I've done my searches, got confused and learnt the following from experience.
This is for A3 [2007] owners who need a spare key. I believe it applies to A3s after 2004.
The various posts about putting one key in the ignition and turning the other key in the door are for pre 2004 A3s etc.
This is for the 3 button type with the metal ring clip that runs up one side.
The parts youâll need are
1. A brand new key from Audi or specialist auto locksmith
2. Around £180
Getting a key that matches the codes on your existing key still doesn't work even if you put a new transponder in it. All you get is a key that can be cut to match the lock, open the car turn the ignition lights on, but the car will start and then die. My experience is that Audi cannot code these third party keys. At least I got a good price for a new Audi key of £160.
Beware trying the following, which is what I did as it just wastes £40 and you may still be charged for failing to get it to start the car
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The following posted earlier today didn't work at the imobiliser stage
[SUB]1. [£20 eBay] New or used remote key fob [with all the internals] that matches the codes on your existing key e.g.
DE 8PO XXX XXX D
HELLA 434 MHZ
5FA XXX XXX â 11
H 2.2 / S 1.1 [not sure whether these last set need to match as they are not often listed, I got lucky]
2. [£10 eBay pre-cut] Blank HAA short type blade cut to the image of your existing key. This is held in place with a simple split pin that a small nail can be used to push out. Beware the longer type that are designed for older style flip fobs. You can either buy a blank and get it cut locally or buy it from an online service that uses a photo of your key to cut the key for you.
3. [£10 eBay] A âvirginâ transponder like a tiny glass capsule. It is important that this is not a used part as these can apparently only be coded to a vehicle once. This must be described as new and for an Audi A3 after 2004.
Preparing your key
You can either replace the old transponder yourself or get Audi / Auto electrician to do this (at a cost)
To do it yourself [5minutes]
-Take the battery cover off, one clip at the end, one on the side and one opposite in the key blade recess.
-There are 3 screws requiring a very small tool that I improvised by cutting down a small blade screwdriver. Take care as if you damage the heads, youâll have to drill them out and find replacements.
-As the top of the key comes off, beware the flip key spring doesnât fly away and get lost. Youâll be very lucky for this to retain its tension but no worries, itâs easy to see how to re-tension it and even better, to actually do it.
-Gently lever the circuit board from the key watching out for two lugs that need to be minutely trimmed to release the board and just as importantly to replace it.
-The transponder capsule is in a plastic clip and can be levered out and replaced with the new one. It is fiddly and Iâve read that sometimes these are glued in so a hairdryer may be need to soften the glue
-Re-assemble the key and now the final and costly step.
Registering your key
The prepared key has to be registered with the A3. This requires a special code that has to be read from the car, which needs VAG COM and some 'special' software. I've left this part to Audi as there are limited Auto locksmiths with the kit required (most are in the Home Counties). Audi are charging me £57 for this service, which includes deregistering any key that the car knew about but I didnât have.
All in the costs came to just under £100, compared to the £200 Audi wanted to do the whole thing [and that was a cheap quote]. For some, the total cost is important, for others, the extra £100 would be worth the peace of mind and warranty. If youâre in the catchment area for a suitably equipped auto electrician this costs around £150-£175 all in.[/SUB]
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There are risks with getting the parts online in that you donât know until you go to register it, whether the key fob works, the key has been cut correctly or the transponder is actually new.
It didn't work for me so that's £40 wasted but got a deal on a genuine key from Audi inc registration of £160. If they'd been prepared to do this earlier and not quoted £200 I would have go to Audi in the first place.
