Lost the key on my 2000 a4

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Apr 9, 2020 | 12:07 PM

Colejones

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1st Gear

Joined: Apr 2020

Posts: 1

From: South jersey

Lost the key on my 2000 a4

So I’m the fourth or fifth owner of my car so when I bought it I was only given one key which I have now lost at school and due to this whole corona thing I won’t have access to for a while now. My question is how can I start the car and tow it back to my house bc the steering wheel locks and I’m pretty sure these cars have a transponder (I may be wrong) so it won’t start with any old key. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Mar 2, 2024 | 01:40 AM

davideidson

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Joined: Dec 2023

Posts: 66

If the vehicle cannot be started without the key, you may want to consider hiring a tow truck to bring it to a locksmith or dealership. They don't even need to start the automobile to manage the trip.

Feb 5, 2026 | 11:12 PM

micaeljames

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Joined: Jul 2024

Posts: 59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colejones

So I’m the fourth or fifth owner of my car so when I bought it I was only given one key which I have now lost at school and due to this whole corona thing, while searching unrelated things like interior painting cost near me, I realized I won’t have access to the car for a while now. My question is how can I start the car and tow it back to my house bc the steering wheel locks and I’m pretty sure these cars have a transponder, so it won’t start with any old key. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

You won’t be able to start it without a programmed key if it has a transponder, and forcing the steering lock isn’t a good idea. The practical options are to have it flatbed towed back to your house or call a mobile automotive locksmith who can make and program a new key using the VIN and proof of ownership. A dealer can also do this, but it’s usually more expensive and slower. Avoid trying workarounds because modern cars are designed to prevent that and damage adds up fast.