HELP!!
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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
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From: Ireland
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
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AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,251
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From: Moronville, Tennessee (Middle TN)
Welcome. Bummer.
If your car is a 2004 it's a D3 (and you're in the wrong forum)!
Some of us D3 owners read the "new posts" tab above to keep up on our old "friends" who have promoted themselves to the newer, uglier D4 cars (also known as the guppy-mouth, fishlips, carpcar, etc.).
On the 2004s the rear seat back is relatively hard to remove. 6-10 bolts, and I am not sure it opens to the trunk.
You should do a search on "key stuck in ignition" in the D3 forum first (search is always the quickest and usually the best way to an answer). Add "dead battery" if there are too many results.
Also, read up on "spare key", seems like I remember reading that if you lose the one key you have (resulting in you having no keys), the dealer has to replace the entire module controlling the car's security) at over $1000 plus towing the car to the dealer and all that related inconvenience. Which makes the $200 investment in a second key seem like a good idea.
I wonder if the dealer could order a spare "emergency" key (the flat one that comes with the car) to get the trunk open?? Did you open the manual to look for a flat key? (and/or to read it?
) When I ordered a new key for my Mercedes it came the next morning UPS Next day Air, the tech said they (MB) ship all keys that way. FWIW.
I bet there is a way to get the key out even if you have to trickle-charge through the lighter (SEARCH on this before you do it, I don't want you frying anything).
Then you can open the trunk with the keyhole above the rear plate.
Good luck.
-Tom
Some of us D3 owners read the "new posts" tab above to keep up on our old "friends" who have promoted themselves to the newer, uglier D4 cars (also known as the guppy-mouth, fishlips, carpcar, etc.). On the 2004s the rear seat back is relatively hard to remove. 6-10 bolts, and I am not sure it opens to the trunk.
You should do a search on "key stuck in ignition" in the D3 forum first (search is always the quickest and usually the best way to an answer). Add "dead battery" if there are too many results.
Also, read up on "spare key", seems like I remember reading that if you lose the one key you have (resulting in you having no keys), the dealer has to replace the entire module controlling the car's security) at over $1000 plus towing the car to the dealer and all that related inconvenience. Which makes the $200 investment in a second key seem like a good idea.
I wonder if the dealer could order a spare "emergency" key (the flat one that comes with the car) to get the trunk open?? Did you open the manual to look for a flat key? (and/or to read it?
) When I ordered a new key for my Mercedes it came the next morning UPS Next day Air, the tech said they (MB) ship all keys that way. FWIW.I bet there is a way to get the key out even if you have to trickle-charge through the lighter (SEARCH on this before you do it, I don't want you frying anything).
Then you can open the trunk with the keyhole above the rear plate.
Good luck.
-Tom
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
If your car is a 2004 it's a D3 (and you're in the wrong forum)! Some of us D3 owners read the "new posts" tab above to keep up on our old "friends" who have promoted themselves to the newer, uglier D4 cars (also known as the guppy-mouth, fishlips, carpcar, etc.).
On the 2004s the rear seat back is relatively hard to remove. 6-10 bolts, and I am not sure it opens to the trunk.
You should do a search on "key stuck in ignition" in the D3 forum first (search is always the quickest and usually the best way to an answer). Add "dead battery" if there are too many results.
Also, read up on "spare key", seems like I remember reading that if you lose the one key you have (resulting in you having no keys), the dealer has to replace the entire module controlling the car's security) at over $1000 plus towing the car to the dealer and all that related inconvenience. Which makes the $200 investment in a second key seem like a good idea.
I wonder if the dealer could order a spare "emergency" key (the flat one that comes with the car) to get the trunk open?? Did you open the manual to look for a flat key? (and/or to read it?) When I ordered a new key for my Mercedes it came the next morning UPS Next day Air, the tech said they (MB) ship all keys that way. FWIW.
I bet there is a way to get the key out even if you have to trickle-charge through the lighter (SEARCH on this before you do it, I don't want you frying anything).
Then you can open the trunk with the keyhole above the rear plate.
Good luck.
-Tom
Some of us D3 owners read the "new posts" tab above to keep up on our old "friends" who have promoted themselves to the newer, uglier D4 cars (also known as the guppy-mouth, fishlips, carpcar, etc.). On the 2004s the rear seat back is relatively hard to remove. 6-10 bolts, and I am not sure it opens to the trunk.
You should do a search on "key stuck in ignition" in the D3 forum first (search is always the quickest and usually the best way to an answer). Add "dead battery" if there are too many results.
Also, read up on "spare key", seems like I remember reading that if you lose the one key you have (resulting in you having no keys), the dealer has to replace the entire module controlling the car's security) at over $1000 plus towing the car to the dealer and all that related inconvenience. Which makes the $200 investment in a second key seem like a good idea.
I wonder if the dealer could order a spare "emergency" key (the flat one that comes with the car) to get the trunk open?? Did you open the manual to look for a flat key? (and/or to read it?
) When I ordered a new key for my Mercedes it came the next morning UPS Next day Air, the tech said they (MB) ship all keys that way. FWIW.I bet there is a way to get the key out even if you have to trickle-charge through the lighter (SEARCH on this before you do it, I don't want you frying anything).
Then you can open the trunk with the keyhole above the rear plate.
Good luck.
-Tom
Yes, I realized I was in the wrong forum right after
I posted my question, and re-posted it in the D3 forum -- and got a great answer which I recommend everyone look at "just in case". Thx, Pete
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,935
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From: New York Metropolitan Area
Gotta say, for a D3 guy coming into our house and making disparaging comments about our D4 cars, well that's really uncool. Actually the same "fishy" comments could be thrown at 2006+ D3 A8 owners, since those cars also have similar full mouth grills, or should I say gills.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 91
From: Moronville, Tennessee (Middle TN)
Gotta say, for a D3 guy coming into our house and making disparaging comments about our D4 cars, well that's really uncool. Actually the same "fishy" comments could be thrown at 2006+ D3 A8 owners, since those cars also have similar full mouth grills, or should I say gills.
The big grill took some getting used to for me, but I love it now. It is iconic, if I may use a hackneyed word correctly here.
Peace
-Tom
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AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 5
From: NC USA
Gotta say, for a D3 guy coming into our house and making disparaging comments about our D4 cars, well that's really uncool. Actually the same "fishy" comments could be thrown at 2006+ D3 A8 owners, since those cars also have similar full mouth grills, or should I say gills.
Last edited by jakematic; Jul 23, 2012 at 07:37 AM. Reason: Clarity
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