Audi A1 Key Fob Failure Linked to Low Voltage Warning

Had the same problem with my 2018 Audi A3 1.4 TFSI last winter. The fob battery issue started with intermittent remote locking failures before completely stopping. The dashboard showed a low voltage warning too. Initially suspected a serious electronic key malfunction, but it turned out to be a simple battery replacement job. The fob battery was completely drained after about 4 years of use, which is typical. Modern key fobs are quite power-hungry due to their constant communication with the vehicle. The fix was straightforward, just needed a new CR2032 battery for the electronic key. After replacement, all functions returned to normal including remote locking, unlocking, and the trunk release. No programming or recoding was required. A warning though: if replacing the fob battery doesnt solve the issue, there could be other problems like a faulty key circuit board or receiver unit in the car. These are more complex repairs requiring specialized diagnostic equipment. Based on your symptoms, start with the battery replacement since its the most common cause. Most auto parts stores carry the correct fob battery type.

Thanks for sharing your experience. This matches exactly what happened with my Audi A1 last month. The car key fob also stopped working and showed similar symptoms. Changed the dead key battery and everything works perfectly now. Curious how much you paid for the replacement battery and if youve had any issues since? My key fob has been working flawlessly after the fix, but always good to know what to expect long term.

Since I had my electronic key serviced by the mechanic, everything has been working perfectly with no low voltage warnings or other issues. The total cost was 37 Euro for the battery replacement including labor. This might seem a bit high for just a fob battery swap, but they also cleaned the key contacts and tested all functions afterward. Going to a professional was worth it for me since they guaranteed the work and used a quality battery. My car key is now responding perfectly for both locking and unlocking. Based on typical battery life patterns, I expect this new battery to last another 3-4 years of normal use. For reference, if you notice the key fob starting to act up again in the future, its best to replace the battery right away when you first see the battery low warning, rather than waiting until it completely fails.

Thanks for the advice. I actually went to get it fixed today and wanted to share my experience. After seeing these responses, I first tried a car key battery replacement at a local auto parts store. The new fob battery cost only 8 Euro but didnt solve my issues. The low voltage warning kept showing up. Ended up taking it to a different mechanic who specializes in electronic key repairs. Turns out there was corrosion on the circuit board from an old battery that had leaked slightly. They cleaned the contacts, installed a new battery, and tested all functions. Total bill came to 45 Euro, more than just a battery but less than I feared. The car key works perfectly now, no more low voltage warnings, and remote locking is responsive again. Really glad I got a second opinion instead of going back to my usual mechanic. Will definitely keep an eye on the fob battery life going forward and replace it before it gets too low next time.