Care and Maintenance
Smart Key Replacement Information
Smart Key Replacement Information
| Whether your key was misplaced, damaged or stolen – only an authorized Audi dealer is able to offer a replacement. Since all Audi key programming is stored in a secure database, a permanent record is available when a replacement key needs to be coded.
The Immobilizer – The New World of Antitheft Technology All Audi vehicles are now equipped with a state of the art electronic "immobilizer" antitheft system. The critical component in this system is a sophisticated electronic antitheft device – the "immobilizer". The immobilizer activates when the ignition key is removed and, together with the engine control unit, largely prevents unauthorized starting of the engine. The immobilizer in the vehicle interacts with a transmitter and receiver unit (transponder) in the ignition key. Whenever an attempt is made to start the engine, the immobilizer transmits a new code to the cars electronics. The immobilizer keeps the ignition, fuel and steering systems locked unless a key with the proper code is used to start the vehicle.  The Smart Key – Yours and Yours Alone Even an exact physical duplicate of a key cannot start the vehicle unless the keys transponder and the vehicles immobilizer have been coded to each other. Securely encrypted and constantly changing electronic codes match your specific key with the onboard computer on your vehicle – and your vehicle alone. Code Security No security system can provide 100perct protection against theft, and thieves may be able to overcome the electronic immobilizer Electronic Immobilizer The immobilizer is an electronic antitheft device.Electronic Immobilizer. However, objective data has demonstrated a dramatic reduction in theft rates in vehicles equipped with immobilizer and "smart key" technology. For these systems to be effective, the codes that are unique to a particular key and a particular vehicle cannot be allowed to fall into unauthorized hands. At the same time, vehicle owners who have lost or misplaced their sets of keys need to be able to obtain replacements in the most convenient manner possible, while preserving the security of key coding information. Replacement Keys Replacing a transponder key can be costly. Coding a replacement key for your vehicle requires specialized equipment available only to your Audi dealer and to certain Independent Facilities Authorized for the Limited Purpose of Replacing Keys for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles and locksmiths that are qualified to make remote control keys. This equipment can also be used to disable a key which is lost or stolen by reprogramming the remaining keys to the vehicle. In addition, because all key programming accesses a single secure database, a permanent record is generated whenever a replacement key is coded to a particular vehicle. |
Smart Key ReplacementClick below for a list of Independent Facilities Authorized for the Limited Purpose of Replacing Keys for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles or your nearest dealer. Audi dealers and independent repair facilities and locksmiths are independent businesses which set their own prices for keys and coding services. |
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