KEYS - New FOB or no...

[murphenur]

Who has gotten another key done for their car?

I only have one (car was purchased with only one key) and I’ve put it off for the last 3 years to go buy another one… Until I locked the keys in the ignition today, still not sure how that happened. Had to use locksmith tools to get it out.

In any case it’s renewed my thoughts on getting a second key or key fob.

I know the dealer charges an arm and a leg for it, so I’m curious to see if anyone has found another option.

Or if there is a way to program the kessy key other than the dealer?

At this point I’m thinking of just getting a blank and getting just a key cut so that I can open the doors… however it leaves me wondering what would happen if I did in fact lose the only key I have?

Can the dealer reissue a key with the VIN only?

Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated.

Thanks fellas.

[GRS6]

I’ve purchased a secondary OEM-like key FOB for mine, however I did end up becoming lazy and haven’t even gotten around to cutting the key. Like you, I’ve gotten stuck at who would be willing to program the key? Apparently, there’s some companies who claim that they can program the key with the car but I’m uncertain if that’s true.

I know on the 2005 or older cars that you could simply reprogram/program the keys yourself, but on our 2008+ vehicles I have no idea. :-\

[murphenur]

I’ve purchased a secondary OEM-like key FOB for mine, however I did end up becoming lazy and haven’t even gotten around to cutting the key. Like you, I’ve gotten stuck at who would be willing to program the key? Apparently, there’s some companies who claim that they can program the key with the car but I’m uncertain if that’s true.

I know on the 2005 or older cars that you could simply reprogram/program the keys yourself, but on our 2008+ vehicles I have no idea. :-\

We have 2 local locksmiths that say they can do it, but haven’t done it. I’m a bit leary of trusting that, and they said that they can’t give a guarantee that it will work. I guess I’m “pre” worrying about them saying that I will just have to take it to the dealership.

The dealer called me back today and already stated they would only program a new key fob purchased through their parts dept only. Which I guess is fair… total costs? $550CAD plus tax.

[GRS6]

I’ve purchased a secondary OEM-like key FOB for mine, however I did end up becoming lazy and haven’t even gotten around to cutting the key. Like you, I’ve gotten stuck at who would be willing to program the key? Apparently, there’s some companies who claim that they can program the key with the car but I’m uncertain if that’s true.

I know on the 2005 or older cars that you could simply reprogram/program the keys yourself, but on our 2008+ vehicles I have no idea. :-\

We have 2 local locksmiths that say they can do it, but haven’t done it. I’m a bit leary of trusting that, and they said that they can’t give a guarantee that it will work. I guess I’m “pre” worrying about them saying that I will just have to take it to the dealership.

The dealer called me back today and already stated they would only program a new key fob purchased through their parts dept only. Which I guess is fair… total costs? $550CAD plus tax.

Honestly, what the dealership charges isn’t fair at all. $550 for mediocre work? How hard is it to program a key in 2017 at the dealership? :l

[GRS6]

I’ve purchased a secondary OEM-like key FOB for mine, however I did end up becoming lazy and haven’t even gotten around to cutting the key. Like you, I’ve gotten stuck at who would be willing to program the key? Apparently, there’s some companies who claim that they can program the key with the car but I’m uncertain if that’s true.

I know on the 2005 or older cars that you could simply reprogram/program the keys yourself, but on our 2008+ vehicles I have no idea. :-\

We have 2 local locksmiths that say they can do it, but haven’t done it. I’m a bit leary of trusting that, and they said that they can’t give a guarantee that it will work. I guess I’m “pre” worrying about them saying that I will just have to take it to the dealership.

The dealer called me back today and already stated they would only program a new key fob purchased through their parts dept only. Which I guess is fair… total costs? $550CAD plus tax.

Honestly, what the dealership charges isn’t fair at all. $550 for mediocre work? How hard is it to program a key in 2017 at the dealership? :l

^ I noticed I used USD instead of CAD, but even then it’s still a bit harsh imo.

[murphenur]

Ya… $350CAD plus tax for key; $200CAD shop labour.

Labour is $155CAD/hr here. :

[GRS6]

Ya… $350CAD plus tax for key; $200CAD shop labour.

Labour is $155CAD/hr here. :

To follow up on this… I ended up buying an OEM key (not from the stealership) and I’ll be attempting to program it to my S6 using a technique I found on YouTube. Seems to work for the 2G MMI systems, so why not for my 3G MMI? Fingers crossed… I have to go buy the 2032 Lithium battery for this secondary key, then I’ll be off to the races.

EDIT: Still doesn’t work. Maybe there’s a way to program it into the ECU using vagcom?

[murphenur]

Vagcom won’t program it. It’s some other program and on the older audi’s you can do it at home if you are wiley.

AFAIK you can’t do the kessy key programming on your own.

[SIX6SIX]

Pretty sure our cars can only have keys coded at the dealership because they have to link into some central computer. They said they needed my car physically on site for them to set me up for the key replacement program. Reason being, they need the car there to get the key coded to match.