the spare key that my wife (almost never) uses has stopped working. The red light flashes when pressing a button, but it doesnt open the car. Can the battery be replaced, and can someone direct me in the correct procedure for opening the key without damaging it?

Ben

 

I don't know about battery replacement, but it could just be that it needs to be reprogrammed to the car. The procedure varies from model to model, so if you have the manual it will give the correct procedure.

 

I should have just looked in the manual first....

the battery is fine (the procedure to change the battery is also in the manual)

it turns out if you press the buttons to many times outside of range, the key may de-program itself. To fix;

1) if the car is locked, unlock it with the key (old fashioned way)
2) press unlock button on the key
3) insert key into ignition, turn on ignition
4) turn off ignition and remove key
6) press unlock or lock

lights should flash, and you're done!

 

I have the same problem with my second key. But my manual does not help me - I have a 2005.5 and my keys do not look like the picture in my 2005 manual. Several small schematics in the manual differ from my car and I think the manual is probably for the B6.

Does anyone know how to disassemble (or link?) my key shown below? TIA.

 

That's the same key I've got for my '08 B7 so linking should be the same way as mentioned above. I'll try and upload a photo on how to disassemble and replace the battery.

 

Took pictures of the process for replacing the battery on the key fob.

All you need is a coin to pry off the cover.

The battery size is 3V - 2032

HOPEFULLY this will help you if re-syncing it doesn't.

Let me know if you need any thing else...



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So before any1 breaks the latch on their key fob. take NOTE: in order to properly open the Fob flip the key open first with the Button. under the key is a press latch for a small flat head screw driver (not mandatory item to use). then you use the screw driver to pry at the bottom of the backplate of the key where the loop for the key ring is as shown in previous comment about using the coin to open. Hope this helps any1 who hasn't already busted the plastic latch on the fob. I currently have the same problem with my 07 S line and will try the reset method i read above. thanks!