Lost my only key fob - now what!?

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Somehow today I lost my only key fob for my 2002 while out XC skiing. I covered 18.4 miles. I am not at all optimistic it will be found.

Can the Audi dealer make a new one for me? I assume I'd need to provide VIN and proof of ownership. That sounds expensive, assuming it's possible. Any other options? I happen to have a spare fob I found at the junkyard out of a 2003 B6 - does that do anything for me?

Appreciate any input.

Brad

[patbastard]

There's a few options here, some more expensive than others.

Cheapest option: Go to the Audi dealer parts department with your vin and registration/title (depends on what your dealer wants), and ask for a valet key. My dealer charges about 85 for one of these. Takes a few days to come in. Valet key unlocks doors, starts car, but will not open trunk or glove box. It also doesn't have a fob with it.

Most expensive option: Go to the Audi dealer parts department with your vin and registration/title (depends on what your dealer wants), and ask for a key. It will cost anywhere from 150-200, and they will charge an additional 200-300 to program the key to your car.

Middle of the Road option: If you have access to a VCDS, you are able to program that spare key fob to your car by yourself, there are numerous threads on how to do that in the forum. Think it might require two keys. Or I'm getting two programming methods mixed up.

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[john_gonzo]

This post may help: Only-one-key-fob

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Thanks for the input. I'm thinking getting the valet key cut might be a good option in the short-term. I presume that still shuts off the alarm when I un-lock the door, yes?

I do have access to VCDS, so programming a new fob could be an answer long-term. I haven't yet thoroughly read the thread above (thanks for that, BTW), but is one functioning fob needed to create a second one?

[IndoReef]

Yes it will unlock the car and disarm the alarm.

When you lock the car via the key it will also enable the alarm with the audible beep

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Cheapest option: Go to the Audi dealer parts department with your vin and registration/title (depends on what your dealer wants), and ask for a valet key. My dealer charges about 85 for one of these. Takes a few days to come in. Valet key unlocks doors, starts car, but will not open trunk or glove box. It also doesn't have a fob with it.

This is the option I went with for now. The "official" name for it is an "Emergency Key". $75 from my local dealer - should be in by Tuesday they tell me.

Getting a new programmed key fob would have been $185 + $169 labor for a total of $354 so I passed on that option for now in case I can get one of these spare fobs re-programmed. But will I be able to use the Emergency Key as a template to make a new fob key? Damn, that thought only just occurred to me now!

[patbastard]

But will I be able to use the Emergency Key as a template to make a new fob key? Damn, that thought only just occurred to me now!

I'm not sure but I think you will, provided you find a locksmith willing. I've had issues finding one.



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[JoshDub]

This is the option I went with for now. The "official" name for it is an "Emergency Key". $75 from my local dealer - should be in by Tuesday they tell me.

Getting a new programmed key fob would have been $185 + $169 labor for a total of $354 so I passed on that option for now in case I can get one of these spare fobs re-programmed. But will I be able to use the Emergency Key as a template to make a new fob key? Damn, that thought only just occurred to me now!

That's actually cheap compared to what my dealer wanted.

But some insurance and finance companies have lost key replacement programs.

Also AAA will cover a lost key up to $150.

[patbastard]

Also AAA will cover a lost key up to $150.

This AAA membership keeps getting better and better!


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[Luxus Panzer]

I'm not sure but I think you will, provided you find a locksmith willing. I've had issues finding one.



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Take a pic of the key and "keys in the post" will cut you a new blade.

Get a fob off eBay/Ali Express/junk yard.

eBay/Ali Express for virgin RFID chip.

Put it all together and vag com to match key to car.

Side note...you may be able to transfer the RFID from the valet key to your new fob and skip the vag com programming.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Side note...you may be able to transfer the RFID from the valet key to your new fob and skip the vag com programming.

I'm assuming that the new valet/emergency key that's been ordered has no RFID and is just a physical key, no?

[Luxus Panzer]

I'm assuming that the new valet/emergency key that's been ordered has no RFID and is just a physical key, no?

Unless you have a IMMO defeat on your ECU....no RFID = start for 1 second then shut down.

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[Human Garbage]

I'm not sure but I think you will, provided you find a locksmith willing. I've had issues finding one.

Wow. I didn't think locksmiths would be so unwilling. I'm lucky. My local place just up the hill will cut sidewinder keys for $10. Only thing they are unwilling to cut is Chinese mystery metal blanks. Brass type only as the other ones kill the endmill in the machine. I have got brass blanks off eBay, just be sure to confirm with the seller they aren't steel first.

Luxus has the plan. Get fobs, blanks and some Megamos ID48 RFID chips then find someone local with VCDS to pair them. Used is OK for the fobs but don't try used RFID chips. They can only be paired once to the car (can be re-paired with the same car, just not another).

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Just picked up my plastic Emergency Key at the Audi dealer. As he brings it to the counter, he says, "So when do you want to bring the car in to have this programmed?" My response, "HUH?" He's claiming this key will get me in the car, but will not start the car until it's programmed, which requires either the car or another fob. Is he correct? This is an early 2002 (late 2001 build-date), if that matters at all.

If indeed it needs to be programmed, can I do it with VCDS?

[imnuts]

You do need the key & car together, and it is something you could do with VCDS if you have your SKC.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL

[Luxus Panzer]

You do need the key & car together, and it is something you could do with VCDS if you have your SKC.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL

This

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[DPDISXR4Ti]

You do need the key & car together, and it is something you could do with VCDS if you have your SKC.

Damn, not what I wanted to hear. I see you've got a link on retrieving my SKC - I guess that's what I'll be doing. I assume there's no "secret" way of defeating the IMMO, huh?

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Is the VAG K+CAN Commander "free-ware" for the function I need it for?

[Luxus Panzer]

Damn, not what I wanted to hear. I see you've got a link on retrieving my SKC - I guess that's what I'll be doing. I assume there's no "secret" way of defeating the IMMO, huh?

Imnuts sign had SKC retervial how (I think, i am on mobile site)

I use a Chinese ODB2 cable for SKC retervial and genuine vag com for the rest.

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[DarkoNova]

Yup, here's imnuts' page with the info/procedure:

https://sites.google.com/site/imnuts/

[DPDISXR4Ti]

I use a Chinese ODB2 cable for SKC retervial and genuine vag com for the rest.

Okay, I have both as well, so that'll be my plan. I've yet to use it actually, but this is the cable I have:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VAG-COM-VCD...item1c89ac9f1b

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Unless you have a IMMO defeat on your ECU....no RFID = start for 1 second then shut down.

Well, I confirmed this ^^^ is correct today. New key opened the door just fine, started the engine just fine, and then one second later it shut off. I needed to get some stuff out of the car, so at least I accomplished that much.

I will head back in a couple days armed with everything I need to program my key. Unless, might it be easier to just turn IMMO off? Or do you need to have a valid RFID first before that can even become an option?

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Looking at this video from Ross-Tech, it would seem that I need to program all keys at once. i.e. A key programmed in the future would render a previously programmed key invalid. Is this correct?

https://youtu.be/Wj3K04eMV7w

If correct, this crimps my plans a little, as my short-term plan was to just program the Emergency key and get the car home. I'd then worry about getting a couple new key fobs programmed another day (after the ID48 RFID chips come in). But doing so would then kill the function of the Emergency key, other than opening the door of the car, yes? Not the end of the world, but not ideal, especially given that I don't think the chip is even replaceable on the emergency key.

This again raises the question of perhaps defeating IMMO in the short-term, and perhaps turning it back on later once I have all the new keys with virgin chips in-hand. Is this a possibility?

[walky_talky20]

I use ebay "Vag-Tacho" to retrieve the SKC out of the cluster (vs dumping it out of the ECU ROM). It is a bit faster, takes just a few seconds and it fesses up the SKC. This software does have the ability to program keys directly, and even "add-on" keys to the list even when you don't have all of them present. However, I much prefer to just get the SKC and use the official VCDS method to program all the keys in one shot.

If you do disable the IMMO, I would just pretend the car is a 2001 and leave it that way. Way less hassle should anything like this happen again. Key turns. Car starts. Every Time. No Shenanigans.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

I use ebay "Vag-Tacho" to retrieve the SKC out of the cluster (vs dumping it out of the ECU ROM). It is a bit faster, takes just a few seconds and it fesses up the SKC. This software does have the ability to program keys directly, and even "add-on" keys to the list even when you don't have all of them present.

Thanks. This sounds like what I'll need when it comes time to add-on a key or two later. Looks like the VAG-Tacho software is a free download. Any idea if it would work with the 409.1 eBay cable I already have?

Any particular reason why you prefer VCDS to program the keys?

[imnuts]

If you program the emergency key now, you can "add" more keys in the future. The process is the same, you just need all keys you want paired with you at the same time. During the process, you put the key to be paired in the ignition, turn it and wait for the IMMO light. Remove the key, put key #2 in and repeat, then #3, etc. So if you program the emergency key now, you'd just need it when adding more keys later. The only way you couldn't use it again is if you wanted to use it in a different car. You still could, but you'd need a new IMMO chip in the key first.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL

[DPDISXR4Ti]

If you program the emergency key now, you can "add" more keys in the future. The process is the same, you just need all keys you want paired with you at the same time. During the process, you put the key to be paired in the ignition, turn it and wait for the IMMO light. Remove the key, put key #2 in and repeat, then #3, etc. So if you program the emergency key now, you'd just need it when adding more keys later. The only way you couldn't use it again is if you wanted to use it in a different car. You still could, but you'd need a new IMMO chip in the key first.

Okay, thanks for the clarity on all this. I was thinking it generated a new, different code each time so you were screwed if you needed to program the keys at different times. Glad to hear that is not the case.

Hopefully a new battery for my laptop arrives tomorrow so I can go try to get this done over the weekend. Battery life is currently about 15 minutes on my laptop w/ VCDS; I didn't need that added pressure.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

There seem to be several versions of VAG K+CAN Commander out there - 1.4, 2.5, 5.1, 5.5, etc. Which one do I need? Any suggestions on where to download it from? There seem to be an assortment of bootleg and .ru sites out there.

Same story with VAG-tacho. Hard to tell what is a legitimate site.

[Luxus Panzer]

There seem to be several versions of VAG K+CAN Commander out there - 1.4, 2.5, 5.1, 5.5, etc. Which one do I need? Any suggestions on where to download it from? There seem to be an assortment of bootleg and .ru sites out there.

Same story with VAG-techo. Hard to tell what is a legitimate site.

You want VAG EEPROM 1.9

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=722211

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[DPDISXR4Ti]

You want VAG EEPROM 1.9

Ah, another option! I'm not sure if that's good or bad!? Doing a quick search, I assume you mean v1.19, not v1.9, yes?

This one too seems to have lots of questionable sites to download it from.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Okay, I was able to download VAG EEPROM 1.19 from here:
http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums...id=2121&page=6

I needed to become a member of the forum first, but that was actually comforting that it was a more legitimate web-site than the ones I was finding for VAG-Tacho and VAG K+CAN Commander. There's not an install procedure, so if you want an icon on the desktop you need to right-click and create a short-cut.

With that done, does anyone have an Idiot's Guide to SKC Retrieval using VAG EEPROM??? :)

I'd also still like to load the other apps so that I have options when I get to the car an hour away.

[Luxus Panzer]

With that done, does anyone have an Idiot's Guide to SKC Retrieval using VAG EEPROM??? :)
.

Did you even read my post/link above?

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Did you even read my post/link above?

Sorry, I thought I had, but I must have missed this, excerpted and pasted below from your longer post.... Thank you. :)


1. Retrieve a SKC from cluster.

- Open Vag EEPROM Programmer. For future steps, always use the RB4 dropdown list instead of the buttons. I don't know if they change depending on what mode the cluster is in.
- Read encrypted cluster .bin file. Save file for backup. Label all .bins so you know what they are.
***If you somehow manage to brick the original cluster, put it in mode 6 (adapted) and write the backup encrypted file to it. It should go back to functioning normally. If it does not write the first time, try a few more times. Start over again.***
- Put in mode 4 (virgin/new).
- Read decrypted .bin. At the bottom it will display a 4 digit number (ex. 1111). Put a 0 in front of it, and this is your SKC (ex. 01111). This number will be adapted to the new cluster so it matches the ECU. Write it down. You are now done with the original cluster.
If keeping this cluster in car, put back in mode 6 (adapted)

[Human Garbage]

There seem to be several versions of VAG K+CAN Commander out there - 1.4, 2.5, 5.1, 5.5, etc. Which one do I need? Any suggestions on where to download it from? There seem to be an assortment of bootleg and .ru sites out there.

Same story with VAG-tacho. Hard to tell what is a legitimate site.

I've never made anything higher than 2.5 work with a generic cable. All the newer ones must be tied to a custom .ept file in the cable because it says 'no interface found'. As for a site, couldn't tell you. I got my copy somewhere off the internet years ago. Been so long I can't remember.

VAG Eprom 1.19 will do what you need better than pirate versions of other programs. Literally dozens of people on here have used it with great success retrieving SKCs for cluster swapping.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

VAG Eprom 1.19 will do what you need better than pirate versions of other programs. Literally dozens of people on here have used it with great success retrieving SKCs for cluster swapping.

Thanks for confirming this is the best bet. That's what I'm moving forward with. I've got three different cables to use if needed, an eBay/China 409.1, Ross-Tech Micro-CAN, and a Ross-Tech HEX+CAN. My plan is to use the China cable first, but if that doesn't work I'll use the HEX+CAN in dumb mode.

Studying VAG EEProm, I see it's defaulting to Com1. Should I change it to USB?

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Most all the threads I read about VAG EEprom are geared towards swapping clusters and PCM's, where writing to the eeprom is required. All I need to do is read my SKC. Given that, can't I just select...
- Dash
- Bosch
- Audi A4 (RB4 Encrypted)
- Read EEprom (Decrypted)

And the SKC will be displayed at the bottom as a 4-digit number? (add 0 in front for full 5-digit SKC)

Planning to head out Monday morning, so greatly appreciate any final input.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Think I answered my own question. It seems that to even be able to read the decrypted .bin, you first need to put it into newmode (from mode 6 to 4). Only then can you read the decrypted .bin, and thus the SKC. This video shows it. Note that he skips the step Luxus recommends of first saving the encrypted cluster .bin as a backup. I too think that's a very wise idea.

https://youtu.be/sTj2WgUZonY

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Got the new key programmed today and was able to drive the car home. Yeah!!!!

VAG EEPROM v1.19 was what I used (thanks Luxus!) to retrieve the SKC. If anyone ever needs a copy, send me a PM. Be sure to set the comm port to USB and use a "generic" eBay/China 409.1 cable. The net/net on the menu selection process is...

- Dash
- Bosch
- Audi A4 (RB4 Encrypted)
- Read EEprom (Encrypted) - Save file as a backup in case something goes wrong
- Put cluster into newmode (from mode 6 to mode 4) The first time I did this, I got an error, "Not KW2000 Protocol". Did it again and it worked fine.
- Read EEprom (Decrypted) SKC will appear at the bottom-center as a 4-digit number. Add a "0" to the front - i.e. 2942 becomes 02942. Write it down.
- Put cluster back into mode 6
- Exit VAG EEPROM.

It is important that you have a minimum of 12.5 volts during this operation. Play it safe and hook up a battery charger. My car had been sitting in a remote parking lot for the past two weeks so I brought a small generator to power my battery charger. Good thing as the battery measured 12.3 volts when I first got to the car this morning.

Key adaptation using VCDS was straight forward and went without a hitch. Ross-tech has a 3 minute video on Youtube which clearly shows the steps. The factory setting is 3 keys - I had to change it to 1, since that's all I have for now. I'm a little uncertain of how I'll add keys in the future while still keeping the current one functional.

Thanks to all who provided input on this unexpected venture.

[Human Garbage]

Glad you got it going man!

Adding keys in the future is no problem with VCDS. You can pair keys (to the same car) as many times as you like. Get more keys and you go through the same process, just entering how many keys you have. Your instrument cluster even gives you a countdown in the odo display of which key you are on. I started with two keys on mine and progressed to five in three steps. Not an issue.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Adding keys in the future is no problem with VCDS. You can pair keys (to the same car) as many times as you like. Get more keys and you go through the same process, just entering how many keys you have. Your instrument cluster even gives you a countdown in the odo display of which key you are on. I started with two keys on mine and progressed to five in three steps. Not an issue.

Thanks for the confirmation. "Imnuts" spelled out the process above as well, but I'd sorta forgotten about that. I've got two new blades coming from keysinthepost.com and two new ID48 RFID chips from China. In the mean time, I'm not locking my doors and I cringe when I turn the ignition with my plastic key. If the blades show up first, I'll use those in the chip-removed fob, while holding the plastic key along-side it.