Granite-Granny

2006 Audi A3 Quattro with 3.2V6 and flappy paddles:

So I've been trying to get my keys to sync to my car and now I think it might be a problem with car receiver.

I've followed the usual advice:
1) Put valet key in ignition and turn car on.
2) Put key to be programmed in the drivers door
3) Press driver door unlock button once to see lights flash (I never see the lights flash)
4) Lock and unlock using the key in drivers door
5) Remove the key and test remote

That never worked for me and I tried different combinations of step 3) and 4). It still never worked even after battery replacement. So I ordered a key from ebay and tried the process again. Still no joy but it just occurred to me while writing that I've not changed the battery in the ebay key.

Does anybody have another procedure other than what is listed above? I'm reluctant to go to the stealership to have the key reprogrammed. I heard that a normal locksmith can do it but I'm sceptical. Can a normal locksmith program the keys?

At this point I'm assuming that it is something in the car, either the receiver or the antenna.

I went to the dealer last night to see if they could tell me what parts I might need for the car side. They had no idea. Does anybody here know where the antenna and receiver are in the car and what the audi part numbers might be and approximate cost?

It's so frustrating.

Anybody with any tips?

Cheers

GG
ps this is a copy of my post on another quattro forum

milkyjoe01

Do any of your keys operate the central locking? If not, then you will have to use VCDS to code 1 of the keys & then after that it's pretty straight forward. (By the way, if you press the fob buttons outside of the range of the receiver too many times it automatically resets itself to default state. Maybe try that after other options tried.)

Just copied & pasted this from elsewhere, it might help but if not then the VCDS method will definitely work.

Re-programing A3 key fob after battery replacement,
Switch ignition ON. Use key not fitted with remote control.
Manually lock driver's door using key.
Within 5 seconds press unlock button on first key once (programs memory position 1).
Alarm horn sounds once to indicate signal received.
Wait 5 seconds.
Press unlock button once to confirm programming.
Vehicle unlocks. Programming mode deactivated.
Switch ignition off. Remove key.
To program remaining keys into memory positions 2,3 & 4, carry out the complete procedure below for each key:
Switch ignition ON. Use key not fitted with remote control.
Manually lock driver's door using key.
Within 5 seconds press unlock button at 1 second intervals, as follows:
Twice for memory position 2 (second key)
etc. for keys 3 & 4
Alarm horn sounds every time unlock button is pressed, to indicate signal received.
Wait 5 seconds.
Press unlock button once (to confirm programming).
Vehicle unlocks. Programming mode deactivated.
Switch ignition off. Remove key.

To erase keymemory before reprogramming:
Switch ignition on.
Manually lock driver's door using key.
Press unlock button 5 times at 1 second intervals.
(Alarm horn sounds 5 times)
Wait 6 seconds
Press unlock button once
Remotes should no longer operate system
Switch ignition off
Reprogram as above

Some other possibilities:

Remote Control Programming (1997 ON)
Procedure
1. Switch Ignition ON and leave key which doesn't need programming in the ignition.
2. Mechanically lock the vehicle on the Drivers door using a second key
3. Using the remote control press the Unlock button once, and the horn will sound once.
4. Wait 6 seconds and press the unlock button once to activate the coding procedure. The remote control will now be programmed.
Note: When performing programming on additional remotes the procedure is exactly the same, except you press the unlock button 2, 3 or 4 times for different remote.
For example: If programming 2 remotes press the unlock button twice with a 1 second interval between each press, repeat for 3 and 4 remotes.
5. Switch ignition OFF.
6. Remove key from ignition and check for operation.
7. The coding procedure can be repeated up to 4 times for additional remotes.
8. The ignition must be switched OFF between programming each remote control.

Remote Control Erasing (1997 ON)
Procedure
1. Switch ignition ON and leave key in the ignition.
2. Mechanically lock the vehicle using the Drivers door using a second key.
3. Press the remote control unlock button 5 times in 1-second intervals.
A short horn will sound.
4. Wait 6 seconds and press the unlock button once to activate memory erase.
5. Switch ignition OFF, all remotes are now tuned in..

And finally:

Step #1: Take the key you DO NOT want to program and put it in the ignition. Turn it one click forward.
Step #2: Close and lock the drivers door with the second key.
Step #3: On the second key (the one in the drivers door) press the 'UNLOCK' button ONCE only. The lights will flash on the car, but the doors will remain locked
Step #4: With the second key still in the drivers door, unlock then lock the door again.
Pull the key from the slot and test remote functions.
Open drivers door, remove key from ignition.
If both of your remotes don't work, do the above for the first key, but on step #3, press the 'UNLOCK' button twice. The lights will flash twice, then continue on with step #4.

Hope you get it sorted cuz i'm looking to get another key soon as i only have 1!! Risky i know!!

Granite-Granny

Joe,

thanks for the reply. I found that exact thread that you copy and pasted and I've tried every possible combination. All my keys mechanically lock and unlock the car when inserted into the doors. None of my keys when pressing the remote button will open or close the doors.

Frustration!

I think I better call the dealer and see what they will charge. If it is too expensive maybe now is the time to invest in the ross-tech software.

GG

Granite-Granny

Audi just told me it will be $60 to reprogram both keys. That's the plan then.

GG