I'm having problems programming my key. It stopped working after I put the auto starter in and after it stopped working. I only had an original key and valet so I gave up the valet one for the auto starter. I changed the battery already and nothing I've looked everywhere and tried everythring but nothing. The dealer said they would do it for $70 but I don't want to take it there seems kind of dumb. Any ideas on what I can do?


2005.5 Audi A4

 

There is a procedure in the manual on how to do it. You put the key in the door and ignition push some buttons. The manual explains it better. I happened to have trouble getting it to work, but the dealer did the same thing and it worked fine. I lost the programming one other time when the dealer replaced my battery. The programming became so scrambled that the key in the door method wouldn't even work for the dealer. They had to hook up the computer and totally reprogram the car. At least I wasn't charged since they replaced the battery. They told me what happened is rare, but does happen.

 

The shop that did my started tried the way from the manual. I did get my battery replaced on my remote from the dealer. They said it would be $70 to program my key again. I guess I just have to see

 

Are you referring to the remote fob operations? If so:
Put key into ignition, turn to ignition (where dash lights up, do not start car)
Turn off and remove key
Immediately press unlock on remote
Done!

 

I think you can only program the lock/unlock fob. The immobilizer chip has to be programmed by the dealer.

Here's a good write-up for the fobs: DIY: How to program your Audi flip key fob.

 

If it messed up the immobilizer you will need to go to the dealer. When my key broke off the end of my Jetta's fob, they had to replace the entire end of the fob and reprogram the car, because the car would start but not stay running and the key symbol would pop up on the dash. If you only messed up the fob controls, and the method in the manual doesn't work, like what happened when my Audi's battery died and had to be replaced, you may still need to go to the dealer. I'm guessing the shop might have disconnected the battery when installing the auto start, which could lead to the same thing that happened when the dealer replaced my battery.

 

Last year I called the dealer they told me $40 te reprogram now they said $70 anyone know the average?

 

Considering my dealership charges $75 just to INSTALL a battery (yeah, seriously), that seems fairly reasonable.

 

You guys are right, immobilizer needs to go to the dealer for that, and as far as I knew, the lock unlock portion also. But through this forum I found somebody that was able to do it themselves. This is what that individual wrote so I copy/pasted it to help others, if it works.

"????: I just got my B7 and the engine battery that was in it had bad cells. After I installed it, the remotes wouldn’t operate the locks. The programming in the car's computer was reset by removing the battery. Simply take the remote in question, push and hold the UNLOCK button, keep holding it and put the key in the ignition and turn the switch on- don't start the motor, just turn the key on- all while continuing to hold the unlock button. Hold it like that for about 5 seconds, turn the key back off and pull it out. When you release your hold on the unlock button, the turn signals will flash once and you'll be set. Rinse and repeat for the other remote(s) and all will be good"

Dealer programming fee for just doing the central locking does vary. Here it's 40.00, but depending on hourly labor rate and the service adviser, hard to say where you are.

 

My understanding is that will only work if the keys were already paired to the car and just got disconnected because of a dead or disconnected battery. To initially pair a new fob, you will need to go to the dealership.