Hi, my son just got a 97 A4... I tried searching here for info on ignition key, but all I got was results for 'ignition'.. Anyway, the car came with just one key with a button on it...
- does it have a chip?
- what is the button for (it does nothing)
- to get a spare key, what is the best way (avoiding dealer if possible)

While I am at it (sorry, I would search but time is short today):

driver's headlight much dimmer than passenger (low beam setting) - is there a second bulb for low beam in there? almost looks like half the light is darker on the low setting...
Thanks in advance for assistance, I have come to rely on these kind of forums for great info...

 

I'm not familiar with the pre-facelift A4's when it comes to ignition key (what remote does it have, etc.) but I know they don't come with immobilizer.

Check out eBay for cheap keys. Though I've been told some are made out of cheap materials that prevent it from being cut right. These keys are laser cuts so only certain shops can do it or the dealership.

As far as pre-facelift headlights go, are you sure the housing isn't the problem? There is only one low beam bulb but the housings do have built in fogs. Maybe one of the fog lights is burnt out?

 

the button on the key is just a pointless light. you wont get a key anywhere from less than a dealer price and they have to cut it. that key, the non flip style was 80$ i believe when i bought mine. there is no chip in it either just a battery for the stupid light

 

"Best way" for me was the least expensive, but I had time to search the forums for the answers. If you have no time just go to the dealer and pay full price.

On my old 97, I bought a used flip key remote with blank key off of Ebay for 30 bucks. Keep in mind that certain number ranges on the remotes correspond to different year ranges for A4s. You have to search for this info. Anyhow, went to the Porsche VW dealer (odd they didn't sell Audi) as they only charged 10 bucks to cut a key as Audi wanted $20. From what I can tell, there were no lasers involved. I went to the parts counter, the guy went behind a half wall and I heard the typical grinding sounds of a key copying machine.

Did the lock/unlock program and done. Cost me 40 bucks, but as with anything else I spent the time as opposed to money.