Dealer can't program key fob?
#1
Dealer can't program key fob?
Looking for some input. I lost my only key fob, thankfully I had the plastic emergency key, otherwise I would have to tow it.
I bought 2 replacement key fobs on eBay. They are used from previous Audis.
The rep at the dealership told me that the tech tried to program them, but that it kept kicking him out of the software because those key fobs are already registered to another Audi's VIN and won't allow him to program them to my car (2013 A7).
I do programming for a living so not sure why this is an issue. Shouldn't he be able to clear or override that? Has anyone else had a used key programmed to their current car?
Appreciate any input.
Thanks!
I bought 2 replacement key fobs on eBay. They are used from previous Audis.
The rep at the dealership told me that the tech tried to program them, but that it kept kicking him out of the software because those key fobs are already registered to another Audi's VIN and won't allow him to program them to my car (2013 A7).
I do programming for a living so not sure why this is an issue. Shouldn't he be able to clear or override that? Has anyone else had a used key programmed to their current car?
Appreciate any input.
Thanks!
#2
AudiWorld Senior Member
Looking for some input. I lost my only key fob, thankfully I had the plastic emergency key, otherwise I would have to tow it.
I bought 2 replacement key fobs on eBay. They are used from previous Audis.
The rep at the dealership told me that the tech tried to program them, but that it kept kicking him out of the software because those key fobs are already registered to another Audi's VIN and won't allow him to program them to my car (2013 A7).
I do programming for a living so not sure why this is an issue. Shouldn't he be able to clear or override that? Has anyone else had a used key programmed to their current car?
Appreciate any input.
Thanks!
I bought 2 replacement key fobs on eBay. They are used from previous Audis.
The rep at the dealership told me that the tech tried to program them, but that it kept kicking him out of the software because those key fobs are already registered to another Audi's VIN and won't allow him to program them to my car (2013 A7).
I do programming for a living so not sure why this is an issue. Shouldn't he be able to clear or override that? Has anyone else had a used key programmed to their current car?
Appreciate any input.
Thanks!
#3
AudiWorld Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Texas and North Carolina
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Had a recent relevant experience. Just bought a used 2016 A7 that only had one fob. The dealership sent me a second one plus the physical key (I live in a different city than where I purchased it) with the plan being that I would take it into a local dealership and get it programmed. When it arrived I tried the physical key and it didn't work. When I contacted the dealership they realized they had provided the wrong info on the car. They told me that the fob they sent would not work for my car and sent another set. Basically they said to trash the fob and they'd send me the right one.
So the take away is that unlike other cars like my old Acura, the fobs are not agnostic which can they be programmed for any vehicle but are set up for the specific vehicle from wherever they order the fobs from.
So the take away is that unlike other cars like my old Acura, the fobs are not agnostic which can they be programmed for any vehicle but are set up for the specific vehicle from wherever they order the fobs from.
#4
Had a recent relevant experience. Just bought a used 2016 A7 that only had one fob. The dealership sent me a second one plus the physical key (I live in a different city than where I purchased it) with the plan being that I would take it into a local dealership and get it programmed. When it arrived I tried the physical key and it didn't work. When I contacted the dealership they realized they had provided the wrong info on the car. They told me that the fob they sent would not work for my car and sent another set. Basically they said to trash the fob and they'd send me the right one.
So the take away is that unlike other cars like my old Acura, the fobs are not agnostic which can they be programmed for any vehicle but are set up for the specific vehicle from wherever they order the fobs from.
So the take away is that unlike other cars like my old Acura, the fobs are not agnostic which can they be programmed for any vehicle but are set up for the specific vehicle from wherever they order the fobs from.
#5
AudiWorld Member
I went through the process this week. Bought a used 2013 A7 that came with only one smartkey. I tried to order a new one from the local Audi dealer online, but learned that I had to go to the Parts dept in person and show them my registration, VIN, and drivers license. Note that the smartkey has two parts: the transmitter ($170) and the emergency key ($70). A few days later the key arrived at the dealership. I went to the Service dept and they programmed both the new key and my old key. It took about 45 minutes including a wash and cost $70 for the programming.
#6
I went through the process this week. Bought a used 2013 A7 that came with only one smartkey. I tried to order a new one from the local Audi dealer online, but learned that I had to go to the Parts dept in person and show them my registration, VIN, and drivers license. Note that the smartkey has two parts: the transmitter ($170) and the emergency key ($70). A few days later the key arrived at the dealership. I went to the Service dept and they programmed both the new key and my old key. It took about 45 minutes including a wash and cost $70 for the programming.
#7
I went through the process this week. Bought a used 2013 A7 that came with only one smartkey. I tried to order a new one from the local Audi dealer online, but learned that I had to go to the Parts dept in person and show them my registration, VIN, and drivers license. Note that the smartkey has two parts: the transmitter ($170) and the emergency key ($70). A few days later the key arrived at the dealership. I went to the Service dept and they programmed both the new key and my old key. It took about 45 minutes including a wash and cost $70 for the programming.
Or is my only option the Audi dealer?
Thanks,
Dave...
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#8
AudiWorld Member
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#10
AudiWorld Super User
Fob Confusion
We purchased a used Audi with 2 fobs, but they seem to be user specific.
How does the car know which setting to use with which fob? They look identical. Is there some way to tell them apart as to which is on Setting 1 or 2?
I think they must have information in the chip, and my partner thinks the fob keeps the settings, and I think the fob only knows if it is Setting 1 or 2 and the actual seat position, etc. is in the MMI in the car.
Please provide feedback on this issue if possible.
How does the car know which setting to use with which fob? They look identical. Is there some way to tell them apart as to which is on Setting 1 or 2?
I think they must have information in the chip, and my partner thinks the fob keeps the settings, and I think the fob only knows if it is Setting 1 or 2 and the actual seat position, etc. is in the MMI in the car.
Please provide feedback on this issue if possible.