FYI - I've owned my '18 Q5 for just over 18 months. Beginning yesterday I was seeing a message in the VC display (it came up on every new drive cycle) that the battery for the remote control key (aka key fob) needed to be replaced. Got out the owner's manual - page 32 (ref. copy/paste below) - to learn how to access/replace the battery. I followed the instructions to the letter and despite my best efforts was unable to get the battery holder to come out - it was totally stuck in there. Watched a few videos on YouTube for some tips, but still no luck. In the end I very carefully used a small pair of needle nose vise grips to grab the edge of the battery holder to pull it out/away from the key fob body while I pressed on the holder's release buttons. Mission success, finally. As info the battery model is CR2032 (3 volt button type). The original battery was Panasonic brand. Will replace with a new Energizer CR2032 lithium battery.. and will change the battery in the other key fob at the same time. Found a great deal for this model Energizer battery at Target - a 6-pack for $4.39. Web link: https://www.target.com/p/energizer-2...6/-/A-53449036

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Cheers
Richard

 

You really have to give it a good tug while holding in the 2 black tabs. It's hard to get out but I just did mine the other day. If you have a 2nd set of hands, have one person hold the fob and the 2 black tabs in and the other use a small plastic trim removal tool to pry it out. As long as the tabs are in, there's nothing to break
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^^ Believe me Chawski, I was giving it a really good tug while holding in the 2 black tabs! But really.. 2 sets of hands to change a battery in a key fob?! None of the YouTube videos I watched indicated a condition where the battery holder is completely stuck. They only mentioned wiggling the sides of the holder while pulling on it, and that action also didn't work for me. Until you get the holder out it's not clear what can or cannot break. Anyway, mission accomplished the way I did it on my own.
I won't be the only person to face this problem.
I've discovered that after you remove the battery holder the first time subsequent removals are a bit easier (no tools necessary). The wiggle thing certainly helps.
/R

 

Glad you were able to wiggle it free. It's much more of a pain in the *** than it should be!

 

My 1st remote gave me a weak battery warning in only 14 months! My wife's 2010 Golf remote is still good after >8.5 years!

If the battery is out can you still drive the car?

 

I think as long as you place it in the cupholder area so the car can read the key, you should be fine (there is that spot on the driver cupholder that is shaped to merry to the key.)

Great advice rbreeze on getting it apart. This is one of those catch22 situations though. If it's easy to come apart, then it feels junky and it falls apart in your pocket. If it's tight, it's a PITA but feels better.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience Richard.
It really helps the rest of us to be more prepared and know what to expect if and when we need to do the same.

 

Yes exactly! I'm sure mine will die at the most inappropriate time, and having a heads up on the challenges is a great asset.

 

Exactly. Thanks!

 

I replaced my battery today. Removing the key was easy by hand; not so with the battery. Then I wore rubber gloves and it was pretty easy. I recommend using the gloves then the pliers lest you will damage it.