Ignition replacement - key and coding question

[jmurray01]

Hi there,



I've just bought a B6 after a break in ownership (gave up on the last one due to the driver's door handle and EPB failing within the same week!), and this one has an issue that my last one didn't ever have, but I gather is relatively common.



Initially the ignition would only come on after inserting and removing the key about 3-5 times, then it would start and run. A spray of electrical contact cleaner inside the slot made it work first time for a while, then it went back to being temperamental again. So that for me confirmed the issue to be the contacts within the ignition switch.



I have looked up how to replace the switch (partial disassembly of dash then unplug simple as that) and that's fine, but my question is regarding coding and keys.



If I buy one with the same part number that comes with its key, is it just a case of fitting it then the car will start as normal with the "new" key? If so, then that's the main hurdle overcome and I can breathe.



Secondly however, I presume I'd be left with the slightly annoying situation of having to carry 2 keys around, the old one for locking and unlocking the car, and the new one for starting it. I can live with that, but if there's a way around it (cheap/free and without need for a visit to VW/a specialist) I would be happy to know.



Many thanks!