21 coast?

View attachment 97024

Sadly not @Trudi
We missed out with MY21. A little frustrating eh?

 

[Trudi]

Sadly not @Trudi
We missed out with MY21. A little frustrating eh?

Very

 

[SusiBus]

When being stark b........... naked, having slipped out of the side door to have pee
while stealth camping, having closed the side door to stop those pesky midges getting in, you find yourself in the same position as the midges. No key, no phone, no clothes! You need a surf key, THAT YOU CAN ACCESS, preferably without laying naked under the van!

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

When being stark b........... naked, having slipped out of the side door to have pee
while stealth camping, having closed the side door to stop those pesky midges getting in, you find yourself in the same position as the midges. No key, no phone, no clothes! You need a surf key, THAT YOU CAN ACCESS, preferably without laying naked under the van!

I spoke with the guy on the key cutter stand at Camperjam and he suggested that it was still not possible to cut a key for a 6.1, not even a dumb key (surf key). Anybody managed to get one done?

 

[ArunAlec]

I spoke with the guy on the key cutter stand at Camperjam and he suggested that it was still not possible to cut a key for a 6.1, not even a dumb key (surf key). Anybody managed to get one done?

The eBay seller that did my T5 surf key seems to have gone from eBay otherwise he would have been worth asking… he was able to cut a key when Timpsons said no chance!

 

[phil keegan]

I spoke with the guy on the key cutter stand at Camperjam and he suggested that it was still not possible to cut a key for a 6.1, not even a dumb key (surf key). Anybody managed to get one done?

I had a surf key cut for a ‘22 Coast at a local car locksmith (Google: autolocksmithnewcastle) (£15 if I remember correctly)


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[phil keegan]

That's upto others to decide. Myself, I have a surf key on a lanyard that I wear when travelling. There is a Fob, without a key, in the van. If I misplace the keys then I can open the van but the alarm will sound until I get to the fob to switch it off. Numerous places to secrete a fob in the van. That's my method. Never had to resort to it.

Clearly a well thought out plan (and safer than many alternatives). I’m just wondering however when a van gets stolen if the insurance company would want to see all the original keys……


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[Stu@rt]

Clearly a well thought out plan (and safer than many alternatives). I’m just wondering however when a van gets stolen if the insurance company would want to see all the original keys……


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's an interesting thought.
As other folk had tried to get 6.1 surf keys cut and failed, I ordered 4 keys with the intention of creating my own (removing the blade by driving the pin out and separating the two).

I never managed to seperate them and didn't want to get too brutal with it.

So even though I have 4 keys, I think I'd be happy to pay £15 for a surf key if locksmiths have now managed to do so with the newer 6.1 keys.

 

[WelshGas]

Clearly a well thought out plan (and safer than many alternatives). I’m just wondering however when a van gets stolen if the insurance company would want to see all the original keys……


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Depends on their definition of a key and the term Original.

 

[R_Sargeant_CH]

We were locked out of our 2020 T6.1 Coast today and it took VW Assistance (the AA) about 5 hours to get into the vehicle. We’d spent the weekend at the Brecon campsite with both the Coast and our Eriba; I’d had the Cali open for about 30 minutes and as it started to rain I closed the drivers door, tailgate and lastly the side door. On closing this door the Cali locked; both our keys were in the van (plus phones etc.). I did not think that a Cali was supposed to lock if a key was inside, (we didn’t touch the locking buttons on the key fobs). Called VW (Apple Watch outside the Cali!) and the first AA van arrived within 20 minutes, and he couldn’t get in as he did not have the right tools. Second AA van arrived and - they do not have the latest tools from VW to permit them to gain access to a T6.1. The AA guys were brilliant and after some 5 hours they opened the doors, and with virtually no damage. I was gearing up to brick the window to get the keys back. Lesson for us is to ensure we never leave both keys in the van, and organise a spare key location, and AA are speaking with VW to get updated tools. For what it’s worth the AA guys see this scenario all too often (Vehicles locking with the keys inside).

This is a heads up to me to go through the wearying We Connect registration process. At least then I could unlock it with my phone. Oh wait, that’s in the Cali as well…
Surf key sounds a good idea. Tightly around my neck…

 

[R_Sargeant_CH]

That's an interesting thought.
As other folk had tried to get 6.1 surf keys cut and failed, I ordered 4 keys with the intention of creating my own (removing the blade by driving the pin out and separating the two).

I never managed to seperate them and didn't want to get too brutal with it.

So even though I have 4 keys, I think I'd be happy to pay £15 for a surf key if locksmiths have now managed to do so with the newer 6.1 keys.

My local (expert Swiss) locksmith looked at me and said (in a broad Swiss dialect) “Can’t get the blanks Guv” so that was that!