Keys

[blakjak]

Hey everyone, I just purchased a 2000 A4 as a project. Previous owner lost the keys. Audi wants more for keys and programming then I paid for the car lol. My question is would I beabe to get a used set of key fobs and get new key blades laser cut and then be able to program them to my car? Or what's a better route aside from the stealership? Thanks in advance.

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[Blazius]

You need a Hu66 blade , need to get it cut but that might be an issue unless you have original "cut-code" or an original key. Second is to get an used ignition barrel with key and immo off the computer but not all 2000 us me7 ecus have got immo.

[walky_talky20]

There are a few options to keep this cheap. Some of the options require an affordable locksmith who can cut sidewinder (VW/Audi) keys. So you might want to check into that first, before deciding on a particular option. Note that your car is fairly "special" as it is one of *very few* VW/Audi vehicles that uses a sidewinder key but *DOES NOT* require any immobilizer programming. When you inquire about pricing, make sure the locksmith is quoting you just copying of metal keys. No electronic programming whatsoever.

Option 1: Dealer key. Ebay remote. No locksmith needed.
Buy a switchblade remote key "head only" from the dealer, pre-cut to your VIN. No programming. This should be about $85. While uncomfortable to use, this will unlock and start the vehicle, no problem. Then buy a used remote on ebay. Make sure it's not a European one as those use a different frequency. Must be North America. You can check the part number and/or FCC ID for this. These numbers are printed on the remote housing. If you want 2 remotes, like a baller, then buy double of all the things. Two $85 keys and Two ebay remotes. You program the remotes (keyless entry) yourself, using skills and luck. VCDS is not required on the B5.

Option 2: 1 Dealer Key (head only). 2 Ebay remotes. Locksmith cuts the 2nd one.
Buy 1 switchblade remote key "head only" from the dealer ($85), cut to your VIN. Then get 2 ebay remotes, again be careful to get North American remotes. Take all your stuff to your local locksmith and have him match the 2nd one for you. He should have blanks for the remote, but if he doesn't - well...you should have got some on ebay.

Optional: Awesome Compact All-Metal key Conversion:
Tired of bulky remotes? Wish your keys actually fit in your pocket? Here you go: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...Check-this-out

[Cybersombosis]

Haha. Walky. There is a third option with only one key fob but it requires you knowing someone with a B5 and two keys. Take your module out of your car and install it in B5 #2. Go through the programming sequence with the two keys from Car #2. When it calls for pressing a button on a remote, press the single key from Car #1 and voila, the fob is programmed. Now put the module back in Car #1 and end enjoy keyless entry.

For a spare and/or valet key, there are some vendors on AliExpress who will cut a key using a picture of your key. I had my spares cut from a picture I provided my brother in law who is a CNC machinist and he milled them for me.

Doug

[walky_talky20]

This is true. I would also recommend having 2 keys for your car as that is just a wise and responsible thing to do, regardless of getting remotes to work.

You could even *technically* program your single key / single remote without employing a 2nd B5. You just use your actual key in the ignition, and then fake the door lock switch movements right at the central lock module connector in the trunk. While this is possible, it's just better to get yourself a 2nd key. If your locksmith has standard flat blanks, and your locksmith is awesome, it can be as cheap as $10 (results not typical, your mileage may vary).

[blakjak]

This is true. I would also recommend having 2 keys for your car as that is just a wise and responsible thing to do, regardless of getting remotes to work.

You could even *technically* program your single key / single remote without employing a 2nd B5. You just use your actual key in the ignition, and then fake the door lock switch movements right at the central lock module connector in the trunk. While this is possible, it's just better to get yourself a 2nd key. If your locksmith has standard flat blanks, and your locksmith is awesome, it can be as cheap as $10 (results not typical, your mileage may vary).

Thanks for the responses, I spoke with a local auto locksmith that does laser cutting and I was quoted $170 for a key, fob, cutting and programming, plus he would come right to me to do it. Dealer quote was $662, plus taxes and a $400 programming fee and I'd have to bring the car there.

I was thinking of just doing the one key/fob for $170 and then get another blade cut and eBay remote and program that myself after.

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[walky_talky20]

A - You do NOT need to bring the car to Audi. They can cut you a key from the VIN as long as you prove ownership. Retail is about $85 for this.
B - There is NO programming required *at all* on a North American (USA/Canada) market B5 to make the car unlock, start and run.
C - There is a procedure to "sync" or "learn" the keyless entry remote, but that does NOT (and actually *cannot*) require any tools at all, and is super easy to do yourself.
D - These are not "laser cut". They are cut by a metal tool.

The information you need to find out in order to make the decision that is the least cost:
- Get a price from Audi dealer for 1 fip key "head only*, cut to your VIN. No remote. No programming.
- Get a price from your locksmith to come to your house and decode and cut 1 flip key, *head only*. No remote. No programming. If he harps about programming, tell him you "literally just want a key that will unlock the door and let me turn the steering wheel."
- Get a price from your locksmith to copy a provided Audi key onto another key of your choice (flip key "head only", standard flat key, a flip key blank that you provide, etc). Just a price for a physical copy job. No touchy the car. No remote. No programming.

This would be my plan:
- The price for the locksmith to come to your car and decode the lock and make a key on-site will likely be over $100. So the cheapest route to start with will be to obtain the $85 key from the dealer. Finish that key with an ebay remote. Done.
- For your second key, the cheapest price will probably be a copy made by your locksmith. At my locksmith it is $10-$15 for a simple all-metal copy. Remember, the 2nd key doesn't have to be a flip/remote key. Can just be a regular old key.
- You need 2 keys in order to program the keyless entry remote, and it's just good sense to have 2 anyway.

When asking about Audi key copying for non-immobilizer cars, my trick is to ask about copying a key for "1998 VW Jetta". This is basically the oldest, cheapest VW/Audi that uses sidewinder keys and doesn't have an immobilzer either. Sometimes you just say the work "Audi" and the price goes up. lol

[blakjak]

Thanks! I will try this!

A - You do NOT need to bring the car to Audi. They can cut you a key from the VIN as long as you prove ownership. Retail is about $85 for this.
B - There is NO programming required *at all* on a North American (USA/Canada) market B5 to make the car unlock, start and run.
C - There is a procedure to "sync" or "learn" the keyless entry remote, but that does NOT (and actually *cannot*) require any tools at all, and is super easy to do yourself.
D - These are not "laser cut". They are cut by a metal tool.

The information you need to find out in order to make the decision that is the least cost:
- Get a price from Audi dealer for 1 fip key "head only*, cut to your VIN. No remote. No programming.
- Get a price from your locksmith to come to your house and decode and cut 1 flip key, *head only*. No remote. No programming. If he harps about programming, tell him you "literally just want a key that will unlock the door and let me turn the steering wheel."
- Get a price from your locksmith to copy a provided Audi key onto another key of your choice (flip key "head only", standard flat key, a flip key blank that you provide, etc). Just a price for a physical copy job. No touchy the car. No remote. No programming.

This would be my plan:
- The price for the locksmith to come to your car and decode the lock and make a key on-site will likely be over $100. So the cheapest route to start with will be to obtain the $85 key from the dealer. Finish that key with an ebay remote. Done.
- For your second key, the cheapest price will probably be a copy made by your locksmith. At my locksmith it is $10-$15 for a simple all-metal copy. Remember, the 2nd key doesn't have to be a flip/remote key. Can just be a regular old key.
- You need 2 keys in order to program the keyless entry remote, and it's just good sense to have 2 anyway.

When asking about Audi key copying for non-immobilizer cars, my trick is to ask about copying a key for "1998 VW Jetta". This is basically the oldest, cheapest VW/Audi that uses sidewinder keys and doesn't have an immobilzer either. Sometimes you just say the work "Audi" and the price goes up. lol

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