Audi key issue

way87

Hi,

I'm in a bit of a pickle and I'm wondering if anyone would have any solution for me.

I have misplaced (lost) my audi smart key (key fob with key blade attached on top)

My spare key's battery was low so after using it for a day I replaced the battery. The problem I have now is that it no longer works (deprogrammed?) and the spare key never came with the actually key part (key blade).

So now I can't even get into the car I'm wondering does anyone know my best option from here? I rang the local audi garage and was quoted €340 for a new key and I'll also have to get it towed to their garage to get it programmed, this along with labour I'd imagine will cost north of €500.

Anyone know of any other way? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you

Tropheus

What model and year? I was quoted €180 for a specialist to replace and code a 2001 Passat Key in Dublin.

way87

Tropheus wrote: »

What model and year? I was quoted €180 for a specialist to replace and code a 2001 Passat Key in Dublin.

Thanks for the reply

It's a 08 a5

R.O.R

Try taking the spare key that no longer works, along with your log book / VLC, to your local Audi service centre, explain the situation and see if they can get the spare working without having to order a new key.

They may also be able to get the blade part for the spare key - should be a lot cheaper that a whole new key.

Toyotafanboi

The batteries in the fob only operate the central locking, the key will work in the ignition with a completely flat battery. That's not much use to you now though with a key that's maybe lost it's code.

The only thing I'd do is verify that it has lost its code and hasn't just got a dud battery, that the battery is the right way around and that the connections in the key look ok. Those fobs don't take well to cheap batteries so if you bought your replacement in a €2 shop etc then replace it with a quality battery and try again.

If your car does not have an alarm or deadlocking (I don't know) you could always smash a window and see does the fob start the car, but even if it does you still need a fob coded and a window which may be more expensive than a key. You can buy the key blade seperate to the fob but they are appropriately expensive, around €80 and take a week to arrive, this will avoid you breaking and entering at least.

If you are in Dublin/ Cork maybe ring Keyfast or one of those outfits. They may be able to sort you out faster and cheaper than Audi.

Tropheus

I would agree, stay away from an Audi dealer if you can. The specialists will most likely be able to sort you out and cheaper. They deal with this type of thing every day of the week. A main dealer doesn't.

mickdw

There is likely nothing wrong with your spare but you need the key blade to reactive it if its been used out of range too many times or some other scenario like that.
So if you can order just the blade part, excellent - you can probably avoid going to garage at all with the car.
Even if you have to order complete key, it may be possible to take this key home, use blade to reactivate existing key then drive to garage to get new key set up.

way87

Would getting a locksmith be a good idea? At least that way I'd have entry to the car and would be able to drive to the Audi garage to get it re programmed or am I forgetting something?

Tropheus

way87 wrote: »

Would getting a locksmith be a good idea? At least that way I'd have entry to the car and would be able to drive to the Audi garage to get it re programmed or am I forgetting something?

The auto key specialists are auto locksmiths so a good place to start. This is the company in Swords I got a quote from: http://www.autokey.ie/.

They also have a place in Newlands Cross.

way87

Thanks for the replies, final question, does anyone here know if it's possible to reprogramme your own key? It says on the manual that it's pretty straight forward, just wondering if it is or if a specialist is required?

R.O.R

way87 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, final question, does anyone here know if it's possible to reprogramme your own key? It says on the manual that it's pretty straight forward, just wondering if it is or if a specialist is required?

Seems to be relatively straightforward, but you need to be able to get in the car and have the dummy key from the glovebox - http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/309906-How-to-reprograma-new-Remote-Key-(FOB)

Might be worth biting the bullet and getting a locksmith out to get you in the car, and re-program the fob while they are there.

Steve Guard have been around for many years - used them in work a few times and it's scary how quick they can access new cars... http://www.steveguardlocksmiths.ie/auto-locksmiths

way87

Thanks for the reply,

I have the spare key (minus the key blade, so essentially just the key fob) but it has been deprogrammed so I can't get into the car.

The locksmith will call out and open the car for €80 and will re programme the fob for another €80. I was hoping to save myself the extra €80 if I was able to do it myself with just the spare key after gaining access

Tropheus

way87 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply,

I have the spare key (minus the key blade, so essentially just the key fob) but it has been deprogrammed so I can't get into the car.

The locksmith will call out and open the car for €80 and will re programme the fob for another €80. I was hoping to save myself the extra €80 if I was able to do it myself with just the spare key after gaining access

It shouldn't be a big job to reprogram the fob. For VAG cars, coding a key to the immobiliser and coding it for the central locking are two separate tasks. You need the latter one that you can do without any special equipment, but you do need a key to turn the ignition on.