I’m trying the process from the A8 Parts Forum https://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread. ... post176297 (not VCDS) but with no joy at all. I’m confused at 2 points: at which press of the unlock button do you push it more than once; and do you press it twice for the second key as you obviously already have one key that works to have got into the car. Or, if you want a total of 3 keys to work, do you press it 3 times for each programming?
And which key is being programmed? The one in the ignition I assumed, but that could be wrong, I suppose.
I know something is working as, although I’ve failed to programme a second key, another key that previously worked, doesn’t any more, even though it was in the house at the time!
Can anyone help?
Programming keys
Programming keys
2002 Final Edition S8. Ebony black with Silver Grey leather and myrtle wood trim.
Re: Programming keys
Jim, can you clarify EXACTLY what you are trying to do, e.g.:
How many keys you have.
How many and which will start the car.
How many (which) will unlock/lock remotely.
What you are trying to do with each key.
The immobiliser and remote functions are almost entirely separate.
IIRC if you have at least one (maybe 2?) key that will open the car (with the blade) and start it you can program any/all remotes without needing VCDS.
Pretty sure I've done it, e.g. when I got my current car I reset and reprogrammed the remotes in case there was another key lurking.
How many keys you have.
How many and which will start the car.
How many (which) will unlock/lock remotely.
What you are trying to do with each key.
The immobiliser and remote functions are almost entirely separate.
IIRC if you have at least one (maybe 2?) key that will open the car (with the blade) and start it you can program any/all remotes without needing VCDS.
Pretty sure I've done it, e.g. when I got my current car I reset and reprogrammed the remotes in case there was another key lurking.
Re: Programming keys
Right, here come the answers:
I have 3 keys and, until I started messing around, 2 of them worked fully. The third did not work as a remote, but the batteries are fine.
Whilst mucking about with the fully functioning key to try to programme the one that did not work, the other key that did work previously, stopped working.
Currently, the 2 non-functioning keys will start the car, but it cuts out almost immediately. The remotes do not work on these 2 keys.
I’d like all 3 keys to function fully.
I have 3 keys and, until I started messing around, 2 of them worked fully. The third did not work as a remote, but the batteries are fine.
Whilst mucking about with the fully functioning key to try to programme the one that did not work, the other key that did work previously, stopped working.
Currently, the 2 non-functioning keys will start the car, but it cuts out almost immediately. The remotes do not work on these 2 keys.
I’d like all 3 keys to function fully.
2002 Final Edition S8. Ebony black with Silver Grey leather and myrtle wood trim.
Re: Programming keys
So you've messed up the immobiliser settings somehow.The_Laird wrote: Thu Apr 03, 2025 10:30 am Currently, the 2 non-functioning keys will start the car, but it cuts out almost immediately.
I can't recall how you sort that out, but you will almost certainly need VCDS to do it.
I'd aim to sort that issue out first and ignore the remote programming for now.
Do a VCDS scan and see what it says, it will probably highlight immobiliser issues. Take very good care of the functioning key!