achilleas101

Ok, so i've done a lot of searching and still haven't quite figured out a solution.

Basically, i replaced my battery, and after doing so, had to reset my keys. No problem, followed the instructions in the manual (push UL button, put key in ignition, turn to ON, turn to OFF, take key out, push UL button). That worked for the first key.

Then i went to do that for the second key, and instead, it gave different problems. First, it'll say "SAFE" in the Odometer instead of the mileage.

Then either of 2 things will happen. If i last unlocked the doors with the 1st key, it'll start the car (still says "safe" in the Odo) but after a few seconds the hazards will flash and they won't stop.

OR

If i unlocked w/ this 2nd key, it'll say "safe" in the odo, but when i start the car, it'll cut off after one second.

Meantime the first key still works. The only posts i saw that seem to say something related are in this thread about the Key Reader:
https://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/1095114.phtml

hoping i don't need to do that though since at least 1 of my keys works.

any ideas?

diagnosticator1

Scan the Instrument cluster for immo DTCs.

achilleas101

immo DTCs?? what's that?

A4darkness

Pop the battery of the key fob... might do the trick.

achilleas101

the car battery and seeing if it'll kill both again and reset everything... but wondering if i'd have to disconnect both terminals. the Positive is a pain to put on onto the new battery, so not looking forward to doing that.

achilleas101

well, i tried disconnecting the battery again. made me reset the remotes, but same situation exists

diagnosticator1

The second key, when the engine starts and dies again after a second or two, is due to the immobilizer killing the engine because it does not recognize the transponder in the second key fob. If there are any DTCs stored, they may pinpoint the cause of the problem with the second key. BTW, the immo transponder in the key fob, works entirely from the inductive reader coil in the ignition switch, and does not require any battery power in the remote. The Key/immo transponder and the remote radio transmitter are separate independent devices.

achilleas101

and how do i fix them?

diagnosticator1

for immo DTCs. Or, the dealer can use the factory scan tool for a fee. Most generic OBD2 scan tools can't access the instrument cluster or other controllers other than the engine exhaust emissions data. There are also several lists on the internet for VAG-COM owners available to scan your car for you. The specific fix needed, depends on what if any, DTCs are stored as active faults, generally involves replacing the faulty component/s.
For example, if the immo is faulty, a new instrument cluster is required, and only a dealership can configure the new immo security.

achilleas101

so would they have needed both of my keys to reprogram them when they did that?