Steve'sA6

Finally got around to programming Homelink today for my garage door. But, when using it with Advanced Key, it appears that you can only activate homelink and open the garage door AFTER starting the car. Generally not the best idea.

In some vehicles, Homelink works without having the ignition on, but in Audis, you have to turn the key to the accessory position. With advanced key, I believe the car is either all the way on (i.e. engine running) or it is not on at all.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Life Rules

I know other cars with HomeLink that have better buttons and work with the ignition off...ours don't for reasons that escape me. I have gotten into the routine of closing the garage after pulling in and BEFORE shutting off the engine... its too bad they didn't wire it so it would function while the engine was off.

TulsaTime

Actually, you're safer the way Audi designed it. If you ever leave your car outside your garage for any reason, and someone breaks into it, they can't open your garage door without turning on the ignition. It's a small inconvenience to have a more secure home, but I can live with it.

Dano_SL

Probably to keep peeps from smashing your window and opening your garage.

kitora

Just the same way as your ignition key the advanced key has 2 steps. When you push it lightly you will switch on the ignition, and push it all the way down the car starts.

Doesn't homelink work with just the ignition on ?

Steve'sA6

Thanks to Kitora's post, I played around with the Advanced Key and found the following -

If you press the Start button without pressing on the brake pedal, the accessory power in the car turns on, and allows for use of the Homelink.
Pressing Start button again with foot on the brake starts the engine.

So, best of both worlds. The security of not having someone being able to break into the car and using Homelink to get into the garage, but being able to use Homelink without starting the engine.

Thanks for the advice.

Steve

MarkW

Should have enabled it like the windows and sunroof when the key is off but the doors have not been opened. I wish the homelink in my C5 worked that way. Retained Power Accessory I think they call it.