HELP - 2 x Broken Key Blades - Glasgow Area

[Bonnie_Bling]

Hi All,

First time posting on here, hope you can help and apologies if something similar has already been posted!

I have an Audi A3 sportback late 2012 series.

My partner and I had just started our Scottish Highlands road trip last week, when we stopped the car just past Loch Lomand. When I went to start the car the key snapped in the ignition - nightmare! The blade has made a clean break from the fob, both sections still in working order. I now have to turn the blade with a pair of pliers in the ignition and hold the fob against the blade/pliers to start the car.

One month prior to this our now broken key was running low on battery, so I used the SPARE key for the very FIRST time (completely new key that's never been used before) and the SAME THING HAPPENED! The top of the blade snapped clean from the fob.

Now I am left with 2x broken blades and 2x perfectly working fobs.

I phoned Audio who have suggested that I bring it in for a diagnostic to see if the fault lies with the keys or the car ignition as 2x keys shouldn't be breaking, let alone one and both in the same place. Audi quoted the following:

- Diagnostic to see what the problem is £60.00

- If the car needs repaired then they want to charge me £309.00 for a service

- 2 x Replacement keys £460.00

*Our 3 year warranty ran out December 2015

I do not have this amount of money spare and they will only consider a gesture of good will if we've had a service from Audi - the answer to that is no!

I'm not really sure what to do now - any advice? Do you think Audi are taking the p*ss with saying there's a problem in the car causing the breaks, can this happen and is there an alternative to getting keys cut rather than going to Audi?

HELP!!??

Thanks

 

[LEE69]

If you can get the blade out of the ignition new can be cut from a photo, or you could send him one of them in the post. Message https://www.facebook.com/craig.nettleton.9?fref=ts

 

[LEE69]

The blades are only held in with a roll pin so easily changed

 

[Baka]

I'd ring a few auto locksmiths and explain your situation. See what they would suggest. They or a decent indie should be able to tell you easily enough if there's a fault with the lock or whether you just had 2 bad/weak keys.

 

[Bonnie_Bling]

If you can get the blade out of the ignition new can be cut from a photo, or you could send him one of them in the post. Message https://www.facebook.com/craig.nettleton.9?fref=ts

Yeah I can get the key out of the ignition no problem with the pliers. If I can get 2 x new blades cut and installed in the old fobs then that would be ideal!

 

[RAF_S7]

If you have the original key number - or someone can get access to it (its on the long plastic piece that comes with a set of new keys) you should be able to get keys cut. An alternative may be for Audi to cut you a key if you give them the VIN number (and can prove ownership)

 

[SootySport]

Yeah I can get the key out of the ignition no problem with the pliers. If I can get 2 x new blades cut and installed in the old fobs then that would be ideal!

You can do that, just find a local Merc, Audi, Porsche remote key specialist. There are loads around now.

 

[pablo]

you can pop the fobs apart yourself and swap the blades its dead easy

 

[Chris-P]

Timpson can do it if you've got one local to you
https://www.timpson.co.uk/services/car-keys

 

[NHN]

As above, simplest thing is to get 2 new blades & have most decent auto locksmiths cut them for you.

I do find it strange 2 blades snapped, never happened to me ever, so maybe the blades were already cheap metal replacements, who knows.

 

[Bonnie_Bling]

As above, simplest thing is to get 2 new blades & have most decent auto locksmiths cut them for you.

I do find it strange 2 blades snapped, never happened to me ever, so maybe the blades were already cheap metal replacements, who knows.

Thanks! Do you think the auto smith can reinstall them into the original fobs or is that something i'm going to have to do myself?

 

[Bazzle]

One way to find out.
But yes its not rocket science for them.

 

[pablo]

Id also find out if the ignition barrel is maybe a little sticky meaning you are using more force than usual to turn the key.

 

[scotty dugg]

The blade on my only key was loose, so in the end I bought a replacement off of ebay, the seller asked for the code that's under the blade (when it's folded away). Key came with the correct blade already cut. Switched it into my genuine fob and all works fine.

It was dirt cheap as well.

Something like this, but make sure you pick the correct one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REPLACEME...I-A3-A4-A6-A8-TT-REMOTE-KEY-FOB-/390428529615

I can dig out the details of the actual place I used if you can't find it.

 

[audismart]

I have a key code tag in all my bumf that came with the car.

 

[Bonnie_Bling]

The blade on my only key was loose, so in the end I bought a replacement off of ebay, the seller asked for the code that's under the blade (when it's folded away). Key came with the correct blade already cut. Switched it into my genuine fob and all works fine.

It was dirt cheap as well.

Something like this, but make sure you pick the correct one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REPLACEME...I-A3-A4-A6-A8-TT-REMOTE-KEY-FOB-/390428529615

I can dig out the details of the actual place I used if you can't find it.

I typed the numbers into Ebay and it came up with similar listings to this one. Are the numbers on the side of the fob coordinates to the cut of the blade? If I was to order this key and re-pin it to my old fob, should it in theory work?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-A...192430?hash=item3ac28e0cae:g:oToAAOSwYmZXI2OS

 

[scotty dugg]

I typed the numbers into Ebay and it came up with similar listings to this one. Are the numbers on the side of the fob coordinates to the cut of the blade? If I was to order this key and re-pin it to my old fob, should it in theory work?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-A...192430?hash=item3ac28e0cae:g:oToAAOSwYmZXI2OS

Pretty much exactly what I did, switch the new blade in as a replacement and have had no issues. Hopefully saves you a few pennies.

 

[audismart]

I typed the numbers into Ebay and it came up with similar listings to this one. Are the numbers on the side of the fob coordinates to the cut of the blade? If I was to order this key and re-pin it to my old fob, should it in theory work?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-A...192430?hash=item3ac28e0cae:g:oToAAOSwYmZXI2OS

And thats why its so easy to steel cars.

 

[pablo]

I can't see how a used key from a random car would help you steal another car?

 

[LEE69]

The transponder in the key needs to be paired with the car too, not just a key blade that fits and works.

 

[pablo]

You can swap them over but it's tricky and if you break it its a real pain.

 

[LEE69]

Yes you can, acetone works well

 

[audismart]

I can't see how a used key from a random car would help you steal another car?

Think about who you take your car to, kwik fit, auto winscreens, local mechanic, mot station, They take your key, they have your address, they pass on the key code and address to someone and they have the kit to bypass your transponder chip via your obd port, its just too easy.
You shouldn't be able to just go on ebay with a code and get a key cut, but you can, its laughable.

 

[Bonnie_Bling]

Can I not buy a key thats code matches my key fob from ebay then switch the blade from that key on to my old fob?

Both fobs/chips work fine, I just need new replacement blades?

 

[Bonnie_Bling]

The transponder in the key needs to be paired with the car too, not just a key blade that fits and works.

Both of my fobs still work I just need a replacement blade for both of them.

 

[LEE69]

Yes blades can be swapped easily, by a roll pin.