Keyless not working

[Nazz]

My keyless stopped working. The battery is fine, the light on the key fob still flashes, I've held the key up to the windshield pick up sensor and it still doesn't work.

Is this common? Any ideas?

Thanks,

Nazz

[Loren]

What year?

There is a TSB for a voluntary Workshop Service Action (W317 - Replace Key Remote Control) on specific VIN number cars. Mostly MY03 as I recall.

[Nazz]

It's a 1999.

[Loren]

Well, MY99 was not in the WSA so it could be a bad key fob. Did you try the spare?

[Nazz]

When I bought the car it only came with the one key. At $300.00 each, I haven't been motivated to buy another. :)

[Loren]

Hmm... My MY99 came with two key fob keys and one valet key.

At this point you may need to buy a new sender anyway.

[Nazz]

I bought the car used. Is a sender something that is proprietary or is it something that can be programmed to my car at the dealership? How much do they cost?

Thanks,

Nazz

[Loren]

You need the key, fob, and code programmed for your car. The key/fob runs about $150 and most dealers also charge for the programming. For legal reasons only a dealer can program a key.

[Izzy]

Has anyone else had similar problems with the remote key FOB. I have a 99 Cab, and the both key remotes stopped working within days of each other. The batteries are fine, the light blinks on the remotes, but wont lock or unlock the car anymore. Thank you

Izzy

[iflyjets4u]

I also have a '99. A couple of years ago I had a similar problem, but it mostly didn't work unless I was up close. Bought a new key.....problem solved.

[man_of_ice]

I have had exact that same problem, and there was a quick fix

It was something about inserting the batteries and taking them out in a special way - resetting the system.

Lemme find the link.

2 secs later - post #19 in this thread:

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/show...t=keyless+entry

And thanks Loren! That helped me a lot

[Loren]

Doh! I guess I should have posted that here to.

TSB 20/03 9662 Replacing The Key Remote Control Battery (dated 06-25-04) describes how changing the battery "incorrectly" can cause the processor to lock up and stop functioning. If this happens it instructs you to:

1.4 Check the function of the remote control.

Note: If the remote control does not function after replacing the battery, the processor could have stopped. If this is the case, the LED of the remote control either does not light when the button is pressed or it lights continuously, i.e., longer than length of time the button is pressed. The processor must be restarted. In this case, proceed as is described under Step 2.

2. Restarting the processor.

2.1 Remove battery as described under Step 1.2.

2.2 Inserting battery briefly with polarity reversed.

2.2.1 After a waiting time of at least 10 seconds, slide battery with the polarity of the battery reversed (positive terminal downwards) under the tab (Figure 1, arrow 2).

2.2.2 Clip battery downward into the holder.

2.2.3 After a waiting time of approx. 3 seconds, remove this incorrectly polarized battery again.

2.3 Install battery as described under Step 1.3.

2.4 Check the function of the remote control.

[Izzy]

Thank you guys, nothing worked, so off to buy a new FOB from Sunset. Tried new batteries, upside batteries, chicken legs, voodoo dolls, accupuncture, etc. What is amazing is how the main key and spare key remotes both stopped working within a week of each other. The spare I only use on the weekends.

Reminds me of some of the "out of toner" conditions in printers I used to design for certain company, we had this "time to die" chip that will force customers to get more of that black gold powder.

[Izzy]

Final word on this, did get the new FOB's from our friends in Sunset, and had them programmed by the dealer. Works like new.

[tsweat]

Final word on this, did get the new FOB's from our friends in Sunset, and had them programmed by the dealer.  Works like new.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Izzy -- what did Sunset charge for the FOB's and how about the dealer programing fee?

Thanks!

Tim

[Izzy]

Sunset was $98 (plus their fee). Dealer was one hour, or $105 plus tax in Charlotte, NC

[Kim]

Sunset was $98 (plus their fee).  Dealer was one hour, or $105 plus tax in Charlotte, NC

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is the first time I've had reason to feel good about dealer service departments in Atlanta.

I took Henessy Porsche two key fobs, and they programmed them on the spot for $47.00 total.

Kim

[mikego]

I'm having the same problem ... same car. '99 996. Replaced the key battery. Tried reversing the charge... negative results. Off to the dealer I go. :cursing:

Maybe I'll make them let me test drive a new Carerra 4s! :king:

[TD in DC]

I'm having the same problem ... same car. '99 996. Replaced the key battery. Tried reversing the charge... negative results. Off to the dealer I go. :cursing:

Maybe I'll make them let me test drive a new Carerra 4s! :king:

I'm sorry to dig up an old thread, but I just wanted to thank Lorne and Renntech. I don't come here very often, but when I do, I always find the answers to my questions. :renntech:

[skiwi]

I have a 2001 C4, with the keyless entry not functioning after a dead battery. Have successfully recharged the battery and can drive vehicle without any problems except the remote locking. The locking works manually with key inserted into the lock. Additionally, the radio does not power off when removing the key and leaving the car. It use to do this. The problems occur with both remote keys.

I have searched this forum and others with no success. The following is a list of things attempted.

1. resetting the remote battery via reverse polarity

2. reactivate key recognition via manual entry into car, turning ignition on, remove key and press lock/unlock button

I hope someone can help, since a trip to a dealer to reprogram is about 3 hours.

It seems ridiculous for something as simple as a dead battery cause so many hassles and an expense to reprogram

[Kim]

.... Additionally, the radio does not power off when removing the key and leaving the car. It use to do this. The problems occur with both remote keys.

Since the radio not powering off is a symptom of a bad ignition switch .... and totally unrelated to the remote transmitters in your key fobs .... I would guess you need to do a search and investigate ignition switch problems. From what I have read on the forum, the symptoms are many and varied.

[skiwi]

.... Additionally, the radio does not power off when removing the key and leaving the car. It use to do this. The problems occur with both remote keys.

Since the radio not powering off is a symptom of a bad ignition switch .... and totally unrelated to the remote transmitters in your key fobs .... I would guess you need to do a search and investigate ignition switch problems. From what I have read on the forum, the symptoms are many and varied.

Thanks Kim, I ordered an ignition switch. After reading some experiences with non OEM switch failures, I found an OEM switch on E BAY from Deutsche Parts USA, only$13.87. Installed tonight. Removal was quite simple using a head lamp and my wife's sewing machine screwdriver. I used a small telescopic mirror to tighten the driver side screw which was difficult to see when removing. I had to do the loosening by feel, so the mirror would have made it a lot easier. After installing the new switch and reconnecting the battery, the new switch was a little tight and I was tentative in breaking the new switch. After some wiggling, everything came to life -power, radio, windows, central locking and keyless entry.

Very relieved that replacing the ignition switch was the answer -less than $20 (delivered) versus time from work and driving 3 hours to a dealership etc. May get another to have on hand...........

In retrospect, I now realize some of the symptoms described by others, I actually had a faulty ignition switch. Symptoms as follows:

sticky to stuck in ignition key, headlights not working properly, no keyless entry, unexplained battery discharge, radio not turning off and lastly, the key turning through 360 degrees.

I hope this helps others with 'out of the blue" electrical problem.

Renntech.org has been invaluable. :renntech:

[skiwi]

.... Additionally, the radio does not power off when removing the key and leaving the car. It use to do this. The problems occur with both remote keys.

Since the radio not powering off is a symptom of a bad ignition switch .... and totally unrelated to the remote transmitters in your key fobs .... I would guess you need to do a search and investigate ignition switch problems. From what I have read on the forum, the symptoms are many and varied.

Thanks Kim, I ordered an ignition switch. After reading some experiences with non OEM switch failures, I found an OEM switch on E BAY from Deutsche Parts USA, only$13.87. Installed tonight. Removal was quite simple using a head lamp and my wife's sewing machine screwdriver. I used a small telescopic mirror to tighten the driver side screw which was difficult to see when removing. I had to do the loosening by feel, so the mirror would have made it a lot easier. After installing the new switch and reconnecting the battery, the new switch was a little tight and I was tentative in breaking the new switch. After some wiggling, everything came to life -power, radio, windows, central locking and keyless entry.

Very relieved that replacing the ignition switch was the answer -less than $20 (delivered) versus time from work and driving 3 hours to a dealership etc. May get another to have on hand...........

In retrospect, I now realize some of the symptoms described by others, I actually had a faulty ignition switch. Symptoms as follows:

sticky to stuck in ignition key, headlights not working properly, no keyless entry, unexplained battery discharge, radio not turning off and lastly, the key turning through 360 degrees.

I hope this helps others with 'out of the blue" electrical problem.

Renntech.org has been invaluable. :renntech:

PS -I also called the local Audi dealer to price an ignition switch after confirming they were compatible -was shocked to be quoted $58 and $73 depending on VIN