I recently bought a 2001 a6 avant 2.8l and my alarm does not activate when I try to set it no lights no beep nothing any suggestions?

 

Does it at least activate when you lock the car using the key in the door? (horn should beep and the red LED on the door starts blinking).

If yes, and it's only a problem with the keyfob not working, then it likely just needs to be resync'd.

If your remote is the original one that was already programmed to the car:
Lock door manually
Press lock button on keyfob
Unlock door manually
press unlock button on keyfob

If not, then you will need a second key, doesn't have to be a remote:
Put one key in the ignition and turn the car to ON/Accessory position (do not start)
Take the keyfob you're trying to program and lock the door manually
press lock button on keyfob
unlock door manually
press unlock button on keyfob
Turn car off and remove key from the ignition and test the remote

 

The alarm doesn't set even with just the I checked the keyfob and that works the alarm just doesn't set its doesn't beep nor does the led come on and flash

 

check wiring harness in doors, common place for wires to break and short causing all sorts of issues with alarm

 

Sweet thanks I'll check that out I knew my vw but am clueless with the audi lol

 

same crappy wiring harness, made in mexico