Last night the unlock button on the key for my A3 (2003 8P1) decided to stop working. Thinking the battery might have been dying I swapped it out and followed the re-sync procedure in the manual but this stopped any of the buttons working (the lock button did work before changing the battery), so I can only assume the actual unlock button on the fob is broken as pressing this is the second step in the resync.
The key does still work to manually unlock the car and it does still start it so I can still drive it, its just an annoyance.
I have had a google and found
http://www.autokeysquad.com/ who have quoted £209 for a replacement and will come to me, but thought I would ask on here if anyone knows of any good companies in the SE London area (I am in Greenwich) who might be cheaper that I should consider.
I would look at just buying a replacement fob on ebay and getting it coded, but not sure how much cheaper that would be or whether it is even a true viable option as the broken key fob is my only key.
Thanks
Pepp
Hello mate!
Might be worthy asking the same company to reprogram the second key for you? Don't they usually give those loyalty discounts to old customers?
Anyway, that is the same thing i did back last year!.. i had lost my keys and i had to call one of these companies to come and make me a new key cause when i rang the dealer i was told i had to wait at least two weeks before i could get the the new key.. ( I could not wait that long!)
then i decided to do it myself : i bought a genuine car key off ebay (very tricky thing! it took me awhile to understand all the codes and frequencies stuff) and got it laser cut to the hardware shop down the road to fit my locks. Next step was the programming of course: i tried following the one on the manual but no luck with that.. did a couple of google researches to look for other instructions and i found this :
1997 or later
Switch Ignition On and leave the key in the ignition
Lock the vehicle by using a manual key from driver’s door
Using the remote fob, press the unlock button – this should make the horn sound once
Wait for 6 seconds and press the unlock button once to activate the coding procedure. The remote control will now be programmed.
Switch ignition off
Remove key from ignition and check for operation
The coding procedure can be repeated up to 4 times for additional remotes
The ignition must be switched off between programming each remote control
Remote control erasing
1997 or later
Switch ignition on and leave the key in the ignition
Lock the vehicle by using a manual key from driver’s door
Press the remote control lock button 5 times within 1 second intervals. The horn should sound or the indicators flash
After 6 seconds press the unlock button once to activate memory erase
Switch ignition off
Remote control Synchronisation
Open the car using the driver’s door
Press the remote control unlock button
Put the key into the ignition and switch it on
Switch the ignition off and remove the key
Press a button on the remote control
Please make sure the vehicle battery is fully charged and the anti-theft alarm system is not armed or triggered.
Note: The anti-theft alarm and double locking module will exit programming mode automatically if four new remote transmitters have been programmed or if no new remote transmitter has been programmed within the 20 second programming mode.
source:
http://www.carkeyadvice.com/step-by-step-fob-programming-guides/audi
i found it very simple and it worked for me.. might be worthy giving it a try before spending other quids!
goodluck mate!
Luca
