Key fob ?
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 10
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Key fob ?
so is there any way to clear the keys off the memory and just program one key. One of my keys went missing and I think my brother took it don't want him to take the car without me knowing..09 Audi A5 s-line
TIA
TIA
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 57
From: 2014 Q5
You are at the mercy of the dealer and most of them are merciless. Your only other choice might be to purchase another key, and have the dealer ADD that one in. Sometimes, that also forces out the last key, so while you won't be saving any money, at least you get a new key programmed in, not just paying to lose a key.
You'd have to check with the dealer and someone who knows your model, to find out if this is an option for you.
Maybe try playing the sympathy card: Your addicted? crazy? psycho? ex-whatever stole a key and you need to get it locked out, what can they do for you?
Of course since that key still fits the lock cylinders, they can still get IN, and then there are ODB boxes that apparently can still be used to start the car...
You'd have to check with the dealer and someone who knows your model, to find out if this is an option for you.
Maybe try playing the sympathy card: Your addicted? crazy? psycho? ex-whatever stole a key and you need to get it locked out, what can they do for you?
Of course since that key still fits the lock cylinders, they can still get IN, and then there are ODB boxes that apparently can still be used to start the car...
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,009
Likes: 191
From: Olney, MD
You can clear the memory but not the physical key.
You could persuade him with a baseball bat. Gangnam Style!!!
Last edited by SloopJohnB@mac.com; Jan 15, 2017 at 10:21 AM.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 257
Likes: 3
From: Tbilisi, Georgia
Hi guys,
Has anyone tried to relocate the inside of the key fob into some other smaller fob without buttons and physical key blade for making it more compact and comfortable?
As the vehicle has keyless entry function and I don't need to use the buttons or physical key at all, I'd be carrying something smaller in my pocket or as an accessory together with home keys with my pleasure.
Although, I'm unsure whether it needs the battery or not for proper communication with the vehicles keyless entry and start/stop antennas functionality.
And the second key would be laying at home for an emergency use in case of need.
Has anyone tried to relocate the inside of the key fob into some other smaller fob without buttons and physical key blade for making it more compact and comfortable?
As the vehicle has keyless entry function and I don't need to use the buttons or physical key at all, I'd be carrying something smaller in my pocket or as an accessory together with home keys with my pleasure.
Although, I'm unsure whether it needs the battery or not for proper communication with the vehicles keyless entry and start/stop antennas functionality.
And the second key would be laying at home for an emergency use in case of need.
Last edited by Amiko Tsanava; Jun 11, 2026 at 02:43 AM.
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AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 57
From: 2014 Q5
The internet just ate my longer reply, so here's just the bottom line. You can remove the circuit board. Make sure the button contacts can't be pressed. The battery IS REQUIRED, so you might order a "cr-2032 coin cell holder" (Amazon, etc.) to solder to the remote guts. Then put the guts and battery in a svelte little non-metalic case, no buttons or keys needed.
A fresh brand-name battery (Panasonic are exceptional) may last 2-5 years.
All perfectly simple and feasible, feel free to ask more. You, or someone, WILL need to solder that coin-cell holder to the board. A smaller CR-2025 or CR-2016 battery could also be used, it would need to be replaced more often.
Considering a key fob complete with key and programming may be $450-500 USD these days, you may want to invest in a spare or ask someone who is familiar with soldering and circuitry to do the dead. It isn't complicated, but is delicate enough to bodge up if you aren't familiar.
A fresh brand-name battery (Panasonic are exceptional) may last 2-5 years.
All perfectly simple and feasible, feel free to ask more. You, or someone, WILL need to solder that coin-cell holder to the board. A smaller CR-2025 or CR-2016 battery could also be used, it would need to be replaced more often.
Considering a key fob complete with key and programming may be $450-500 USD these days, you may want to invest in a spare or ask someone who is familiar with soldering and circuitry to do the dead. It isn't complicated, but is delicate enough to bodge up if you aren't familiar.
Last edited by Redd; Jun 11, 2026 at 08:45 AM.
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AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 890
Likes: 76
From: Roy, WA
At the cost of replacement keys and the cost of programming, I wouldn't mess with a good spare key for sure. It'll really suck if you mess it up and if you're down to one key and that one gets lost, then you basically have to have the whole car towed to the dealer which could also damage the car depending on if it's in Park or if the parking brake is on (electronic). If you can get in a car that has no key, you can release the transmission (hidden unlock switch).
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 57
From: 2014 Q5
Totall
Totally agreed.
I'd commit $500 to get a third key added & programmed in, since the car takes 3 keys without any fuss. And you pay a dealer to do that. If you bring an aftermarket key or fob, some are scams, the dealers usually won't touch them.
Then, you customize that #3.
On the secret brake release for towing? It is hidden under a cover below the ash tray (coin tray) liner. I stuck that cover away, so if I ever need access, at least it is obvious to see under the ash tray.
Crazy German engineers still exacting their vengeance because they're sore about loding WW2.
I'd commit $500 to get a third key added & programmed in, since the car takes 3 keys without any fuss. And you pay a dealer to do that. If you bring an aftermarket key or fob, some are scams, the dealers usually won't touch them.
Then, you customize that #3.
On the secret brake release for towing? It is hidden under a cover below the ash tray (coin tray) liner. I stuck that cover away, so if I ever need access, at least it is obvious to see under the ash tray.
Crazy German engineers still exacting their vengeance because they're sore about loding WW2.