Dr. D

I bought my '18 A5 SB on February 1st this year. Twice the following happened: The car was parked for maybe 20 minutes. I unlock it and get in. Buckle up, depress the brake pedal and press the "start" button. The engine does not stop and message appears along the line of put the key on the special place (used for low battery and other situations). The first time this happened I was maybe a mile from the dealership so I drive there. A mechanic was available, so they check out the car. Nothing showing.

The first time it took five minutes before the car would start. Tonight it went faster since after it wouldn't start and showed the message I thought for minute. Then I pressed the "start" button without depressing the brake. The ignition came on normal. Then I depressed the brake pedal and hit the "start" button again and the engine started.

Anyone else seeing any similar behavior?

Wiz33

Replace the battery on your key and see.

Dr. D

The technician checked the battery and said it was good. It would be the simplest answer, however.

AUDIQSS

It happens from time to time, but I find it is probably being caused by my cell phone. I keep the phone in the same pocket as my key. If the phone gets between the key and the sensor in the cars it seems to block the signal. I simply shift the phone in my pocket and all is well. If not your phone, could it be other keys, loose change, or other metal objects in your pocket?

Dr. D

Both times I had my phone in the storage bin under the center armrest. But that is next to the "sensitive place" for a weak key battery. Maybe that is causing some interference?

dereitz

I've seen this maybe 1-2 times in both of the cars in my household (Q5 and S5SB). Luckily, it was nothing like what you describe and was simply a brief annoyance. Sounds like others are already on the right track -- perhaps there is something specific to your situation causing interference. The problem will be determining what is causing it.