Key Fob Battery Change for Newbies
 

Since I finally learned to do this "all by myself," I thought that I would share.

There is a Tech Section listing dated January, 2002 in which Bill Bradstreet described the basics (but without testing them himself). Here is my revised version of his instructions:

1) Unlock all doors
2) Insert a spare key in the ignition and turn to the "accessory" position
3) Roll down driver's window
4) While standing outside, and with all doors closed, insert main fob (with new batteries) in door then twist to lock and release, making sure to leave fob in door
5) Reach inside and hold interior "unlock" button down for 10 seconds (this is why you keep the window open!)
6) Press the fob's "unlock" button once - the parking lights should flash once
7) Remove the fob and the spare key and you are done

If you wish to program more fobs, Bill says to:

"8) Repeat #5 & #6 (don't change the remote in the door)
9) Press unlock button twice for remote 2
10) Repeat again for remote 3 if you have one"

My switchblade fob ('98 A6 sedan) requires TWO (2) "CR1620" batteries, which run about $3 each at Radio Shack.

To access the batteries, use a screwdriver to gently twist, not pry, the fob into two pieces. Use your fingers to pull apart the small, inner cover.

Be prepared when the keyring falls out; it is held by this inner cover. The rest will be obvious. Reverse to reassemble. And always dispose of old batteries properly!

Watch where you put it in your pocket, too!!!
 

I went through two sets of batteries in MY fob for the 00 4.2A6 before I finally gave up and separated it from my other keys and use it alone....seems the other keys on the ring depress the buttons and wear out the batteries while the fob is in my pocket. Can't figure out why my wife's fob/keys don't....but then she just throws them in her purse.

PS...the batteries for the 00 4.2A6 cost about
$4-5 and are difficult to come by...the local Rockville MD source is one or two jewellers that charge an arm and a leg. I got 10 of them for about a buck fifty apiece over the internet (got about 20 CR123 lithium camera batteries too for about $4 rather than the $8-12 each charged in stores, no sales tax too!! Is this a great country or what?!).

Try
http://www.batterybattery.com/store/home.asp<ul><li><a href="http://www.batterybattery.com/store/home.asp">battery source</a></li></ul>

Re: Watch where you put it in your pocket, too!!!
 

If the car is still under warranty, Audi should replace the batteries.

Re: Key Fob Battery Change for Newbies
 

This procedure also works on my 2002 A3

Thanks!
Jose

Audi A4 - 2000
 

this worked for me

thanks worked for me! both my keys now work!!!!

Should, but don't. Batteries are considered consumables or wear and tear items - like tires, or brakes. Mine is under warranty, extended CPO and the Onstar battery died - they won't replace that either, so I doubt they will do key batteries.

Thanks to IndyAudi my wife can open the 1998 A-4 doors without a key in the (recent) Ohio snows.

For all trying to find CR1620 batteries: They are $1 each with
5 minimum....Chinese made but last 2 years.

www.bodylighting.com

You'll receive within a week via US mail.

Yeah, but what do you do if you only have one key? I really need to change my battery -- range is quite poor -- but I've never seen any procedure that deals with the one key scenario.

Any ideas?

Check eBay. 5 piece SONY CR1620 CR 1620 3-volt lithium battery EXP2019 = $5.00 shipped. That's $1 per battery. And there are many cheaper.