Q5 Keyless Entry Not Working

[AversaS]

My wife just purchased a 2010 Q5 Premium Plus today. We noticed when we got home that the keyless entry does not work. Does anybody else have this issue? I saw there is a way to reprogram the keys in other Audi vehicles, but the way they explained does not work with the 2010 Q5.

Also, I noticed that I cannot stream music from her phone via bluetooth. Is that not a function?

[One Nice Audi]

Is there battery life left?

[JoshDub]

I don't think you have Bluetooth streaming, just hands free calling.

Also, by keyless entry, do you mean the door handle sensors or is the car not unlocking with the fob buttons? If it's the door handle sensors, those die all of the time. You'll need to scan it and see which is dead. They are about ~$20 on eBay, or you can pay the dealer $500 per door.

[AversaS]

The batteries are fine in both. I'm not sure what you mean by scan the door handle sensors? When I walk up to the door, the only way to unlock the vehicles is via the fob. Just getting in range of the doors does not work - on any of the doors.

[ThunderDent]

You may not have have that function. Is it a 2.0T premium?

All door handles are made the same with the rectangle cut out.
If they don't have the sensor inside the handle they won't work keyless.

[JoshDub]

If you have keyless entry, touching the inside of the handle will unlock the car. Make sure you do not have your thumb anywhere near the outer portion of the handle as the car gets confused. Proximity does not unlock the car. You physically have to touch a specific spot on the handle to lock and unlock.

If it still isn't working, you need to use "vagcom" to scan the vehicles diagnostics system. It will tell you exactly why the keyless entry system isn't working.

Each door has a sensor in the handle. They are notorious for going bad. When one sensor fails the entire system shuts off. You just need to find which door handle sensor has gone bad, and replace that sensor.

For the sensor, your part number is probably 4G8927753B

[AversaS]

You may not have have that function. Is it a 2.0T premium?

It's the 3.2

[TexasDfwS4]

Does it have the push to start option? If so then it should have the keyless entry as well.

[AversaS]

Good question. When you say push button start, I think an actual push button start. Her Q5, you push the fob into the dash. I'm not sure if that's the same thing.

[q5 dave]

Audi advanced key was an option only on Prestige trim. And no push key isn't the same as push button.

[SQive]

Audi advanced key was an option only on Prestige trim.

It's standard on Premium Plus.

[AversaS]

I'm reading about the Prestige package. Her Q5 has all the same features, but it was marked as a Premium Plus. It has the brown leather seats, panoramic sunroof, 3.2 V6 engine, NAV, Bang & Olufsen Sound System.

[VroomVroom]

In terms of trim levels, the easiest way to distinguish Premium-Plus from Prestige on a 2010 model is to peek at the cupholder for the 'thermal' feature. One will have an option for heat, the other for cold. Prestige models will also have the 'adaptive' headlights, which turn with the wheel at speed as well as auto-level based on load. Or...you can ask your dealer to check the VIN. This was made even easier in 2011, when they added the rear passenger door vent shades to Prestige models, but I digress. Nonetheless, I do believe the advanced key feature was standard on Premium Plus models...which definitely applies to yours if you have push-button start (ignition), and in any case...we can deduce that you have the feature simply because it was impossible to get MMI navigation and B&O without it.

Keyless entry. Some questions for you. Does the key fob (or fobs) itself work? I assume you can press the unlock and lock buttons on the fob to gain entry? How did you unlock and lock the doors during the test drive...did the feature work at the dealership, or was it just something that didn't come to mind?

As mentioned above, this is sounding like a failed sensor. But the more detail you can offer about how you're entering, starting, and exiting the vehicle, the more the wizards here can help diagnose. Good luck...please keep us posted.

[AversaS]

The dealer we got it from was a small lot. He brought the car up for us, so the keyless entry wasn't even on our minds. As far as lock and unlock the vehicle with the fob. The light also works on both fobs.

[q5 dave]

It's standard on Premium Plus.

In 2010 it was an option on the prestige trim. Audi advanced key became standard on P+ trim starting MY14.


Edit: just to clarify

@OP- Your Q doesn't have those features. You will have to reach into your pocket and actually click the key fob to unlock/lock your car.

Audi's with Bluetooth couldn't stream music until MY13. Look into tune2air. That's what B8 folks use to stream music.

[AversaS]

What's the difference between the advanced key and just a standard fob?

[q5 dave]

Convenience. It allows you to lock/unlock/start the car without removing the key from your pocket.

[VroomVroom]

Google/youtube will give you the full skinny on advanced key. In layman's terms, you keep your key fob in your pocket & purse. Lock/unlock by touching the door handle, and start/stop ignition by pushing a button.

Interesting. Dave's comment led me to peek at specs for advanced key. Sure enough, official Audi docs cite it as being an individual option. What's weird, for me at least, is that both my '12 and '13 Q's had it, but it was not listed on the Monroney sticker for either vehicle. I just assumed it was standard w/ P+ package.

[AversaS]

I'm kind of p.o'ed. The list of features for the vehicle said keyless entry. I guess they mean you literally don't need a key to enter the vehicle, but it seems like they played that a little loose.

I have a MY15 Golf R, so I am familiar with keyless entry.

[VroomVroom]

Semantics, but there really is a difference. By pushing a button on a fob, you're not using a key. That's been a marketing term going back to at least the 1990's. Not having to manipulate the fob....there's what distinguishes the 'advanced' functionality.

[BarryT82]

That's KESSY on your Golf R. Keyless entry is just the remote.
Go to your local Audi dealer and they can print your original window sticker.

[q5 dave]

Google/youtube will give you the full skinny on advanced key. In layman's terms, you keep your key fob in your pocket & purse. Lock/unlock by touching the door handle, and start/stop ignition by pushing a button.

Interesting. Dave's comment led me to peek at specs for advanced key. Sure enough, official Audi docs cite it as being an individual option. What's weird, for me at least, is that both my '12 and '13 Q's had it, but it was not listed on the Monroney sticker for either vehicle. I just assumed it was standard w/ P+ package.

Just looked into this for you. In 2012 Advanced key was an option on the P+ 2.0T and standard on the P+ 3.2

2013 Advanced key was an option on the P+2.0T and standard on 3.0T (P+ and Prestige)

[AversaS]

But not the 2010...

[BG SQ5]

Advanced key is...key. I passed up an otherwise perfectly optioned Macan turbo because it didn't have entry & drive...just regular keyless. I couldn't believe such vehicle lacked what I've come to consider a standard feature. I refuse to drive anything these days that requires me to reach in my pocket. Same goes for no bluetooth streaming for that matter.

OP- keyless entry has been around forever, and I certainly wouldn't call it a loose or misleading term. If you didn't bother to check if this particular Q5 had advanced/smart key when purchasing, managed to test drive and even get it home without realizing, it must not have been THAT big of a deal for you. Sucks you're disappointed with it though. I feel for you.

[VroomVroom]

Just looked into this for you. In 2012 Advanced key was an option on the P+ 2.0T and standard on the P+ 3.2

2013 Advanced key was an option on the P+2.0T and standard on 3.0T (P+ and Prestige)

You are a fine man, Dave.

[JoshDub]

I refuse to drive anything these days that requires me to reach in my pocket.

Lol

[TexasDfwS4]

+1 lol

[dablackgoku1234]

Bumping an old thread. To determine which door sensor is faulty, do I need to get Vag-com or can other tools like an ODB2 scanner, or Carista work?

[jenaisme]

Came across this thread. We just bought a 2011 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Quattro S line. Does this car have the comfort access? I have googled and can't find an answer. I thought maybe someone would know. This doesn't work on the car, nor pressing the button on the liftgate outside to open. We have to use the key fob to open doors and liftgate. Just wondering if something is wrong with these? Even if we don't have the access control why would the liftgate not open when touching the button? That seems like maybe it needs to be fixed. We bought the car knowing these didn't work but loved it anyway and all the luxury features so purchased it. There were no other ones in are area for sale. My husband is very handy with cars so can pretty much fix anything, if we know if there is actually an issue or if this car just didn't have these features.
Thanks!

[NikolaZ]

You have to check if one of the sensors is faulty. You need a VCDS or OBD Eleven for that. I got a Premium Plus, but it is from 2015 and I am pretty sure the features are the same.

So the first thing to do is: Scan the car, see which sensor is faulty and replace it, delete the error and it should work. I had a faulty sensor on the passenger front door and changed it. Now it works perfectly fine.

[Smac770]

You'd know if you had Advanced Key because you'd have the little square imprints on the door handles and the start/stop button on the center console. US MY11 B8 products (A4,A5,Q5) only had Advanced Key on Prestige trim according to the order guides.

As for the tailgate not opening from the outside button, you'd need to check your settings. You can disable the ability to open the tailgate from the outside button. https://www.auditech.org/acont-731.html

[jenaisme]

Thanks, I did some digging online and figured out that the previous owner in fact had, for some reason, turned that off (liftgate opening from outside). I turned it back on and now it opens with the button flawlessly. Yay! We do have the little buttons on all the door handles. We don't have a start/stop button though. Our key fob goes into a slot in the dash and we push on it to start the car. Very odd. Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

[jenaisme]

Thanks Nikola. I'll have to look into that and see about purchasing one of those code sensor gadgets. Would probably be a good and handy tool to have.

[jenaisme]

Which scanning codes gadget is the best? And user friendly? Do you have to buy yearly subscriptions with both? thanks

[Smac770]

It appears the B8 vehicles (A4/A5/Q5) use the same door handle regardless of keyless entry, so they all have the square imprint then.

VCDS is best for troubleshooting. One time purchase, you're done. Does require a Windows system to run the software. https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/

OBDeleven is an alternative if you need something that runs on mobile devices instead. Not as good as VCDS for troubleshooting, more of a pain to get a scan log into a text file you can post such as here, requires an annual PRO subscription to match VCDS functions (basic settings, adaptations, long coding). But cheaper for the basic tool with which you can read codes, clear codes, check measuring values, etc. And you can just toss it in the glove box and leave it there. https://obdeleven.com/en/home/187-st...&id_currency=3

For the extra cost of the PRO subscription, just get VCDS. For the extra cost of Ross-Tech's HEX-NET (which supports using a browser on a mobile device in addition to the normal Windows software), just get a HEX-V2 and an OBDeleven device.

[R@v3n]

The OBD2 tools are great to have to read/reset codes. You will eventually need it to release your electronic brakes if you ever decide to do your own rotor/pad change. It is not needed for now though if all you want to know is if you have the advance key. The center controls are easily swappable.

You can pull the handle off on one of the doors in about 15 minutes maybe less and put it back on. The video below is not a Q5 but it is more similar to our year Q5. I have a 2010. In the video you can see him pull the handle off (no sensor). If there was a sensor, you would need to unplug the sensor (and you will see the plug) before you are able to pull the handle completely off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHbDTUI65Cs

[jenaisme]

Thanks everyone! After reading some stuff online it sounds like maybe this wasn't the best vehicle to have purchased. We didn't realize my husband can't even change the brakes or battery without releasing codes/having the dealer shop do it. Sounds like this is going to be a very very expensive car to have. Wish he would have researched it better before buying. We got enamored by all the luxury amenities it offered vs the Ford Escapes we were looking at. We were in a time crunch to get something new as his car was totalled and only had his Mustang to drive and the snow is going to fly soon here in Wisconsin. Darn...

[Smac770]

It's not. It has peculiars that have to be understood, that's it. You can do service interval reset and EPB management for the rear brake job with as little as little as a $60 tool that you keep and reuse, vs. paying a dealership one hour labor each instance.

Learn to not use the dealership to source parts. FCPEuro, ECSTuning, GenuineAudiParts, others that some can chime in (I'm not really a RockAuto fan). Get the workshop manuals from ERWIN. erwin.audiusa.com, pay for a day, get all the PDFs for your VIN.

The only thing I've paid someone else to do on my car in the past 150k miles was the timing chain job when the time came, and installing new tires (which is more often than I'd prefer, but :-) It's got 244k miles on it now.

(Having QuickJacks makes working on the car a whole lot easier than not having some manner of lift; even better than they fit in the wagon if I need to help a friend or fam work on their car)

[Norskie]

Thanks everyone! After reading some stuff online it sounds like maybe this wasn't the best vehicle to have purchased. We didn't realize my husband can't even change the brakes or battery without releasing codes/having the dealer shop do it. Sounds like this is going to be a very very expensive car to have. Wish he would have researched it better before buying. We got enamored by all the luxury amenities it offered vs the Ford Escapes we were looking at. We were in a time crunch to get something new as his car was totalled and only had his Mustang to drive and the snow is going to fly soon here in Wisconsin. Darn...

The Escape will probably cost less to maintain but the Q5 will age better and be nicer to drive. It's getting to the point where most modern vehicles will need some sort of electronic aids to perform maintenance and repairs.

Another consideration is that European vehicles tend to hold up better where roads are salted, as they use a lot of aluminum in the suspension and chassis whereas the domestic and Asian brands use iron.

The main death-knell for Q5's is oil consumption on the 2.0T. Some get lucky and it's just a PCV or turbo wastegate, but if it's the piston rings you're looking at a $5k+ repair and this isn't something you can verify prior to purchase (unless you buy from a trusted friend).

Also, keep up on the timing chain maintenance; VCDS has a way to monitor 'stretch' to indicate when it needs to be replaced (typically around 100k, $1200 cost).

Good luck!

[jenaisme]

The Escape will probably cost less to maintain but the Q5 will age better and be nicer to drive. It's getting to the point where most modern vehicles will need some sort of electronic aids to perform maintenance and repairs.

Another consideration is that European vehicles tend to hold up better where roads are salted, as they use a lot of aluminum in the suspension and chassis whereas the domestic and Asian brands use iron.

The main death-knell for Q5's is oil consumption on the 2.0T. Some get lucky and it's just a PCV or turbo wastegate, but if it's the piston rings you're looking at a $5k+ repair and this isn't something you can verify prior to purchase (unless you buy from a trusted friend).

Also, keep up on the timing chain maintenance; VCDS has a way to monitor 'stretch' to indicate when it needs to be replaced (typically around 100k, $1200 cost).

Good luck!

Thanks! We bought the 3.2L, is that better with oil consumption? It's too bad they don't have dipsticks to measure the oil, smell it, check viscosity, check for particles etc. I'll mention to him about the timing chain maintenance. He did replace the timing chain himself on a Saturn Vue last year. He had to pretty much take the entire engine out but got it done. He's very mechanically inclined with automobiles so probably can do a lot of the work if needed. Just have to figure out the coding if that is necessary.

We are going to get a VCDS, Ross-tech, code scanner that hooks up to the computer. We think that may be better because it doesn't bluetooth with the phone and could possibly glitch if the bluetooth loses connection or something. I read on a forum or google post that that happened to someone and it messed up the person's car. That would be bad.

Thanks again! Praying this was a good purchase...