Key recognition issue with 2012 A6

[wildcatstrat]

So I purchased a 2012 A6 a month ago, and the previous owner gave me the 3 original keys that came with the car new. My issue is that only one of the three keys works (i.e. unlocks/locks and allows me to start the car.) In the MMI it says that there's only one key programmed to the car. Is there a way to avoid taking this to the dealer to get the other two keys to work? I have confirmed that both of the other two keys will work to manually lock and unlock the car, but they are not recognized when I attempt to start the car or unlock it via a button press on the key fobs. Batteries are good as well. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[rickyisbell]

Maybe these instructions will help. I know it says A4, but maybe it will work for A6. Be sure to scroll down to the new keys section:

https://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Prog...016bc9fff77df1


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[wildcatstrat]

Thanks for the tip! I'm guessing that those instructions are for an earlier Gen Audi, as there isn't an actual ignition slot to put the key in my A6, only the drivers side door handle. It did not work in my case unfortunately. I have scoured all the forums and Googled this since I bought the car to no avail. I figured that the mmi only showing that there's one key programmed is an issue with trying to get others working.

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[Gunmeister]

Stupid question but do all the keys you have light up the little red light that blinks when you push a button on it? Just making sure the batteries are good? I'm sure you have. Just thought I'd mention it. Good luck.

2016 A6 TDI*|*Mugello Blue, Pearl EffectExterior | Alabastar White Interior | Audi Exclusive Line | Eucalyptus Natural Wood Decorative Inlays | Prestige Package | Comfort Seating Package | Driver Assistance Package | S Line Sport Package | 20" Black Optic Package | Cold Weather Package | 18% Ceramic Film Windows | 70% Ceramic Film Windshield | Thinkware F800 Pro Dash Cam | Audi All Weather Mats*|1 of 1 for 2016

[wildcatstrat]

Stupid question but do all the keys you have light up the little red light that blinks when you push a button on it? Just making sure the batteries are good? I'm sure you have. Just thought I'd mention it. Good luck.

2016 A6 TDI*|*Mugello Blue, Pearl EffectExterior | Alabastar White Interior | Audi Exclusive Line | Eucalyptus Natural Wood Decorative Inlays | Prestige Package | Comfort Seating Package | Driver Assistance Package | S Line Sport Package | 20" Black Optic Package | Cold Weather Package | 18% Ceramic Film Windows | 70% Ceramic Film Windshield | Thinkware F800 Pro Dash Cam | Audi All Weather Mats*|1 of 1 for 2016

Not a stupid question at all, but yes; the batteries are good. I have already replaced the main battery in the car also, as it was on its way out when I bought the car.

One thing that concerns me is that the other two keys don't even work when placed against the key symbol on the dash. They only function as physical mechanical keys to unlock the driver's side door. This leads me to believe that they are original to the car, but I'm puzzled as to why they aren't programmed to the cars electronics.

[jayb8]

So I purchased a 2012 A6 a month ago, and the previous owner gave me the 3 original keys that came with the car new. My issue is that only one of the three keys works (i.e. unlocks/locks and allows me to start the car.) In the MMI it says that there's only one key programmed to the car. Is there a way to avoid taking this to the dealer to get the other two keys to work? I have confirmed that both of the other two keys will work to manually lock and unlock the car, but they are not recognized when I attempt to start the car or unlock it via a button press on the key fobs. Batteries are good as well. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

As your mmi states, only 1 key is programmed, as possibly the prior owner had the car serviced and something was replaced in the car that required the keys to be reprogrammed, as he had only one with him(who drives around with all key set), they only reprogrammed one. The only way I know you can get the keys/car reprogrammed is at the dealer, as I don't believe indy shops have what's required to program keys, the good thing is you have the keys so won't have to buy new ones, just pay their labor as they reprogram them, should be about an hour. When I got my cpo only one key was with the car and programmed as the mmi said, the dealer had to get a second set, and I brought the car in for them to program both, now mmi reads 2 keys and both work.

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[wildcatstrat]

As your mmi states, only 1 key is programmed, as possibly the prior owner had the car serviced and something was replaced in the car that required the keys to be reprogrammed, as he had only one with him(who drives around with all key set), they only reprogrammed one. The only way I know you can get the keys/car reprogrammed is at the dealer, as I don't believe indy shops have what's required to program keys, the good thing is you have the keys so won't have to buy new ones, just pay their labor as they reprogram them, should be about an hour. When I got my cpo only one key was with the car and programmed as the mmi said, the dealer had to get a second set, and I brought the car in for them to program both, now mmi reads 2 keys and both work.

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That makes perfect sense to me. I was [I]hoping [I] that there was something that could be done to avoid a dealer visit, but I guess that is inevitable. Is there any chance that they're gonna give me a hard time about the Stage 1 APR Tune that's installed? I honestly just want them to program a key or two and be done with it. I discovered and fixed the issue that I was having with the Homelink transmitter (one of the three wires was broken,) so there aren't any other real issues with the car.

[davepjr71]

Someone can tell me of I'm wrong but IIRC you can program with Vag or OBDeleven through the green screen.

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[wildcatstrat]

That would be awesome if true. I picked up an odbeleven when I bought my new car battery to recode it. Has already paid for itself.

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