Hi all,

im new to the forum and recently purchased a 1999 Audi cabriolet 2.8.

during some routine maintenance the battery was disconnected, and after that the remote central locking won't work from the fob, although all doors lock if key is inserted into door. The batteries on the fob were changed, but the remote c/l refuses to work. I have tried the procedure detailed in the handbook, and several suggestions off the internet. Could anyone help please, as Audi say they can't make any suggestions. I'm not great with texts and stuff like that, but if anyone can help I'm on [email protected] or 07831 290806. I'm based in Worcestershire.

thanks in advance for your help,

brian boxall

Hi Brian

There are a few different methods that you could try....see information in Guides & Reviews section and also the Technical section.

If it was working before the battery was disconnected then it does work but just isn't communicating which should just be a case of reconnecting the remote to the car once more.

Let us know how you get on with the different methods.

Cheers,  Trevor

Thank you Trevor. I'll look in the lists that you suggest. Regards, brian

Trevor,

im having difficulty locating any of the sections of the forum that you suggest. In the review section I can't see reference to this issue, and I can't see a tab for technical advice. Any suggestions (apart from learn to use a computer properly!) gratefully received,

thanks, brian

 

Hi Trevor,

i have tried the 2 key method. Turning the key in the door lock does get the orange indicator light to flash once, but neither of the fobs operate the remote central locking. I can lock the car with the key however.

if you know of any other combinations of inserting/turning/locking/unlocking to re active the remote function, I'd be grateful. I just can't understand why disconnecting the battery has such a dramatic effect on the door locks,

regards, brian

Can't think of any other methods that would work unfortunately.....hopefully someone on here can help???

Hi Trevor,

thanks for all your help. I'll keep trying,

kind regards, brian

Hello Brian,

This isn't going to be the good news you are hoping for, but I too have tried all the methods I could find to reprogramme the remote on a 2006 A3, without any success. Mine stopped working due to a long period of inactivity, and as I now understand it, it's going to be half an hour out with a main dealer/independent and a plug into the computer to fix it. Mine is the spare so I'm not going out of my way to take any action on it. 

Did you buy this car from a dealer? If so, it may be worth contacting them an asking if they know of someone who might reprogramme it for you. Alternatively, try a couple of your local used car lots- these chaps have their fingers on the pulse with most snags and usually know someone good with such things.

Good luck,

Gareth.

Gareth,

thanks for the information. I purchased the car privately, but I will nip up to my local friendly garage to see what he can do. O was attempting to rectify the issue without resorting to garage labour prices, but maybe I need to get it plugged into a diagnostics machine to see just what the hissy fit is all about,

thanks, brian

Hello Brian,

Saving funds sounds a reasonable reason for posting on here, and I'm sure advice will be given where experience has shown that  a DIY fix has proved practical.

Local garage may be worth a visit, but I meant a local car sales site (unless your local garage sells cars as well). Reason being is that car sales survive by ensuring money spent on vehicles is kept to a minimum and so they build up a knowledge of where the best value for money specialists are.  Local garage - well they can work on the principle that the customer pays, and their contacts can be more along the line of who can do it quickly and easily, but not necessarily at  the best price.

I hope you have some succes at a minimum spend Brian,  but if not, keep in mind that little discussion you had with the seller in terms of knocking money off their asking price! Needs might just be must.

Kind regards,

Gareth.