Audi Key Fob and Car Key Programming

How Audi car keys and key fobs are programmed, by model year, what you can sometimes do yourself, and when a mobile automotive locksmith is the faster, safer choice. Dealerkeys programs Audi keys on site across East Tennessee.

Audi key programming by model year

Audi uses a different key system for older and newer vehicles. Find your vehicle below.

Audi 1998–2005

Locksmith required Models: A4, A6, A8, TT

Method: Manual Door / Ignition Sync

  1. Insert working key into ignition and turn ON.
  2. Lock vehicle from driver's door manually using a second key.
  3. Press LOCK button on remote once, wait 1 second, press LOCK again.
  4. Open driver door, remove key, test remote.

Note: For central locking remote sync only. Immobilizer transponder requires VAG-COM / OBD2 diagnostic tool.

Audi 2006 and newer

Locksmith required Models: A3, A4, Q5, Q7, A7, R8

Method: OBD2 / VAG Diagnostic Required

Requires VAG-specific programmers (AVDI, CGDI, Autel) or dealer ODIS online connection to program BCM2 / MQB smart keys and fobs.

Note: Pre-coding required for factory-locked transponder chips.

This guide is general information. Procedures vary by model, trim and equipment, and a wrong attempt can leave a vehicle unable to accept new keys. Call or text with the year, make and model, and we will tell you what yours needs.

Can you program a Audi key fob yourself?

The Audi systems above need a diagnostic programming tool and, in many cases, a security code. That is not something you can do with a key and a few ignition cycles, which is why a locksmith with the right equipment is the practical route.

Lost all your Audi keys?

Dealerkeys is a mobile automotive locksmith with more than 26 years of experience and over 150,000 vehicles serviced across East Tennessee. For an all-keys-lost Audi, we pick the lock if needed, make a new key, and program it at your vehicle. We quote the price first, and we make a key only after you show ID and proof of ownership. See our dead key fob guide if the car just will not start with your fob, or mail-in module repair for BCM, ECU and TIPM trouble.

What to have ready when you call

The year, make and model of the vehicle, the VIN if you can read it through the windshield, and where the vehicle is parked. Tell us how many keys you have left, if any, and what kind of key you want. Plan to be with the vehicle, with your ID and registration, title or other proof of ownership.

Audi key questions

Can I program a Audi key fob myself?

The Audi systems above need a diagnostic programming tool and, in many cases, a security code. That is not something you can do with a key and a few ignition cycles, which is why a locksmith with the right equipment is the practical route.

What if I lost all my Audi keys?

We come to you, open the vehicle if it is locked, make a new key for your Audi and program it on site, so there is no tow to a dealer. You need to be with the vehicle, with ID and proof of ownership.

How much does a Audi key replacement cost?

It depends on the model, the year and the type of key. Call or text with the year, make and model, and we quote the price before any work begins.

Audi locksmith service across East Tennessee

We dispatch to your vehicle in these areas and the towns around them:

Call or text Dealerkeys

Dispatch — Knoxville area
(865) 405-5359
Dispatch — Chattanooga area
(423) 250-5397

Programming guides for other makes

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