Fix an Audi flip key remote that won't work after replacing the battery.

We have now replaced the batteries in a number of Audi flip key remote controls, and they are particularly susceptible to losing touch with their car. So this is how to fix an Audi flip key remote that won't work after replacing the battery.
So, if you have replaced the battery in the fob and the buttons no longer work, this is what to do to reacquaint the key fob with the vehicle.
Models covered include the A3, A4, S4, and Q3.
For help with other push button start cars and key fobs from this or other manufacturers, look for more videos here on KZbin or go to DashboardSymbols.com.
And if we helped and you see the "Thanks" button below the video, please lend your support to our efforts.
#KeyFob #DeadKeySolutions #Audi #keylessentry #pushbutton
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

[@SMarkGee]

Perfect, thank you. This works for 2017 Audi A4. One thing to watch out for: if your other set of keys is present you will get the message "hold back of key against marked area". Just ignore that. Take the keys that are working well away from the car and then try again following the video instructions with the keys that don't work.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Great tip thanks. Pinned it. And glad to help...

[@denisgiroux871]

Worked on my wife's 2018 Q5. For years her second fob didn't work. She's happy which makes me happy. Thank you!

[@DashboardSymbols]

That's the right formula, yes? Glad to help...

[@ChristopherBriscoe]

WOW. GENIUS! Many thanks. My spare key hasn’t worked for years! You fixed it!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@eckolancer]

Thanks this worked perfectly.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help! Can I copy your comment to my website (have to ask by law!)??

[@palms674]

Just brought a4 estate got it home realised my car had same problem as the garage said they changed the car batt I did exactly as you said and now it has reset the key can lock and unlock from fob thank you saved me a fortune asking a garage to do it

[@DashboardSymbols]

Man, that is so often the plan! Glad to help...

[@thenvutube]

Thank you so much for this video. Your fix worked perfectly. Saved me $100 I would have had to pay the Audi dealership.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Love saving people money. You're welcome...

[@thepub245]

The four hoopsmen of the apocalypse certainly know how to charge!

[@mnaz8726]

Excellent, Thank you. I had same problem and after watching the video it's got sorted and working. 😊 Weldone mate ❤

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@quarkymatter]

It worked, thank you! Almost tore my fob apart but thankfully watched your video first

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@MikeHedges1993]

THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@Canongang]

My car 2016 sportwagen push start unlocks with key but it won’t start the car it won’t recognize it. So I’m the manual it says push unlock then manually unlock with the key then done. It didn’t work I tried wverything

[@DashboardSymbols]

Will the car start using the back up start mark??

[@Johndoe16003]

Thanks bruh

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...

[@cherylherman7027]

This worked perfectly. Thank you.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@blogtwot]

Wish I had come here weeks ago to save all the pissing around. Thank you so much.

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...

[@keilacasari2192]

Fantastic, straight forward, no lots of conversation and nothing of helping advices, sorted my problem. Thanks a lot.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Thanks and glad to help...

[@segakidd1549]

Brilliant it worked for me, thanks!!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Good. Glad to help...

[@charlesanvas765]

Thank you sir

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@jakebr6042]

Thank u very helpful

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@leemonk8105]

This worked on my Audi a4 s line 06 plate Thank you

[@DashboardSymbols]

Good. Glad to help...

[@nexus5x521]

Worked for A4 B7, 2006. Thanks!

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...

[@adamshaw1032]

Fantastic. It worked first time thanks a lot

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@davinci_47]

Helpful thx you 🙏

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...

[@chris6085]

My car came with a key with not battery so I just replaced it and tried all the methods of putting it in the ignition holding the unlock button, the door thing you guys said, etc and nothing works. The remote does have life as the red lifhts comes on when I press a button. Do I just have to replace it?

[@DashboardSymbols]

Try a locksmith who specializes in cars first. Seems like you were simply given a fob that never worked...

[@eduardoarmendarizleal5987]

It worked! Thanks

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...

[@infalliblerocks]

Brilliant thanks this worked for my Audi TT. Excellent video. :)

[@DashboardSymbols]

Excellent...

[@sophia-so3tp]

Thank You!

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...

[@ShrichandraYadav]

Awesome, it worked.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to hear it...

[@cy5168]

so, 1. press the unlock button of the fob, 2. then insert the key to the door lock, and 3. then use the key to unlock the door once? Is the 3rd step correct? Thanks!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Both lock AND unlock. Shud do the trick...

[@tempusaduro6575]

Starting the car in my 2019 A5 also appears to have reprogrammed the fob after a battery replacement.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Quite possible...

[@leftRight_]

My fob had its battery changed. But also my key fob can unlock and lock the car. The issue is my Audi A3 car says safe mode. I can rev the engine for 1 second then it shuts off and immobilises. I am trying every solution in the book but none seem to work. Do you have experience with the safe mode issue?

[@DashboardSymbols]

I do not, but a quick KZbin search turned up this. Your start battery may be dead, or dead enough to not start. Watch this guy ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaXEfGOMq5JgjdU

[@trigvictory2932]

Hi. My Audi q3 requires CR2032 battery. I used 2025 as online says they can be used interchangeably. The buttons worked for a few seconds and now the red light doesn’t flash at all on the key. I’ve been unlocking my car by using the manual lock on the drivers door. My question is, do I have to purchase a CR2032 battery which was already in the key before I replaced it?

[@trigvictory2932]

I also want to add that when I open my key up, the fob flashes red when I press the buttons. As soon as I close my car key, the buttons stop working. Could this be related to having 2025 rather than 2032 ?

[@DashboardSymbols]

The batteries CAN at times work interchangeably, but the 25 is thinner, so may lose contact at times and honestly delivers less energy anyway. Also, I suspect the 25 was already "hanging around" and may have lost strength. The batteries aren't expensive -- get a new 32!!

[@trigvictory2932]

@@DashboardSymbols thank you. Going to get a 32 today. Another issue I had since this key issue is my fuel cap was struggling to open and now it doesn’t close. Bearing in mind I opened the Audi q3 by inserting the key into the driver door handle to open the door and then pressing the unlock button on the driver door hoping this would open the fuel cap. I also tried the red wire in the boot to try and open the fuel cap but this didn’t work. Now the cap is open it doesn’t close. The button inside the fuel cap that’s supposed to stay stuck in when pressed doesn’t stick in anymore. Do you think this fuel cap issue of not opening closing properly had anything to do with the car key fob not working and me manually unlocking the car? Thanks.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Very much a separate issue and you'll eventually run into engine issues if the cap stays open. Find a good tech quick!@@trigvictory2932

[@trigvictory2932]

@@DashboardSymbols by fuel cap I mean the fuel flap. The cap inside stays locked fine. I mean the fuel flap that you press to open to access the fuel cap

[@ranajust4u]

This works thank you But after a while it loose contact again then have to reset again and again Please advise

[@DashboardSymbols]

Try another new battery...

[@rimgaud76]

лайк за Вашу работу

[@DashboardSymbols]

рад помочь...

[@badprincessx]

My key isn’t working to unlock my car. I thought maybe it’s the battery so I went to autozone and bought new ones. Changed the old with the new, but my car still doesn’t respond when I click the unlock or lock buttons. I’ve tried inserting the key into the drivers side door to unlock it that way but that doesn’t work either. I haven’t been able to get inside my car only the trunk. Any suggestions?

[@DashboardSymbols]

If the physical key turns in the lock, the car should unlock. If it doesn't turn, wrong key. My only other thought is to find a good locksmith...

[@Kkengeorge]

Hi I had to replace my ccm in my a4 convertible 2006 and my key fob is not working i have trued this on this video but still no luck, i have try other ways of sync but no luck any suggestions?

[@DashboardSymbols]

This is a deeper problem as the brain is new. You'll likely need to get the car to a dealer. You may want to check with a good locksmith. If he/she can handle it, they may come to u...

[@Slarti2]

That worked thanks. I had to start the engine with the key as well as open and shut the door and then it suddenly started working.

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad it did...

[@LearningwithRebecca]

Omg thank mark that help alottt

[@Guapstar]

Thank you! I needed this extra step! :)

[@DashboardSymbols]

@@Guapstar Glad it helped...

[@user-dj2iz3rp7x]

Hia I’m still having no luck I’ve tried a few methods the fob stopped working when I changed the battery for the car is there anything you could suggest to help me fix the fob also if I lock my car with key the alarm goes off so have to leave the car unlocked

[@DashboardSymbols]

Wow, a truly odd set of circumstances. First, make sure the battery is right side up and that the peel off backing is removed. Other than that, there may be a variation of the procedure in your manual...

[@SueNV321]

Great video. Can you help with Audi SQ5, 2019. Nothing has worked and Audi have quoted me $218 regardless of what they find. Lucky when I changed the spare key battery this didn’t have an issue. Maybe because I changed it & went straight to the car to try?!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Hi, sorry this was missed when posted. We don't have any additional info -- the fob should reset if it worked before using some combination of door unlocking and car starting. Also, the manual may have something in it. Audi hides them from non-owners...

[@stevenbartkowski6282]

thanks!

[@DashboardSymbols]

You're welcome...

[@NeonXXP]

Did this twice and got a bit worried that it didn't work.. Third battery worked /phew

[@DashboardSymbols]

Three batteries. Found a bad batch!!! Good persistence.

[@palms674]

Ps anyone know how you turn the parking rear sensors back on as previous owners had a towbar and turned them off cant find the button ?

[@DashboardSymbols]

Unfortunately, Audi does not give general access to owner's manuals. Do you have it? Its where I would look first. As the owner, if you need a manual, you can go to Audi.com and input the VIN #. And probably not a button, but rather a control on the instrument panel.

[@ashleycarroll8204]

I got a new key and i have to unlock and lock it by hand, there's no red light when I press any buttons either, would you know what the problem would be ?

[@DashboardSymbols]

Make sure there is a battery inside, that it is right side up and that the backing is peeled off. Otherwise, it may need to be programmed (who did u get the key from??)...

[@user-ju2ne6go2e]

It flashes once like it normally would when pushing a button but then i keeps flashing for 3-4 seconds continously and goes of. It does this on all three buttons. Anyone?

[@DashboardSymbols]

Seems like its looking for the car. Try the initialization process again...

[@sebasanzfriedemann]

Not worked for me (Audi A3 Sline 2013) i tried everything on KZbin :'(

[@DashboardSymbols]

Pls make sure the backing is removed from the new battery...

[@SuperHonkyPodcast]

2006 Audi S4 Avant and this is not working. Issue started with my radio one day wouldn't turn off after turning car off and removing the key. This lead to my battery draining over night so of course the next day the car wouldn't start. However.. a jump wouldn't start the car a few days after the battery died so I purchased a new battery. Installed the new battery and to my surprise the vehicle STILL WONT START and there's a few other odd things about it as well such as the horn and the power windows refusing to work even with brand new battery. The key fob is also no longer programmed to my car ever since I removed the battery and replaced it. My question is this. Will my Audi refuse to start if my key fob is not programmed to it? I almost feel like if I could get the key fob reprogrammed the car would start right up. Seems like the factory radio is what is drawing power despite car being off.. but I did purchase a new Pioneer unit that I'd like to install but I need the car to start in order to drive it over to the audio installation guys. Plz help!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Sorry, but there's little to be offered from afar. There is a serious electrical issue that in all likelihood has nothing to do with the key fob. You need a good repair shop. Soon...

[@SuperHonkyPodcast]

@@DashboardSymbols Damn. That's what I was afraid of. Taking my baby to a stealership and lighting money on fire. 😪

[@DashboardSymbols]

@@SuperHonkyPodcast Well, hopefully they'll fool you and solve it quickly and easily. Hopefully...

[@SuperHonkyPodcast]

Had issue with my radio staying on after removing key and turning car off and it drained the battery over night. Couldn't jump start it the next day so I purchased and installed a new battery. Because of this the key fob is now no longer programmed to the vehicle. Does the key fob have to be programmed to the vehicle in order for the car to start? I really need some help so here is a list of the weird things not working despite car having brand new battery installed. -HORN -POWER WINDOWS -CAR WONT START (stays silent when turning key) -BLACK SCREEN IN DASH IS BLANK when normally I'll see the message "Press foot on brake pedal to start" However.. the headlights work, dash lights work, the electric seats work etc. That's what I find weird in this situation. The fact that there's a brand new battery in the car and yet I can't power the windows down or up or use the horn? Very odd. I feel like listing these symptoms there has to be SOMEONE out there with an idea of whatever is going on with my 2006 Audi S4 Avant. I know that the radio is what is drawing power despite turning car off and purchased a replacement, but I cannot take it to the audio installer until I figure out why in the world the car won't start?

[@DashboardSymbols]

Wow well, a lot to unpack. I would start by removing the fuse to the radio. The install may be the basic problem, but ultimately a very smart electrical mechanic will need to be involved. I would NOT start with the audio installer...

[@mirackeskin]

Hello, did you find a solution? I have the same problem.

[@freakyfrank1549]

Non of that worked so I knocked on my fob with my knuckles a few times and boom works just fine now

[@DashboardSymbols]

Ha! A new solution! :-) Likely as not the battery was not seated properly. Hard to imagine how that would happen. If it was touched during insertion, I recommend removing it and wiping it down with a soft cloth to remove skin oils. Could have been in the way and will shorten battery life...

[@ba0ss397]

Whats a fob?

[@stuartwinstanley4949]

Didn't work on my 09 audi tt

[@DashboardSymbols]

Sorry about that. Make sure the battery is not upside down and that the backing is peeled off...

[@MxHawthy]

Just to confirm... you're saying that the solution is basically to just start the engine with your key and it will fix the problem? So if I drive my car to the supermarket, and drive home, the key remote should then be working, because Step 1: unlock the car manually (I had to do that anyway as my key remote isn't working) and then Step 2: Start the car with the key. (I drove to the supermarket in the car so I obviously started the engine using the key as it's an old 2003 car). I just want to confirm I'm understanding this right? Because I'm about to buy an Audi from someone who says the Key remote doesn't work... so I want to be clear that I'm understanding this video correctly.

[@DashboardSymbols]

The video references only a loss of function after replacing the battery in the fob. What you described suggests a real issue with the fob (not uncommon) AND no spare! Don't walk away from a good car because of it -- compared to the price of the car, its easily fixed (by a good locksmith) and you'll want to have a spare as well...

[@MxHawthy]

@@DashboardSymbols Oh sorry, I missed the bit about the battery replacement. There is a spare key, but that doesn't work either. Both have had new batteries in the last 2 months apparently but they still don't work. I'm worried this could be an expensive solution, such as needing a new central locking system. Do you know what else could be the problem?

[@DashboardSymbols]

@@MxHawthy Still, if the car's been driven, by now it should recognize the fob. Don't count on getting them to work...

[@ba0ss397]

I bought a car with 2 keys, none of them work, ive checked fuses, changed batteries, even took it to Audi, and they reprogrammed them. Still doesent work

[@DashboardSymbols]

I'm not going to be much help here, but the fact that Audi reprogrammed them now makes it an Audi service warranty issue!! And please find out if they worked for them after re-programming...

[@ellalillyhearn8800]

My key won’t lock or unlock the car I can here the relay but nothing happens, I can lock the car sometimes with the key but not unlock with the key manually so if I did it your way I would not be able to get into the car!?!?!?

[@DashboardSymbols]

The problem is likely NOT related to the key fob. But has the battery in the fob just been replaced??

[@ellalillyhearn8800]

@@DashboardSymbols well it stopped working after I pressure washed the car I even wash the engine bay like iv done to loads of cars so when it stoped I did change the battery!

[@DashboardSymbols]

@@ellalillyhearn8800 Ah. Something important has gotten wet and unless the problem clears when fully dry (could take days inside the door lock) you'll need hands on help. Good luck...

[@josefinajacques7275]

Would you know how to program for an Audi R8 2009?

[@DashboardSymbols]

Sorry, no. I DO know that if you're trying to program a NEW key, the dealer or a locksmith has to do it. If an old key has stopped working, your manual should have a process. If your missing your manual, you can get a pdf using your VIN # (which is why we don't have them...)

[@omerahmed575]

Hi With me is not working I don’t know why Can you help me please Thanks 🙏

[@DashboardSymbols]

Make sure the battery is in right side up and that the stick on backing is removed from the battery...

[@breadnbutter2218]

Mine locks but won’t unlock while using remote

[@DashboardSymbols]

Odd prob. After changing the battery? If not, Audi may need to reprogram. Or a locksmith...

[@breadnbutter2218]

Battery was replaced last year. Unlock button just won’t unlock the car

[@DashboardSymbols]

@@breadnbutter2218 I don't have access to Audi manuals, but there is usually a reprogramming instruction somewhere inside. Otherwise, the locksmith...

[@breadnbutter2218]

Works on the other key. Thanks for getting back to me

[@breadnbutter2218]

Sorted, it just needed a battery replacement. I guess the previous cheap battery was to blame. Again thank you for getting back to me.

[@jdilly8882]

Mine still won’t work

[@DashboardSymbols]

First, I would make sure the battery has the proper side up and that the backing is removed. If it still doesn't work, it likely has a fried circuit board...

[@robymathew2439]

Audi q7 key remotes only work when I'm literally right next to the door..

[@DashboardSymbols]

Put a new battery in the remote...

[@robymathew2439]

@@DashboardSymbols I did it already both remotes are same.

[@DashboardSymbols]

@@robymathew2439 Replace the batteries in both. Pretty cheap to rule out the fobs...

[@robymathew2439]

@@DashboardSymbols both are new batteries. any other solutions?

[@DashboardSymbols]

@@robymathew2439 Not really. Batteries are pretty inexpensive and the new ones may have come from a bad batch. Also, make sure the contacts inside are clean and don't touch the batteries!!

[@maikllv9220]

Thanks a lot it worked!!!

[@DashboardSymbols]

Glad to help...