Convenience Key not working outside 3ft range?
07-05-2011, 11:20 AM
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Convenience Key not working outside 3ft range?
The vehicle won't lock or unlock unless I'm right next to it. They're replacing a booster in the trunk but I'm a little dubious on that working (I'll keep you posted). Sometimes, even when sitting right in the driver seat, I'll have to hold the key up to the sensor to get it to start. Also, the dash will give me a warning that the key is not in the vehicle while I'm driving down the road. Anyone else out there have these issues?
07-05-2011, 03:23 PM
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The vehicle won't lock or unlock unless I'm right next to it. They're replacing a booster in the trunk but I'm a little dubious on that working (I'll keep you posted). Sometimes, even when sitting right in the driver seat, I'll have to hold the key up to the sensor to get it to start. Also, the dash will give me a warning that the key is not in the vehicle while I'm driving down the road. Anyone else out there have these issues?
07-06-2011, 05:21 AM
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It happens with both keys. I would think it would be a transmitter issue too, and I would think the transmitter would be in the keys.. but why would there be a booster in the trunk? What is that boosting? I really just wanted to see if this was a common issue or if I just have rotten luck. :P
07-06-2011, 05:59 AM
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Do you have an iPhone or similar right near the key? I can't remember if it was an Audi forum or my Z06 forum but having a smartphone in the same pocket as your smartkey was causing interference. Just an idea to try. I'd swap out the batteries as a cheap test.
07-07-2011, 07:12 AM
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If it happens with both keys I highly doubt its the batteries or the transmitters in the keys.
It sounds like an issue with the receiver/sensor for the transmitted signal. The booster they are referring to might actually be what receives the signal and they are just using the wrong terminology.
In my wife's old Cadillac that had similar keys, we did have an issue once or twice where it said the key was not detected when sitting in the car and trying to start it. On the Cadillac, there was this "slot" in the arm rest where you can insert the key and it "re-syncs" the key and receiver. Apparently some codes are transmitted from the key which may sometimes get out of sync.
Not sure if Audi's smart key has something similar. Try looking in your owners manual. There should be a section which talks about the smart key and it may have info on this.
Just guessing, though I would assume the dealer would know this if it was the case.
It sounds like an issue with the receiver/sensor for the transmitted signal. The booster they are referring to might actually be what receives the signal and they are just using the wrong terminology.
In my wife's old Cadillac that had similar keys, we did have an issue once or twice where it said the key was not detected when sitting in the car and trying to start it. On the Cadillac, there was this "slot" in the arm rest where you can insert the key and it "re-syncs" the key and receiver. Apparently some codes are transmitted from the key which may sometimes get out of sync.
Not sure if Audi's smart key has something similar. Try looking in your owners manual. There should be a section which talks about the smart key and it may have info on this.
Just guessing, though I would assume the dealer would know this if it was the case.
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07-07-2011, 11:38 AM
#8
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O, yes, I have this too, and learn to never put my phone near my key.
07-16-2011, 10:42 AM
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I am having the same problem with my keys. They do not open the doors unless I am within a couple feet of the car and some times I have to take the key out of my pocket and physically push the unlock button to get it to work. While driving the car can not find the key and issues a warning. This happens about one an hour. I have replaced the batteries on both keys and have taken it in to the dealer for service. They could not find anything wrong. Now a new problem has appeared where the car doesn't think I have my seat belt on and issues a warning for that also. So lucky me I get to drive down the road with seat belt and convenience key warnings every few minutes. It's driving me nuts. Off to the dealer again I go.
07-16-2011, 11:57 AM
#10
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I am having the same problem with my keys. They do not open the doors unless I am within a couple feet of the car and some times I have to take the key out of my pocket and physically push the unlock button to get it to work. While driving the car can not find the key and issues a warning. This happens about one an hour. I have replaced the batteries on both keys and have taken it in to the dealer for service. They could not find anything wrong. Now a new problem has appeared where the car doesn't think I have my seat belt on and issues a warning for that also. So lucky me I get to drive down the road with seat belt and convenience key warnings every few minutes. It's driving me nuts. Off to the dealer again I go.
What car do you have?