Greystoke

I wish we had the newer ones which came on the Q5's...I'm tired of the key popping open in my pocket.

Grey

cuatrokoop

Totally....I climb around on big trucks at work and at least once a day it gets turned in my pocket and jabs my thigh. But yes, I keep a stock of 2032 batteries for the Q7 keys. The keys, advanced or not, run through batteries faster than others I've had.

JKJ

In the interest of closing the loop on my own topic, I wanted to report back. I finally got around to replacing the fob battery this weekend, and so far everything is back to normal.

So for the record, it looks like intermittent failure of hands free unlocking is an undocumented warning sign that the fob battery needs to be replaced.

snagitseven

Actually, it makes sense. The fob has to communicate with the door lock sensors before the locks will activate. If the fob battery is weak or depleted, the key can't transmit, the sensors can't read it and nothing happens - same as if the key is not on your person or nearby.

Not sure about your Q7 but in my former '09 A4 and current '13 A6, I get a key warning icon in the DIS when it senses the battery is low.

Greystoke

On our '14 Q5 we get the same warning...but have not seen it on the Q7. I will just replace the batteries this weekend as a precautionary measure.

Thanks,

Grey

flynavy

I replace all the batteries in all my cars that have the smart keys every 12 months....it is easier that any hassles down the road.