Anyone successfully cut and reprogram another flip out key fob?

[snopyro]

I see a bunch of used Audi transmitters for the B7's for sale and see key blanks for sale on eBay. As long as you have the matching part number of the key fob transmitter (it will end in an "L" or an "R") and you swap out and get the key blank cut to match your current key- how do you go about programming the immobilizer to work? From what I understand- ALL keys will need to be reprogrammed at the same time.

I found this link:
http://www.audiforums.com/forum/gene...lade-key-3440/

Dealership wants $175 for the key fob and cutting. Another $75 or 85 for the reprogramming of ALL keys.

The Audi folks I've talked to say to spring for the brand new, dealership key. Has any of you reprogrammed a used key fob? Does it need a VAG tool or something dealership specific?

[2001 a6 4.2]

Well obviously the key itself won't work with your car but the fob itself should be able to be programmed to your car. There is a programming sequence you will have to go through and it should work, no VAG com. Not 100% sure so don't take my word for it.


EDIT: the sequence in the link is the correct way.

[snopyro]

Well obviously the key itself won't work with your car but the fob itself should be able to be programmed to your car. There is a programming sequence you will have to go through and it should work, no VAG com. Not 100% sure so don't take my word for it.


EDIT: the sequence in the link is the correct way.

From ebay's rob_from_elkmont:


Ok, so get a new key blank cut (see picture above), and reprogram the used key fob (matching "L" or "R" frequency) and everything should be fine? I don't need to pay for the $200+ new Audi key fob, cutting, and programming fee?

[2001 a6 4.2]

Fairly sure yes. It is the same process as when you change a battery and have to reprogram. I've never done what your talking about but I'm confident it will work. Why are you replacing?

[snopyro]

Fairly sure yes. It is the same process as when you change a battery and have to reprogram. I've never done what your talking about but I'm confident it will work. Why are you replacing?

Car only came with one key, so I'll need a spare.

[BoSNiaN]

So wait, I am looking to buy one of those ebay keys too (they look OEM to me, but are like $30-40 shipped)....Did you just bring it to somewhere that cuts keys with your current key? For the reprogramming, are you talking about putting the key in the ignition and unlock/locking the doors or similar? Is there anything else that needs to be done to the key to get paired with our cars?

Let me know!

[PhiDelt]

I spent/wasted $75 at the dealership trying to get an ebay key fob programmed so that I had a spare. I made sure that it had the exact same numbers and letters as my original, but it would not program. I believe that you would need a virgin immo chip as well as the key fob, unfortunately. From what I've been able to gather, once a chip has been programmed to a specific car, it cannot be used for a different one. YMMV of course, but this was my experience.

[mtosofsky]

Audi dealerships will not cut or program any key that you do not buy from them. I've already been through this and the cost is $165 for programming and $170 for the key

[BoSNiaN]

Audi dealerships will not cut or program any key that you do not buy from them. I've already been through this and the cost is $165 for programming and $170 for the key

If the ebay keys are OEM (or exact replica) there is no way for them to prove that, no?...My question is about the programming, is that something we can do (ie: stick it in the ignition and hit a few buttons) or is it something only a dealership can do?

[snopyro]

I spent/wasted $75 at the dealership trying to get an ebay key fob programmed so that I had a spare. I made sure that it had the exact same numbers and letters as my original, but it would not program. I believe that you would need a virgin immo chip as well as the key fob, unfortunately. From what I've been able to gather, once a chip has been programmed to a specific car, it cannot be used for a different one. YMMV of course, but this was my experience.

Guess the only thing eBay keys are good for are unlocking the doors, but not starting the car. Maybe I should give a valet guy my eBay key fob to make sure my car is always parked in the front.

[mtosofsky]

If the ebay keys are OEM (or exact replica) there is no way for them to prove that, no?...My question is about the programming, is that something we can do (ie: stick it in the ignition and hit a few buttons) or is it something only a dealership can do?

i was reading comments from the ebay seller about the keys that they sell and ive seen a few comments about the audi keys saying that audi will not cut the key because of the material it is made out of. Also, i asked the parts guy at audi about the ebay keys and he said that an audi dealership wont program or cut the key since you didnt buy it from them.

[Batcave]

If the ebay keys are OEM (or exact replica) there is no way for them to prove that, no?...My question is about the programming, is that something we can do (ie: stick it in the ignition and hit a few buttons) or is it something only a dealership can do?

i was reading comments from the ebay seller about the keys that they sell and ive seen a few comments about the audi keys saying that audi will not cut the key because of the material it is made out of. Also, i asked the parts guy at audi about the ebay keys and he said that an audi dealership wont program or cut the key since you didnt buy it from them.

I just bought an uncut key/remote from eBay. I programmed it quite quickly and easily. I found a local locksmith that will cut it for $40. Another locksmiths won't touch it. One Audi dealer will cut it for $75 and another one said they had to order keys based on the VIN number so I guess they don't cut keys.

On Tuesday, I'm going to get the key cut and then take it to the Audi dealer to get the immobilizer chip programmed ($65) - which I've gathered that only the Audi dealer can do. I'm waiting on this before I leave feedback for the eBay seller that I purchased the key from.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

ps.. I told the dealer I bought it off ebay and they were still okay with it.

[BoSNiaN]

I just bought an uncut key/remote from eBay. I programmed it quite quickly and easily. I found a local locksmith that will cut it for $40. Another locksmiths won't touch it. One Audi dealer will cut it for $75 and another one said they had to order keys based on the VIN number so I guess they don't cut keys.

On Tuesday, I'm going to get the key cut and then take it to the Audi dealer to get the immobilizer chip programmed ($65) - which I've gathered that only the Audi dealer can do. I'm waiting on this before I leave feedback for the eBay seller that I purchased the key from.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

ps.. I told the dealer I bought it off ebay and they were still okay with it.

Interesting...ask them what "immobilizer chip programming" actually does while you're there! Subbed.

[Batcave]

Interesting...ask them what "immobilizer chip programming" actually does while you're there! Subbed.

In short, it allows me to start my car.

Technically, there is a code stored in the chip of the key that communicates with the ECU to allow the car to run. I imagine that the code inside the chip of the key would be programmed into the ECU at the factory or dealer and then when a key with a recognized code is inserted, the car is allowed to start.

My valet key isn't programmed and I can start the car with it, but then the engine shuts off after a few seconds and I see this...

[BoSNiaN]

Hmm, interesting. So I am guessing this is done wireless somehow? Did you actually get it done yet?

[p1nk50ck]

my key's pretty beat up, is it possible to just buy the ebay key, and swap the internals? (no key cutting or programming needed)?

[Nebone]

I tried getting a local locksmith who does hi tech auto keys to do it and according to his book, which had a whole page dedicated to the B7 KeyFob, that Dealer only Programming is available. His blank key was also too long. I bought the one listed above, will get it cut soon and will report if that went well. Then I can figure out how to reprogram and will post back.

[Batcave]

I visited the locksmith today and the dealer with my eBay key fob.

Neither the locksmith nor the dealer would cut the key because it was not made of brass (and it was not authentic). It was made of steel - they stuck a magnet to it and it stuck. They said it would dull or damage the cutting tool. However, the locksmith did cut me a key with an authentic blade - it cost me $40. They also gave me my key code. I'm not sure if this is the same as the 'secret key code' as I've seen out here. My code consists of three letters and four numbers. If this is the 'code' could I program it myself with vag.com? The blade works to lock/unlock and turn the ignition to the on position. The dealer tried to program the key fob unsuccessfully. They did manage to program my plastic key so at least I have a backup now.

I'll now let the seller know about this and hopefully he gives me my money back. Buyer beware about eBay keys.

[Operator]

I had similar issues.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...50#post3891950
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...44#post3957544

I'm still miffed, I have two flip remotes, that are useless to me......

Ended up ordering one from Audi........

[BoSNiaN]

I visited the locksmith today and the dealer with my eBay key fob.

Neither the locksmith nor the dealer would cut the key because it was not made of brass (and it was not authentic). It was made of steel - they stuck a magnet to it and it stuck. They said it would dull or damage the cutting tool. However, the locksmith did cut me a key with an authentic blade - it cost me $40. They also gave me my key code. I'm not sure if this is the same as the 'secret key code' as I've seen out here. My code consists of three letters and four numbers. If this is the 'code' could I program it myself with vag.com? The blade works to lock/unlock and turn the ignition to the on position. The dealer tried to program the key fob unsuccessfully. They did manage to program my plastic key so at least I have a backup now.

I'll now let the seller know about this and hopefully he gives me my money back. Buyer beware about eBay keys.

1)Does the car shutoff though?
2)What exactly "failed" at the dealer? Did they tell you anything?

[rollerton]

Anyone who is wondering, here is the bottom line: you CANNOT program the immo (RFID) chip of a used key to a different car. The RFID becomes bit-locked in the immo3 system, I don't know the actual technical action that's happening, but the immo system looks for a certain state in the chip/ reading that only exists in the RFID chip when it is 1) new 2) previously matched to that particular Immo I.D. Of the vehicle.
The remote is pretty easy, shouldn't be a problem. And there are a whole bunch of locksmiths that will copy these keys now, I send mine to Bulger Lock in Seattle. It's $40, they mail it back.
But don't even TRY to get the immo matched on a used key, it can't be done.
If the RFID chip in the Fob is new/ blank, then it can be done. But the SKC needed to marry the immo to the keys is a 5 digit code in the B7, ca only be extracted from the EEPROM in the cluster or the ECU.
Only a few people in the country have the tools to do this.

[Batcave]

1)Does the car shutoff though?
2)What exactly "failed" at the dealer? Did they tell you anything?

1. When I turn the key to the on position, the car with the key symbol lights up (immobilizer) and starts flashing. I can start the car, but then it shuts off after a few seconds. With my working keys, the immobilizer symbol goes on and then goes away after a few seconds.

2. They told me the new key will not adapt to the immobilizer. That's it.

rollerton - that's good info to know, thanks!

[rockblock]

If the RFID chip in the Fob is new/ blank, then it can be done. But the SKC needed to marry the immo to the keys is a 5 digit code in the B7, ca only be extracted from the EEPROM in the cluster or the ECU.
Only a few people in the country have the tools to do this.

Do you know what type of immo transponder chip is needed (ID48 - http://www.keymam.com/product_view.asp?pid=50)?

- I've heard there are 2 types ones that can only be programmed once, and others that are re-programmable

[rockblock]

I just bought an uncut key/remote from eBay. I programmed it quite quickly and easily.

On Tuesday, I'm going to get the key cut and then take it to the Audi dealer to get the immobilizer chip programmed ($65)

How did you manage to get the key programmed before getting it cut?

[rockblock]

/\ /\ bump...Batcave, did you program the key before you cut it, or after?

[Batcave]

Hey rockblock, sorry for not answering earlier! I'm not sure where I was!

I had two keys already so I just reprogrammed the fob part.

Edit: I did it before I got it cut.

[papadelogan]

I need to get a 2nd key, and while I'm always looking for a good deal, most of the new "key remotes" run about $150 - $200 as it is, whether it's an Audi, Ford, or Honda. I found a local Audi shop that will cost me about $200 total (key, cut, and programming) so I'm planning to get one extra done shortly from that dealership (have to check my notes for which one it was!) so that I have a spare.

I'll keep checking this thread and searching myself for a cheaper alternative, but sometimes, ya just gotta bite the bullet.

[rockblock]

Hey rockblock, sorry for not answering earlier! I'm not sure where I was!

I had two keys already so I just reprogrammed the fob part.

Edit: I did it before I got it cut.

Thx Batcave - but how did you manage to program before you got it cut? - don't you need to insert the key into the car for it to program? If the blades don't match, you won't be able to turn the key and hence use VAGCOM...am I missing smtg?

I also have 2 keys that I bought off eBay and am waiting to get a pair of new immo chips so I can fully program -but if there's a way to program the remote access without having the blade cut first, I'd like to do that.

Thx for your help

[Batcave]

Thx Batcave - but how did you manage to program before you got it cut? - don't you need to insert the key into the car for it to program? If the blades don't match, you won't be able to turn the key and hence use VAGCOM...am I missing smtg?

I also have 2 keys that I bought off eBay and am waiting to get a pair of new immo chips so I can fully program -but if there's a way to program the remote access without having the blade cut first, I'd like to do that.

Thx for your help

I had two cut keys when I started - I have three now. One goes in the ignition and one goes in the driver's door lock.

[rockblock]

Hmmm...so the original in the ignition switched ON, and the new uncut (blank blade) in the door lock? I thought you had to mechanically lock the vehicle with the 2nd key - but since the 2nd key is not cut, I won't be able to lock it ...I guess this is the part I don't understand: how you managed to program the remote before you had the key cut?...(sorry for the confusion)

[timfountain]

my key's pretty beat up, is it possible to just buy the ebay key, and swap the internals? (no key cutting or programming needed)?

Totally,
I did that with one of my keys that was a bit ratty. Straight forward and no reprogramming or problems.

- Tim

[rollerton]

If anyone is actually pretty serious about cutting the dealer out of the car-owner relationship (and programming your own keys, etc..) then you have an option:
remove your instrument cluster and send it to Tom (search for Mpower Here) he will extract the SKC and send it back to you.
You then now and forever can adapt your immobilizer, match keys, swap instrument clusters. With the skc you use vag-com to do the rest, as many times as you want.
The bottom line is you are at the mercy of the dealer to program keys, no way around it. none. The dealers' interface is blind, even they don't really see what it's doing. Its dials germany or L.A and does it automatically by user prompt.
So you might as well pay the $300 or $400 they're going to take from you rather than hope the various Ebay keys work, when, in the end, the dealer gets the final say.

[Batcave]

Hmmm...so the original in the ignition switched ON, and the new uncut (blank blade) in the door lock? I thought you had to mechanically lock the vehicle with the 2nd key - but since the 2nd key is not cut, I won't be able to lock it ...I guess this is the part I don't understand: how you managed to program the remote before you had the key cut?...(sorry for the confusion)

When I started, I had two cut keys - the main fob and the plastic key. I also had a second fob which was not programmed or cut. I inserted the working fob into the ignition and the plastic key into the door lock. I programmed the new fob this way.

[maoelchurro]

hey could be a stupid question... but the b8 key fob will work on a b7? tks