Key Fob Oddness
 

I have a 2012 A6/3.0t with about 19K miles on it. I do not have the advanced lock feature so need to press the unlock button on the key fob each time to unlock it.

For the last month, sometimes, I have to press the unlock button multiple times before the car unlocks. Thought it was a battery issue in the fob so had that changed yet it still happens.

If I lock the car and then attempt to unlock it right away, it always works on the first press. Yet some days (but not always) I have to press the button 4 or 5 times before it will unlock. It almost seems like the fob or the A6 is rotating to a different unlock code requiring the multiple presses to get them back into sync.

Anyone else seen anything like this?

Battery?

Sounds like battery. If you have two keys then swap the batteries to see.

He wrote he changed battery and it still happens. Has the fob been dropped or damaged?

Do both fobs react the same way?

How old is the battery in the car?

The batteries in the fobs were changed about 6 months ago when the info display in the A6 was warning about a low battery condition in the fobs.

As far as I am aware, the battery in the A6 is the original battery from 2012 which I would think should still be fine. My normal commute is approximately 30 miles (35-45 minutes) of highway driving which should be providing ample recharge time.

I have tried both fobs and they both exhibit the delay in unlocking. This morning, I had to press the unlock button 13 times (with the red LED on the fob blinking each time) before the A6 would unlock.

I wonder if the A6 is going into a very "deep sleep" mode and is taking some time to awaken before recognizing the unlock signal. This would seem to point to a battery issue in the A6, correct?

Regardless, I'll be contacting the dealer today to have them investigate it and will post back once I determine a resolution.

Thanks.

I would recommend to find someone with a VCDS cable (or visit a dealer) and check for errors. These days most modules keep logs and the attempt of a key fob to unlock the door without success should be in there.

If both fobs exhibit the same behavior, it could be a faulty receiver or antenna in the car. Assuming you're still under warranty, take it in to service and let them figure it out.

A bit off topic but pls forgive:
A week or two ago I was on day one of a four day trip and for the first time the display was telling me to change the remote battery. The other remote was safely at home so I couldn’t get to it. I didn’t want to get caught in the middle of nowhere so I stopped at Langan East Audi in Latham NY on a Saturday afternoon prepared to spring for the new battery assuming they had one with service likely closed. Not only was service open for the whole day, but they replaced the fob battery at no cost and wished me a safe journey. It was nice dealing with a company (Audi) and dealer (Langan) that do have a sense of customer service. I enjoyed that.

Even if the battert dies, you could still access the door lock and start the car. It's in the manual. The CR2032 batteries are inexpensive and can be purchased almost anywhere batteries are sold.