I have a 1999 Audi A4 Quattro, but the car only came with the valet key, so I am going to buy the flip key with the remote, but does anyone know how to program it so I don't have to spend $150 for the dealer to do it for me? Any help is greatly appreciated...

 

they would charge 150 for something like that

 

i assume you meant 'wouldnt'? if so then you have obviously never been to a dealer.



this may help, though you need vag-com to do it.
http://audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71439

 

He meant Audi stealerships are so ridiculous that they'd charge $150 per programming. You didnt catch his sarcasm lol. And ya you can do the programming yourself, do some searching.

 

I would try to find someone who has the technology to do it but works privately. When my sister needed to make a key for her Infinity the guy said he does Audi keys too.

 

How does this work?
If I don't want to go to the dealer, where do I get the keys? Who could program them?

[sorry! I'm a newbie!]

 

No worries man. You can get keys (including the switchblade keys) on ebay, and have them cut for you either by the dealer ($$) or any locksmith who can do lasercutting. I got my first spare key from the dealer for $75, if you get a key on ebay most locksmiths will cut them for <$20.

As far as programming them, aside from the first two options, VAG-com or a dealer, I'm not sure if there are any other ways to go about it. I do remember hearing about a way to program the keyless entry by putting the key in the lock and doin some other stuff but i might be lying..sorry i just don't remember the details. If you search this forum you may be able to find something more useful

 

You need to have 1 programmed "switchblade" key to DIY program a second. Having just the valet key will do you no good since you are essentially copying the coding from the 1st key to the new key and a valet has no coding.

If you DO have the 1st programmed key you can do the following to program the 2nd:

1. Take the key you DO NOT want to program and put it in the ignition. Turn it one click forward.
2. Close and lock the drivers door manually with the second key - leave in the door.
3. On the second key (the one in the drivers door) press the 'UNLOCK' button ONCE only. The lights will flash on the car, but the doors will remain locked
4. With the second key still in the drivers door, manually unlock then lock the door again.
5. Pull the key from the slot and test remote functions.
6. Open drivers door, remove key from ignition.

 

^that was what i was talking about! lol (thanks man )

 

I know someone who bought a cut key from the dealer. He wanted me to program it for him but the dealer said that they put security codes into the keys they cut to prevent this. Then they charged him another $100 to program the key for him. I assume that the ebay keys dont contain any security codes. Has anyone programmed a key that was bought from a dealer, or have heard of dealers putting security codes in their keys?