I just changed my 1997 Jetta battery, and the alarm went off and I was unable to disengage it by using the car key to the doors or ignition. After about 5 minutes, the alarm stopped, and so I attempted to start the car, but the engine did not turn over at all and the alarm went off again. Do I need a security code of some sort after changing the battery? Is there a switch I need to flip somewhere? I would appreciate any help!

 

Put the key in the drivers door, lock and unlock the door. The alarm will shut off.

 

Will the alarm shut off if I were to lock and unlock the door by hand? A friend of mine left his lights on, and the alarm won't shut off, but the lock to unlock that door using the key is missing, there is only a half inch hole. I tried unlocking then locking by hand before I found this site, and that didn't work. Also, the jsy he had looked fairly worn, is there any chance it is missing teeth or something that will not allow the car to start (like maybe the car thinks it is a valet key or something). I will try locking then unlocking tomorrow by hand and see if that does anything.