2004 Volkswagen Golf key fob programming problem

Hello,

When I purchased my Golf a couple of years ago, it was supplied with two key fobs. One key fob struggled unlocking the car, as you had to press it a few times. The second fob was okay and I just used this one.

A little bit later down the line the remote that I had been using was starting to run low on battery, as the range was reduced and again you have to press it a few times sometimes to register and unlock the car.

I decided to go and buy a pack of batteries for the remotes. I first changed the remote I hadn't been using, as this was in better condition. I had been warned by someone that you have about 10 seconds else the key is wiped, so I ensured that the battery was replaced in that time frame. However, when I come to try the key on the car, it refuses to lock/unlock the car, it's like its no longer programmed. It starts the car fine, however.

I looked in the manual of the car and it states that to reprogram these keys you have to do a combination of steps, using a working key and the new key. One of those steps involves locking and unlocking the car manually using the key in which the battery has been replaced. This is done by using the key in the door locks.

My issue is my car has no outer locks for some reason (this is how it was when I bought it) so I'm unable to follow the steps in the book as there is no locks. I'm left with two keys, of which both can start the car, but only one can unlock/lock it. The other remote isn't great like I said at locking and unlocking the car as it is now also running low on battery power, and I have nothing to fall back on if it does go as I have no manual locks on the outside to unlock it with!

Does anyone have any advice on any other steps I could follow, or any ways of reprogramming other than what is in the manual? Plus, if I do have to take it to a garage, any ideas of estimated costs?

Thank you for your help.