Dealer can't program key fob?

[kamek89]

Looking for some input. I lost my only key fob, thankfully I had the plastic emergency key, otherwise I would have to tow it.

I bought 2 replacement key fobs on eBay. They are used from previous Audis.

The rep at the dealership told me that the tech tried to program them, but that it kept kicking him out of the software because those key fobs are already registered to another Audi's VIN and won't allow him to program them to my car (2013 A7).

I do programming for a living so not sure why this is an issue. Shouldn't he be able to clear or override that? Has anyone else had a used key programmed to their current car?

Appreciate any input.

Thanks!

[bonafyd]

The vin is attached on to the software and it's unchangeable.. think about it.. people could just make random copies for other peoples cars and then bye bye car.. it protects the consumers in the long run.

[SunDevil]

The vin is attached on to the software and it's unchangeable.. think about it.. people could just make random copies for other peoples cars and then bye bye car.. it protects the consumers in the long run.

Exactly.

[kamek89]

The vin is attached on to the software and it's unchangeable.. think about it.. people could just make random copies for other peoples cars and then bye bye car.. it protects the consumers in the long run.

So using your logic, I can go buy a blank key and program it to any vehicle? No, they would need the car on site in order to program it, which they should be able to do with a used remote as well. He said the only issue is that they can't clear the old VIN, that I would need to buy a new blank key from them and have them program it. He also said that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, which adds more confusion.

[elewsader]

If it's like many of the other immobilizer systems, your used ebay fobs have a one-time use transponder chip already programmed to a previous vehicle. You would need to open them up, locate the transponder chip, then find and purchase un-programmed new chips. There's a feature where once they've been programmed to a vehicle, their lock bit is enabled.

[elewsader]

So using your logic, I can go buy a blank key and program it to any vehicle? No, they would need the car on site in order to program it, which they should be able to do with a used remote as well. He said the only issue is that they can't clear the old VIN, that I would need to buy a new blank key from them and have them program it. He also said that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, which adds more confusion.

The "sometimes does and doesn't work" probably relates to how inconsistent the programming process goes (even with older vehicles, you somtimes have to attempt the process more than once, or observe lockout times). With older audi vehicles you were able to extract the unique 5 digit pin from an eeprom in the ECU assembly, but with the advancements in anti-theft security measures, the process is no longer handled that way anymore. Their proprietary hardware at the dealer will now connect to a centralized database and is for the most part automated. Without a "clean" unlocked immobilizer RFID chip, their process will invariably fail due to not being able to write to it.

[kamek89]

The "sometimes does and doesn't work" probably relates to how inconsistent the programming process goes (even with older vehicles, you somtimes have to attempt the process more than once, or observe lockout times). With older audi vehicles you were able to extract the unique 5 digit pin from an eeprom in the ECU assembly, but with the advancements in anti-theft security measures, the process is no longer handled that way anymore. Their proprietary hardware at the dealer will now connect to a centralized database and is for the most part automated. Without a "clean" unlocked immobilizer RFID chip, their process will invariably fail due to not being able to write to it.

That makes sense. Just called Audi and wow, if you need to get a new key, it's not as simple as people may think. First you have to bring your car to Audi with proof that you own the vehicle. Audi then sends this info to Germany to have a new key made for your specific vehicle. Once the key comes in, you have to bring your car back again to program it.

[RAF_S7]

That makes sense. Just called Audi and wow, if you need to get a new key, it's not as simple as people may think. First you have to bring your car to Audi with proof that you own the vehicle. Audi then sends this info to Germany to have a new key made for your specific vehicle. Once the key comes in, you have to bring your car back again to program it.

Im not entirely sure this is true, unless you need to purchase a new key from the dealer (at a $$$ cost btw!)

Your coding the transponder code in the key to the car ECU, not programming the key with a car transponder code - if that makes sense. This is something the dealer has to do for you (unless your a car thief with the right bit of kit - but I digress)

If you have the original plastic key tag, with the key number shown, the dealer can order you a new blade cut to fit your car which you can then use with the 2nd user key fob. Im not sure you can have a new blade cut based on the plastic valet key (this is what the dealer whats your VIN for)

I have a friend who has done this with his C7 A6 previously.

I think you need to approach a friendlier dealer who doesn't want to over complicate the solution (i.e. Charge you an arm and a leg!)

[kamek89]

Im not entirely sure this is true, unless you need to purchase a new key from the dealer (at a $$$ cost btw!)

Your coding the transponder code in the key to the car ECU, not programming the key with a car transponder code - if that makes sense. This is something the dealer has to do for you (unless your a car thief with the right bit of kit - but I digress)

If you have the original plastic key tag, with the key number shown, the dealer can order you a new blade cut to fit your car which you can then use with the 2nd user key fob. Im not sure you can have a new blade cut based on the plastic valet key (this is what the dealer whats your VIN for)

I have a friend who has done this with his C7 A6 previously.

I think you need to approach a friendlier dealer who doesn't want to over complicate the solution (i.e. Charge you an arm and a leg!)

So now we have polarizing views on this subject. Anyone here ever go through this process and can confirm?

The dealer tried programming the keys I provided, but said it "kept kicking him out of the software since those keys are already registered to another VIN". He also said, as i previously mentioned, that "sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't", so I am dumbfounded at this point. Hopefully someone will chime in with something hopeful before I have to dish out the $250 for a new key (+$$ for programming)

[bonafyd]

That makes sense. Just called Audi and wow, if you need to get a new key, it's not as simple as people may think. First you have to bring your car to Audi with proof that you own the vehicle. Audi then sends this info to Germany to have a new key made for your specific vehicle. Once the key comes in, you have to bring your car back again to program it.

Bro this is basically what i was saying.. i had the same issue with my Lex,no dealer in the world will cut a key without a vin# and proof your the owner,the programming takes 2mins i've been down this road already in the past.

[RAF_S7]

Do this:

1. Purchase a key blank off eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Smart-Ke...hXPMYB&vxp=mtr

2. Take the blank plus your plastic valet key to a reputable locksmith and have him cut a new blade using the valet key as the guide.

3. Fit the new blade into your 2nd user key fob.

4. Follow this guide http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...i-flip-key-fob (You don't have a flip key, but follow the guide, using the new blade, and have the fob in your hand)

You now have a key (and fob) that will lock and unlock the car.

The issue you have now is to code the immobiliser to the key fob. This is the part the dealer is saying won't work. Take the key fob, and put the valet key on the same key ring. Problem solved, until you want to drop $$$ on the dealer for a new key, coded an all.

You could try and find an Indy Audi shop and ask them to code the immobiliser key for you. There are ways to do this outside of the dealer network. (Google it)

All the other thread comments re VIN and proof of ownership etc are true if you have NO KEYS. You have the valet key, so you have a starting point.