Hey everyone. I've got a 1999 Audi A4 (2.8l w/110k).

Recently my key fob stopped working, but everything else worked as normal. So I didn't worry about it, thinking it was the battery, and eventually but new batteries in the key fob. It worked about 2 times but then went back to not working (within 15 minutes testing time). So I still didn't worry about it, but now the door locks and security system are all crazy. When my car is locked and I turn the key to the left the alarm has a quick soft beep and the lock actually comes up, then goes right back down as if I locked it. If I mess with it I can manage to get the car unlocked and get in, but its annoying as all get out. Sometimes the lock.unlock buttons in the car don't even function properly.

Anyone know what it may be? I've heard it could be the vacuum canister needs to be replaced? Maybe the keyfob needs to be reset? I'm not sure how to do this if thats the case? Any help is much appreciated!

 

Your alarm unit may be wet. There is a vent in the small compartment that houses the alarm through which water can enter. Try disconnecting the alarm and blow it out with a hairdryer and because you have removed the battery the key will have to be reprogrammed. Hope this helps.

 

Just because he removed the battery from the key, doesn't require the key to be reprogrammed.

 

where is the alarm unit? how do i access it?

 

sorry my mistake then thats just what I read up on this forum.
open your trunk its to the right beneath the tail light you will just have to loosen the mat covers to access it.

 

yeah also, the catch in the door could be bad...i had a go around with this for quite sometime, replaced a couple central locking units. and what not then it came time to rip the door apart and sure enough it was bad now my locks work and everything. the key just isnt programmed to it yet. good luck.

 

are there any better ways to diagnose a problem like this?

whenever i turn my key to the left, the car locks. its like backwards! if i turn it to the right nothing happens. sometimes when i just try and start my car the alarm goes off and i cant get it to shut up. its so annoying haha. i would prefer a better option than taking it to the delar though

 

anyone??