Battery on my remote for the alarm is dead. Audi manual says that one must have the alarm reset and battery replaced at the dealer. Is this really the case? Can I do this??

In the '99 manual, it says to replace the batteries (with identical ones), close the the control, and potentially you will need to "synchronize the system" To do this, press the remove control button. Then, within one minute, lock of unlock the door lock (I would assume manually with the key). The manual says "the system is now functional"

Try it...if it works, it saves you a trip to the dealer. Worst case, you head to the dealer as suggested in the manual

Good luck!

mpd333
99.5 2.8QTS Silver, Weather, Sport Seats

I used the technique in the FAQ. You know one key in ignition, car on etc. It worked fine. Now if I could just get the dealer to install the remote antenna so I don't have to stand right next to the car to activiate it.

claimed the range was to spec. So I gave up an bought the antenna, $40, expensive for what it is, but cheap on the frustration meter. I downloaded the TSB from tech.vw.com, took only about 20 min to put in.

service manager looked a little guilty as I was buying it, but the service has been great since. I suspect you could get it from Clair, maybe even the price would be a little better. I wanted the darn thing fixed now, so I didn't hunt a better price. If you want to order it the part number is in the TSB, and you will want those instructions anyway (takes all the guesswork out).