2007 A3 SKC/PIN retrieval

[ramack]

I need to tap into the knowledge base of you all.

The short story
What do I need to read the SKC/PIN on a 2007 A3?


The longer story (Denver Metro Area)
My daughter bought a 2007 A3 a couple weeks ago, which came with one OEM functional remote. I am wanting to get 2 more spares without going through a dealership ($410 each) or local locksmith ($300 each). My initial approach was if I can do this all myself for a fraction of the cost, I'll have a few more tools and save some cash. It's definitely been a learning process (ha), this level of Audi tech is new to me.

What I'm needing now is the ability/tool to read the SKC/PIN, then duplicate the remotes. What I have so far is three remotes. One fully functional remote that came with the car. I also purchased two OEM remotes off eBay. The sidewinder keys have been cut ($16/key) at a local Ace Hardware in Aurora. So AFAIK, the remaining step of programming the remotes IMMO and lock/unlock functionality is all that remains. Note the as far as I know.

What I've purchased, tried and returned.
XTool VAG401 - There are multiple videos on YouTube showing this handheld being using to read the SKC/PIN on older VWs. I had emailed the manufacture and they state it will not read the SKC on the given make/model. I have confirmed that it will not read the A3 SKC. I will probably keep this, seems pretty useful otherwise.
Ancel Tech VD500 - I've emailed and chatted with the manufacturer, both times (different reps) state it will not read the SKC for the A3.
VAG-KEY - I have one of these handhelds to arrive next week. Several YouTube videos show this reading the SKC and also duplicating multiple remotes. I have not been able to get information from the manufacture about reading the SKC for the A3.
AUTOPHIX V007 - A seller on Amazon states it will read the SKC on my A3, although I am skeptical about the results. I've ordered one which will be arriving next week.
VAG EEPROM Programmer - I have downloaded the .exe ,but still unclear which cable I need to use this package. I'm not clear if this will read the SKC, but many VW/Audi people use it.

I think I have a non-dealer back-up, but waiting to get a call back from a shop in Parker, CO about my request.

So again, my "basic" question is what do I need to read the SKC on a 2007 A3?

Thanks,
Rich

[ramack]

The VAG-Key I purchased arrived today. this tool is only for reading SKC/PIN. The PIN that was read is 5 digits which is not what I was expecting. Does a 5 digit PIN sound valid? Readers I've seen or read about have produced a 4 digit PIN and then in VCDS you add a leading zero. So the various reader would produce a "1234" PIN and in VCDS you enter "01234".

Anyone used a VAG-KEY?

[Benchwork]

Did you have any luck with this?

As an aside, I'm thinking of buying the Ross-tech vag com. My uses would be diagnostics and maintenance including transmission fluid change on my new to me 2011 Audi A6. Would you recommend one of the others over vag com?

[ramack]

Did you have any luck with this?

As an aside, I'm thinking of buying the Ross-tech vag com. My uses would be diagnostics and maintenance including transmission fluid change on my new to me 2011 Audi A6. Would you recommend one of the others over vag com?

No, I have not made any progress as far as the SKC/PIN. I did buy a couple OBD scanners, the one that seem to be "ok", I left it in my daughter's car. Its a AutoPHIX V007, nothing fancy, just does the basic stuff.