Audi: 2003 A4 - remote entry key battery lifespan

I have a 2003 A4 that I've had for just over 5 months. The remote lock/unlock
buttons on the key fob are dead (or somehow became unprogrammed). I opened it up
and it doesn't look like the battery is replaceable.

How long is the remote lock/unlock key-fob battery supposed to last? In my last car
('96 VW Jetta GLX), the batteries were replaceable and lasted well over three years.

Thanks,
Bob

Bob,

Battery current leak is a well known issue, though your dealer may be
"programmed" not to admit it.

Use reprogramming procedure in your manual after changing the battery. It
really works if the battery is not stone cold dead. Though it doesn't look
easily replaceable, just pry up the upper half with your finger nail after
you separate the two halves of the fob carefully with a small screwdriver .
It will pop off, though it looks like it won't pop apart, it will.

This is also described in your manual.



Call your dealer and tell them to ORDER a new fob before you ever waste your
precious time going to the dealership--tell them you have replaced the
battery several times and the battery repeatedly dies in a few weeks/months.
This way they cannot deny a defective fob.

Otherwise they will run you through the ludicrous charade of changing the
battery for you under warranty several times until YOU finally figure out
and then "convince" them the fob is defective, even though they know the
issue right up front.

How do I know? I got three remotes with a new 2003 A4 (I paid for an extra).
All defective with battery drain issue within a few months. Fought for
months convincing them it's not "normal" for the battery to last so short a
time. Three new one's after much back and forth, two of which are defective
again. Still working on two new one's 13 months into ownership.

This also will NOT be the first Audi part I had replaced with an IDENTICALLY
DEFECTIVE but still somehow BRAND NEW part !!!

Best luck to you..I guarantee you if you take my advice you'll save tons of
time and aggravation.


This is based on my experience at the most "stellar" Audi shop in all the
Milky Way, Inskip Audi of Warwick, RI. Call them up and tell them you love
them yourself toll-free at (866) 285-9499. Ask them if there is a "know
issue" with recent remotes, and see what they say.

Don't forget to visit them at http://www.inskipaudi.com/


DFE


"Bob Navarro" <net> wrote in message
news:net... 
lock/unlock 
it up 
last car 
three years.