Audi Q4 Key Fob Failure: Quick Fix vs Dealer Visit

Having dealt with a similar low battery issue on my Audi Q8 e-tron last year, I can share my experience as someone with moderate car maintenance knowledge. The electronic key failure symptoms matched yours exactly, keyless entry stopped working and the vehicle displayed error messages. The spare key working normally is a clear indication that your main key fob needs attention. A simple battery replacement solved the issue completely. The workshop charged 37 Euro for parts and labor, which included programming the key fob to sync with the car after installing the new battery. The entire process took about 30 minutes. Two important notes: Make sure to use the correct battery type, as incorrect voltage can damage the key, After replacement, the key usually needs proper resynchronization with the vehicle Could you share your Q4s build year and whether youve noticed any other electrical issues? This would help determine if there might be additional factors to consider beyond the dead key battery. Also worth checking if your warranty covers key fob repairs, though battery replacement is typically considered normal maintenance.

Thanks for the tips. The battery replacement sounds like the way to go since my Q4 is still fairly new with 136424 KM. Good to know the programming is needed, will definitely have that done properly. Had the last service about 2 months ago but they didnt mention anything about the auto key battery status during the inspection. Since the spare electronic key works perfectly, I agree its likely just the fob battery failing. Will try getting it sorted at the dealer next week to keep everything properly documented under warranty.

Great to hear youre moving forward with the car key battery replacement. When I had mine replaced, the dealer mentioned that electronic key batteries typically last 2-3 years, so it makes sense yours needs attention now despite the recent service. Just to add from my experience, after the battery replacement and programming, take a moment at the dealer to test all key functions thoroughly. This includes: Keyless access from all door handles, Remote locking/unlocking, Start/stop function, Emergency manual key operation The total repair cost for my key was reasonable at 37 Euro, but prices might have changed since then. Worth checking if your warranty covers this, though like in my case, they might consider the battery replacement regular maintenance. The fact that your spare electronic key works confirms this is likely just a battery issue rather than a system problem. Since youre having it done at the dealer, they can also clear any stored error codes related to the dead key, which should prevent any future false warnings.

Thanks everyone for the detailed advice. Dropped by the dealer today and they confirmed its definitely a low battery causing the problem. They quoted 45 Euro for the battery replacement including programming, which seems fair based on what others paid. Made an appointment for next week since they need to order the specific battery type. Good tip about testing all the functions afterwards, will make sure to check keyless entry at each door and all the other features before leaving. Really relieved its just the dead key battery and not something more serious with the car's electrical system. The service advisor also mentioned they can clear those error messages from the system while they have it hooked up for programming. Hopefully this will prevent any ghost warnings after the battery replacement is done. Will keep the spare electronic key handy until then, but at least now I know exactly what needs fixing. Thanks again for helping diagnose this straightforward solution rather than letting me worry about bigger issues.