98 A4 key-alarm question...
 

This is my first post on the boards and want to say hello to all. My old car was a 95TSI AWD w/ some mods but was totaled not too long ago. I just picked up a 98 A4 w/ 70,000 miles today and am already feeling the AUDI fever! Its lacking a little bit in the 'git up and go' department but more than makes up for it with the smooth and refined interior and ride which is great. Alright, before I start rambling, let me ask you guys a question. On the car key, is a button that I presume is for the alarm. When I press it, nothing. When I put the key in the door to manually lock the car, there is a horn chirp so I feel the alarm is activated. So.....is there a battery in the key that needs to be replaced, or, is it something else ? Thanks for the replies.

RE: 98 A4 key-alarm question...
 

Have you tried pressing and holding it for a few seconds? Mine doesn't ALWAYS respond immediately. Sometimes it'll chirp from 50-80 feet away, sometimes I have to be within arms reach. No apparent rhyme or reason. My current theory is that the proximity of other alarmed cars may interfere with the communications btwn car and keyfob since I seem to get better response/distance when no other vehicles are nearby.

OR, your battery is dead.

RE: 98 A4 key-alarm question...
 

I've tried holding it down as you mentioned but it does't seem to work so I'm betting its the battery. Has anyone ever had to replace the battery and is it a DIY'er or do I need to go to the dealership ? Thanks for the input.

RE: 98 A4 key-alarm question...
 

Yes its a diy job. just pry the key and fob apart in the slot with a small screw driver. I don't remember the battery size, but i'm sure radio shack carries them.

RE: 98 A4 key-alarm question...
 

There's another post on here, somewhere, that explains how to reprog your keyfob, once you have power again. Jest, or one of the other admins/mods can prob speed up your search by posting a link to it. If I weren't so lazy I'd do it myself... But I am, so I can't. :D

RE: 98 A4 key-alarm question...
 

Alright guys. I went to Radio Shack earlier today and got the battery. Only problem is, it doesn't work so its not the battery. If Jest or someone else could give me a link to the post so I could reprogram the thing, that would be great. Thanks for the help!

RE: 98 A4 key-alarm question...
 

FYI- once you replace the battery in the remote, you will have to reprogram it ( and I think it will require 2 keys one in the ignition and 1 in the driver door lock )

S

RE: 98 A4 key-alarm question...
 

Here it is:
https://www.audiforums.com/m_18741/m...y/tm.htm#18741

RE: 98 A4 key-alarm question...
 

Problem fellas... I dont have a second key. Somewhere along the way the second key was lost. Any idea how much the audi dealership would charge me for a second key ?

RE: 98 A4 key-alarm question...
 

How many spare arms and legs ya got layin around? Seriously, yer prob gonna hafta call your local stealership and see what they (over)charge for one.