HELP!!

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Jul 21, 2012 | 09:21 PM

pslmd1

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Joined: Apr 2012

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HELP!!

My battery died while I was out of town on my 2004 A8L. Problem is key is locked in the ignition, and I can't find the spare key to open the trunk to charge the battery. I also can't pop it open from the key or door as battery is COMPLETELY dead. What are my options. Is there a way to pop open the trunk without needing anything electrical? Can the dealer make a new key from the V.I.N.? Is there a way to get the key out of the ignition with a dead battery? Do I need to call a locksmith to open the lock for the trunk? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!! Pete

Jul 21, 2012 | 09:34 PM

FlyTyinFool

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Joined: Apr 2010

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From: Bellingham, WA

Key release

There is a small hole to the left of the key hole. You insert the tip of a ball point pen in there and the key will come out.

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Jul 22, 2012 | 04:58 AM

jakematic

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Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 2,883

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From: NC USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyTyinFool

There is a small hole to the left of the key hole. You insert the tip of a ball point pen in there and the key will come out.

So that is what that is.
I always thought I was missing a tiny trim piece and never bothered to look into replacing it.
D'oh!

Jul 22, 2012 | 05:46 AM

pslmd1

Thread Starter

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Joined: Apr 2012

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Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyTyinFool

There is a small hole to the left of the key hole. You insert the tip of a ball point pen in there and the key will come out.

Thanks so much!! -- it worked!! Now I'll charge it overnight, clean it up and sell it ( I upgraded to an 05 w12 with low miles). Since the car hasn't been driven in over 3 mos does anyone think I have to do anything else prior to driving the car? Thanks again!

Jul 22, 2012 | 06:38 AM

K9COP

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Prior to driving the car?

Probably not, but knowing how stupidly sensitive to voltage these cars are, you may have all many of 'voltage codes' that may or may not throw a check engine light, which you should probably have VCDS cleared prior to trying to sell it.

K9

Quote:

Originally Posted by pslmd1

Jul 22, 2012 | 06:44 AM

Brozee

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Joined: Jan 2010

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From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by pslmd1

All I would do is take it for a half an hour drive; let the battery charge and test that everything is working. That way you don't find any embarrassing issues when someone is test driving it.

Jul 22, 2012 | 09:23 AM

FlyTyinFool

AudiWorld Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 396

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From: Bellingham, WA

+1

I would do as Brozee suggests. Drive the car for a bit (at least 20 minutes) and poke all the buttons to make sure everything is still working.

Clearing the low voltage codes, as K9 mentioned, is a good idea too. But honestly, those wouldn't keep me from buying the car if there were only a couple faults.

Carry on...