Plastic Spare Key

[alpesh26]

Is the plastic spare key (the little black one without the buttons) meant to start the car?

I tried mine the other day, but it only let me into the car but not start it. When I tried, the glow plug light started flashing, the car started then cut out immediately and the alarm went off. Does it need to be paired to the car?

 

[Triple.O.G]

I think its just a key to get you in the car, in case maybe you lock your keys in somehow? the key wont be coded to the ignition system and probably cant be.

all being said that is if your talking about the key i think you are, you have a pic?

 

[alpesh26]

I think its just a key to get you in the car, in case maybe you lock your keys in somehow? the key wont be coded to the ignition system and probably cant be.

all being said that is if your talking about the key i think you are, you have a pic?

Pretty sure its the one your talking about

 

[Triple.O.G]

Yeah dude I think that's right but what iv said above is just my opinion I'm not 100%, have you called Aufi to ask them?

Why have you had to use it anyway?

 

[alpesh26]

Yeah dude I think that's right but what iv said above is just my opinion I'm not 100%, have you called Aufi to ask them?

Why have you had to use it anyway?

I lost my keys , but I always keep the plastic key in my wallet so I gave that a go. Luckily, I found my keys again they were buried deep inside my bag!

I need to get some screen wash from Audi, so I'll ask them when I pop in. On that note...can anyone recommend any decent screen wash that doesn't freeze so easily? I've completely drained my washer bottle (god knows how long that water was in there for)

 

[Triple.O.G]

Yeah get the Audi stuff (its cheaper o ebay if you can find it), it smells really nice and is good stuff.

 

[alpesh26]

Cheers! I think i'm going to be breaking even if I buy it from eBay or Audi by the time i've paid for delivery etc... There is a bulk buy of 10 bottles going for £30ish on eBay though

 

[hades-]

that key wont start the car

 

[wattsy]

it should be coded to the car and should start it mine does.... audi will code it for you.

 

[Paul B7]

When I purchased my car (main dealer used approved Audi scheme) the dealer told me to throw the key away as they were know to break in the key barrel ensuring a hefty bill.
That said I have kept mine for completeness for when I sell the car on.

 

[alpesh26]

it should be coded to the car and should start it mine does.... audi will code it for you.

Hmm, I'll ask Audi when I pop in. If this is the case I'll get the key coded, never know when it may come in use.

It's definitely a flimsy key, I can understand it breaking in the barrel. The key barrel is never used so it's always stiff!

 

[rowdy_in_da_audi]

I've never bought an Audi brand new, so I'm not positive that what I'm about to say is correct!

But these type of Keys are sometimes called 'Valet' keys. They allow you to give someone access to the car (ie to valet it) but not allow them to drive the car away!
I think you'll probably find that the key doesn't contain a transponder to allow you to get it programmed, but the only way to find out is to ask a dealer, or maybe someone on here who works at one!
As I said before this maybe totally wrong!
All the best
Rowdy

 

[alpesh26]

I got this key coded by Audi a few weeks back and the plastic key does now start the car, had to put plenty of WD40 in the lock barrel as it was really tight to turn, didnt want it snapping in there!

Not sure how the key can lose its coding, the only thing I can think of is that I had to disconnect the battery to clear the plenum chamber as mine got blocked.

 

[roblane65]

the black plastic key is a valet key, it is not meant to start the car the opposite actually so if the car has to be left somewhere i.e for valeting they can open and lock the car but can't start or drive it.Also you can get in the car if you somehow manage to lock your keys in.Don't really know how it could be coded to the car as they have no transponder in and are availible on ebay fo a couple of quid.

 

[roblane65]

Oh btw if you have a costco near you sign up Holts screen wash 4ltr makes loads as high concentrate and smells nice and about £5.

 

[alpesh26]

the black plastic key is a valet key, it is not meant to start the car the opposite actually so if the car has to be left somewhere i.e for valeting they can open and lock the car but can't start or drive it.Also you can get in the car if you somehow manage to lock your keys in.Don't really know how it could be coded to the car as they have no transponder in and are availible on ebay fo a couple of quid.

oh right, i never let anyone clean my car (spent ages getting all the scratches out). I keep mine in my wallet just in case I lose my keys, but it definitely starts the car now

got some screenwash from lidl (£5 for 5l), smells alright and goes to -30 odd if you use it neat. god knows what the old one smelt of, I had to think twice before I used it!

 

[rowdyboy]

Did they just take the key when they coded it, or did they need your car aswell?? How much did they charge to code it?
Like the previous comment, I find it hard to believe it contains a transponder.

 

[alpesh26]

They needed the car as well as the key. They charged me £25 to have all te keys recoded. The blank valet keys on eBay say they have space for a transponder chip inside them, I guess one could fit in the top part of the key?

 

[hades-]

£25 to recode ALL keys ?

 

[rowdyboy]

As Bez says, £25???? Ask any of the lads who've had it done on here with their normal keys and it's around £100 ish. (if the customer provides their own blank)
They only need the key, not the car normally, that's why I asked that question, are you sure they've not taken taken the coding off the car, so it doesn't need a coded key. Is that why your plastic one now works???

 

[alpesh26]

As Bez says, £25???? Ask any of the lads who've had it done on here with their normal keys and it's around £100 ish. (if the customer provides their own blank)
They only need the key, not the car normally, that's why I asked that question, are you sure they've not taken taken the coding off the car, so it doesn't need a coded key. Is that why your plastic one now works???

Hmm, i'll have a word with my mate (he works for Audi)

 

[roblane65]

I'd definately be lookin to what they've done for £25.Audi's standard charge for coding a key appears to be around £41 + vat.What I have known to be done is if theres only one key and they want a spare and don't wanna pay audi £191 + is take the transponder from the original key and glue it inside the steering colum cowel by the lock ahey ! get a second hand key re bladed and cut away to go (not).
Then the next unsuspecting buyer thinks he's got two coded keys til someone nicks the car,because the immob is permenently off.

 

[alpesh26]

I'd definately be lookin to what they've done for £25.Audi's standard charge for coding a key appears to be around £41 + vat.What I have known to be done is if theres only one key and they want a spare and don't wanna pay audi £191 + is take the transponder from the original key and glue it inside the steering colum cowel by the lock ahey ! get a second hand key re bladed and cut away to go (not).
Then the next unsuspecting buyer thinks he's got two coded keys til someone nicks the car,because the immob is permenently off.

They better not have done this! Wouldn't this mean that the insurance is void because its a bit like having an alarm but not using it? I'll be checking the steering wheel cowling and keys tomorrow

 

[DarkShadow]

I'm pretty certain, they're only to open the doors?

I received two with one. I should get round to check them out!

 

[alpesh26]

I had a word with my mate who works for Audi and the plastic key definitely has a chip inside it. I also checked my keys and both were identical so I don't think any thing has been taken out.