lost key and no spare...advise please!!

L

LEW1S.W

Registered User
Joined
Aug 16, 2011
Messages
50
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
NULL
Hi I have a 2004 a3tdi which came with the 3 button flip remote key fob. I only ever had one key for it since i bought the car and now disaster i have lost my key. Done some searching on google and seems to be that audi or independent key specialists can replace the key and reprogram again. Before i go phoning around in the morning i would just like to ask something.
It says on the websies that they can open the car and program a new key but cant seem to see anything about how they are going to cut the actual key so that it fits my existing locks/ignition bearing in mind that i dont have a spare.

can anyone with any knowledge on this please explain and meanwhile i will pray that im not going to have to replace locks/barrel as well as the key!!!

thanks
 
you can get the key cut from the VIN
 
well thats a bit of relief thanks. anyone know if these mobile locksmiths are any good or am i better going to audi?
 
LEW1S.W said:
well thats a bit of relief thanks. anyone know if these mobile locksmiths are any good or am i better going to audi?
Click to expand...

In my experience with keys, your better off biting the bullet and going straight to Audi... I tried going the E-bay route with a Golf Mk4 a few years ago and in the end it cost me more in the long run as the key I bought couldn't be coded to the car and so I had to buy a new one anyway.

Also if you have lost your key, you will need Audi to get the info for a new one.
 
As far as I know, you will have to buy both the new key and have a fob registered with your car if you want it to start..Lol.
 
mike foster said:
You will need proof of identity and proof of ownership when you go to Audi.
Click to expand...
Proof of ownership might be a problem as docs are in the car!! Do u know how long it takes them to make you a new key?
 
LEW1S.W said:
Proof of ownership might be a problem as docs are in the car!! Do u know how long it takes them to make you a new key?
Click to expand...

Surely you can't be serious ? Do you mean you have left the V5 document in the car ? For future reference please don't do that, only keep insurance certificate and MOT at the most.

You will need to prove you are the registered keeper of the vehicle to DVLA to get a replacement. Unless you can find a local office to do the paperwork you will have to send off to Swansea and you will probably have to wait a week or so for the replacement.

It takes about 3 days for Audi to get a new key made ( after the necessary proof) because they need to get the immobiliser code from Germany before they can then program it to the car.

The other problem you may have is that, although you say you have 'lost' the key, they might consider that it has been stolen. In that case you will need all the locks and immobiliser changed so that the car cannot be stolen by someone using the 'lost' key.

Too many A3's being stolen at the moment for insurance companies to ignore the possibility of fraud.

I think you need to inform your insurance company because a key will be 'at large' if you get a replacement.
 
LEW1S.W said:
Proof of ownership might be a problem as docs are in the car!! Do u know how long it takes them to make you a new key?
Click to expand...

As Mike Foster says, you'll need the docs as proof. Stupid leaving them in the car!

Sounds like you will need Auto Glass to be calling too!!
 
But what happens when you get pulled over? How will you prove ownership?
 
Looks like this could be a nightmare, will phone mobile locksmiths in the morning first then as they will at least be able to open the car if not cut a new key too
 
LEW1S.W said:
Looks like this could be a nightmare, will phone mobile locksmiths in the morning first then as they will at least be able to open the car if not cut a new key too
Click to expand...

The AA will get into the car for you but the alarm will go off and they will not be able to start it. The car cannot be moved (under it's own steam ) without the immobiliser chip to match the chip in the instrument panel.

No-one except Audi will be able to cut a new key without an original.

Surely you must have an idea where you lost it, or could it have been stolen ?
 
Can I just add, had this recently, as stated no keys other than ones you order from Audi will work 100% a locksmith will get in and be able to code a new key to open the car but no one other than Audi can get the immobiliser code to start the car. New key from a dealer will cost circa 200 quid and you will need v5, drivers licence and proof of address. They will fax Audi and under a week later you will get your new key.. That's how it worked for me.. Sorry mate not easy get 2 done while your at it or take out key insurance...
 
JamesO said:
Can I just add, had this recently, as stated no keys other than ones you order from Audi will work 100% a locksmith will get in and be able to code a new key to open the car but no one other than Audi can get the immobiliser code to start the car. New key from a dealer will cost circa 200 quid and you will need v5, drivers licence and proof of address. They will fax Audi and under a week later you will get your new key.. That's how it worked for me.. Sorry mate not easy get 2 done while your at it or take out key insurance...
Click to expand...

wrong theres quite a few places that can get the code
not only audi the code is in the clocks
shark can do them for 1
i had a mobil locksmith out in blackpool 3 hours and key was cut open and coded at 7PM
£350
 
Snipe said:
But what happens when you get pulled over? How will you prove ownership?
Click to expand...

The Police national computer will tell the police/vosa who the registered keeper is so no need to carry the V5. The police would only normally request a V5 if they suspect that the car is stolen (you are not insured to car or linked to the registered keeper in anyway).
The V5 only shows registered keeper anyway, not the legal owner (can be different).

As others have said, having the V5 in the car is quite silly and could lead to troubles of proving ownership if someone steals the car and registers it in their name
 
bez101 said:
wrong theres quite a few places that can get the code
not only audi the code is in the clocks
shark can do them for 1
i had a mobil locksmith out in blackpool 3 hours and key was cut open and coded at 7PM
£350
Click to expand...

Hmmm not what I was told but I'm sure some tech heads might know more..
 
bez101 said:
wrong theres quite a few places that can get the code
not only audi the code is in the clocks
shark can do them for 1
i had a mobil locksmith out in blackpool 3 hours and key was cut open and coded at 7PM
£350
Click to expand...

Yes that is true but I think you'll find they need to be in the car to do it. I know someone who did another key for me but I had the old one so he could cut the blank. Also depends on the age of the car.
 
yeah they need to be in the car
but thats what there there for and with a wedge and a few other bits and bobs there quite easy to get into.
 
bez101 said:
yeah they need to be in the car
but thats what there there for and with a wedge and a few other bits and bobs there quite easy to get into.
Click to expand...

Easy to get into and easy to code to open but on the newer cars immobiliser is not poss unless you have the code from Germany, dealers can't even code the car to start anymore
 
JamesO said:
Easy to get into and easy to code to open but on the newer cars immobiliser is not poss unless you have the code from Germany, dealers can't even code the car to start anymore
Click to expand...

Yeah - I know what you are saying James but in this case we are talking 2004. Even so, you need specialist equipment to do it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: hades-
JamesO said:
Easy to get into and easy to code to open but on the newer cars immobiliser is not poss unless you have the code from Germany, dealers can't even code the car to start anymore
Click to expand...

but the car in question is a 2004 that can be done that way
and im answering on his car not a 2012.

But on out 2011 B8 we have got the SKC code from when we changed the clocks
 
Ooookkkk 😉 guys.. Keep us posted on this one. I'm saying it can't be done.. Shark maybe with their equipment but locksmith noooo waaaaaayyy been there and without success.. Ps mines a 2005 ..
 
Does this fella actually own the car???
He could be a scammer looking at way to steal a car without keys. We do not know him from 'Adam'!
Sorry fella but it's a possibility.. P
 
audi upgrades
Haha i do actually own the car, thanks for all the answers will make some phone calls in the morning and update for anyone interested.
 
Look on the brightside, if you'd have bought a BMW from 2006-11 then a fresh key can be made in a blink of an eye.

Anyone see watchdog? people wondering where their M3's have gone in the night?!
 
  • Like
Reactions: OVRA3
ok guys got my car fixed already. Phoned this place this morning car key replacements and car fob replacements the guy came to me, got a standard non remote key and an audi remote flip out key exactly like my original. cost £210 and took under an hour. No need to contact audi or get codes from germany etc. The guy used a small device to pick the lock to open the car, then worked out the key pattern using another small device a little like tweezers on the ignition barrel, wrote down some numbers an then cut the key, he then sat inside the car with some other equipment and coded the new keys which also disables the code for the original keys. He didnt need the vin number to do any of this.
Just goes to show all these rumours about only audi can do it and codes from germany etc are not true, although obviously dealers would want us to believe this as it makes them money..
 
LEW1S.W said:
ok guys got my car fixed already. Phoned this place this morning car key replacements and car fob replacements the guy came to me, got a standard non remote key and an audi remote flip out key exactly like my original. cost £210 and took under an hour. No need to contact audi or get codes from germany etc. The guy used a small device to pick the lock to open the car, then worked out the key pattern using another small device a little like tweezers on the ignition barrel, wrote down some numbers an then cut the key, he then sat inside the car with some other equipment and coded the new keys which also disables the code for the original keys. He didnt need the vin number to do any of this.
Just goes to show all these rumours about only audi can do it and codes from germany etc are not true, although obviously dealers would want us to believe this as it makes them money..
Click to expand...

Nice one !

Glad you got it sorted so quickly.

Obviously, because your guy got it done so easily, that is why Audi have considerably tightened up the security systems on more recent cars.

You didn't by any chance ask him if he can do it on the current model did you ?
 
Thanks, didnt ask about newer models, he did say that mine was alot easier as it was diesel, for some reason the petrol models are more problematic, but didnt say why. I asked him does he not get alot of dodgy people trying to use him to steal cars and he said yes it does happen, u just have to judge the situation, so a chav with a tracksuit on thats supposedly lost the keys to his m3 aint gonna get it opened!!
 
Glad you got sorted was just looking to see where your from as My mate is an Auto locksmith, was going to pm you his no but your sorted now :yes:
 
DrumChapel, perhaps not the best place for a business to run out off..
 
Drumchapel is not to far from were I stay and bits of it are ok and bits are not so ok but it's like any areas. Most get a bad reputation because the people that stay there.
 
Hi DSport, im looking for a spare key fob for my car as it only came with one, when purchased... A4 B5 Avant 2.5 tdi x reg, and like O/P Id be well and truly screwed if i lose it ,or it fails me, is your mate good at what he does, and any idea of cost involved ?

Cheers in advance , Steve....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

BennyB0Y
Spare Key and Re-synchronising?
Replies
7
Views
1K
BennyB0Y
BennyB0Y
H
Spare Key
Replies
7
Views
1K
@udi A3
@udi A3
D
spare key
Replies
16
Views
1K
Gooders
Gooders
tdi-man
spare key
Replies
6
Views
909
tdi-man
tdi-man
M
Spare key....
Replies
5
Views
2K
matbomb
M
Top
Back