Remote key
 

Neither of my remote keys work, either not at all or intermittently. I've checked the batteries and they are ok. (I have noticed that the batteries do not seem to last very long, but I've been told that is a problem with Audi remote keys. Any suggestions for fixing this problem.

Re: Remote key
 

Hmm.. I suppose that you could check to see if maybe the remote butons are working properly, and not sticking at the bottom. That happens to me on occasion, it just doesn't push down all the way. How long have you had the remote?

Re: Remote key
 

While I have owned the 2003 A6 for a year, the remotes, I assume, are 4 years old. I will try your suggestion.

Re: Remote key
 

buy better batteries? what i've noticed that in some stores the batteries seem to sit for months at a time or who knows how long...

Sounds like it's a battery problem...

Re: Remote key
 

Four years with lots of use could mean that it's not just a battery problem. I can see needing to get a whole new remote at that point. Like I mentioned before, buttons just seem to get stuck sometimes, or maybe just lose connection.

Re: Remote key
 

They also get really mucky inside, what with riding around in pockets, getting sweaty and fluffy. As well as they are made they are like cell phones-they don't keep it all out.

If the performance is better when batteries are brand new, maybe it is a battery issue. If new batteries don't help, I would look for a different cause.

Re: Remote key
 

Maybe its missing, have you checked to make sure the little current deal it working? (Sorry I don't know the name of it). I'm not too keen on electrics for those pads, but I have had them short out before if thats the term for it.

Re: Remote key
 

I didn't even think about the dirt and gook that could get lodged inside and underneath the bottoms of the button pads. I suppose that could be the problem too though, sweat and grime can really hurt those things, just like cell phones and similar electronics.

Re: Remote key
 

Sometimes the remotes don't work. They need to be reminded how to work. Often I just use the key in the door and that resets it. After several months it may happen again and I do the same procedure and it is fine again. There are write ups about this on other forums which I do not know how to transfer. It is my opinion that may be the problem. BTW my batteries have lasted quite a long time in my remote - over 2 years. I have a '98 A6.

Re: Remote key
 

Re: Remote key
 

Thanks for the responses, but it now appears that it was the battery in both cases. I believe that the problem has been that the batteries I have been buying are, for one reason or another, not reliable.

Re: Remote key
 

I'm glad to hear that you were able to find the solution. The battery thing happens to me all the time though, mainly with my digital camera. It does take a while to find good batteries sometimes.

Re: Remote key
 

Try putting key in ignition and they using them. That worked for me and resets the remote after you put in the new battery.

Re: Remote key
 

The best thing to do if the batteries are not an issue is to take the remote appart use a Q-tip and alcohol and clean the contacts with the battery removed that is leave it to dry as it drys fairly quickly and re-assemble and there is your new remote.

Also depending on the remote model etc the contactors get bent out of shape and need to be bent back out a bit further so they make a proper contact. Hope that helps! If you want a write up with photos send me one of your keys :D As I sold my Audi :(!

Re: Remote key
 

Yes

For mine I had to replace the batteries, clean the contacts (like 1move suggested) then I had to put the key in the ignition and start the car(as Gaudi suggested)...and then all was good.