Trying to program additional/replacement FOB Remote on my Audi

[diegovas]

I bought my Audi A4 2008 used and the seller just gave me one key/FOB.
I obtained a second used FOB somewhere else, and had a blank key cut, so at least the physical part works: The key into the door unlocks the car, and the key into the ignition also starts the car (and immediately afterwards shuts down as expected, because of the unrecognized immobilizer chip).
As the second part of this process, and before I take it for the [expensive] dealer to attempt to program the immobilizer of the new key into the car's computer, I am trying to link the FOB Remote to my car (an Audi A4 2008) so that it locks and unlocks the doors using the procedure described here DIY: How to program your Audi flip key fob. but I have not not been able to make this part work, when pressing the unlock button on the remote does not seem to be recognized by the car.


So I went to confirm the info printed on both keys, the "new" one and the one that Works, they are almost identical:
"New":
06 575 600 22S
8e0 837 220 Q
433MHz

Mine:
06 575 600 23S
8e0 837 220 Q
433MHz

My two questions are:
1. Based on the above, do you think the new FOB would simply not work with my car, because its different? or may I be doing something wrong?
2. And even if the remote does not work because its just not the right one, do you think it would still be worth taking it to the dealer to attempt to program it into the immobilizer of the car? ($$$)

Thanks!

[Doctle Odd]

There's a transponder inside the key. You need the secret key code (SKC) from an Audi Main dealer. You also need a new transponder key and the services of a locksmith or someone with VCDS. Cheapest option go direct to a dealer!

[diegovas]

Thanks!
Yes, I am aware I cannot avoid going to the dealer to get the code and program the immobilizer chip, that's why I am trying the remote door lock/unlock first.
My question is, based on the scenario I am describing, do you think it would even work... i mean, is it worth even attempting to take they key to the dealer?

[Doctle Odd]

It depends on the year of the car some keys can't have the transponder replaced in that case you need a dealer, he has to connect the car to Audi as he doesn't have the SKC

[Col]

I'm no expert but as I understand it....

Immo 3 or newer (2002 on approx) transponders are write once so yours will not be able to be coded.
You can obtain just the glass transponder and fit it to the old key
You can obtain a cable and software that will retrieve the SKC and allow you to code the key.

I'm about to embark upon this little adventure myself, I've got a new key with virgin / uncoded transponder in it and have obtained the cable and software for grabbing the SKC, both for less than £50, which beats the locksmith price of £150+ and really beats the dealer price of £200+

I'm getting the blade cut at the weekend and will then have a go at coding it. I intend to use the cable and software I've not named but is widely available an very easily identified with a few google searches to get the SKC but then use VCDS to do the actual coding.

It could all go horribly wrong but I'm sure it will be a great laugh having a go!

[Doctle Odd]

With VCDS and the key code it's a doddle

[JamieG]

cable and software for grabbing the SKC, both for less than £50

Hi

Can you point me in the right direction for what you purchase as I need the same, I've already go the virgin Id48 immo chip and just need to go further


Cheers

[diegovas]

I'm no expert but as I understand it....
Immo 3 or newer (2002 on approx) transponders are write once so yours will not be able to be coded.
You can obtain just the glass transponder and fit it to the old key

Thanks, interesting info. I am also not an expert and it is clear you've done more research tan myself.
By glass transponder, do you mean the immobilizer chip? I was under the impression that it is the car that is programmed for the chip and not the other way around.
Also I thought that the immobilizer chip on the FOB is different and separate from the lock/unlock function via Remote... at this stage I am just trying to get the lock unlock working, and I am wondering if the procedure I am trying or if the remote I got are not the right ones for the car.

You can obtain a cable and software that will retrieve the SKC and allow you to code the key.

Yes, but again at this stage I think i'd rather do the immobilizer part at the dealer... but I really need to be sure I did my homework properly, specially the dealership are very... "sensitive" to people who come into their shop claiming they have a clue. For example, the guy that cut my key did not appreciate me not buying one of his, so he did not even want to sell me a key battery afterwards!

It could all go horribly wrong but I'm sure it will be a great laugh having a go!

Yeah, agreed! And good luck on the adventure! Hoping to read from your success son.

[Col]

Just a bit of feedback. My adventure was successful and I now have two fully working keys.

Total cost was about £60 which is considerably cheaper than the £150 a locksmith would have wanted and £200 the dealer would have wanted.

[JamieG]

Just a bit of feedback. My adventure was successful and I now have two fully working keys.

Total cost was about £60 which is considerably cheaper than the £150 a locksmith would have wanted and £200 the dealer would have wanted.

I'm in need of the same thing - can you advise what software and cable you purchased please