Navigating the world of car key programming can often feel like deciphering a secret code. If you’re an owner of a 1999 Audi and looking to program a new key fob, you’ve likely encountered a maze of conflicting information online. Many guides promise simple solutions but fall short, leaving you frustrated and still locked out, or worse, unable to use essential functions like your trunk release. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and provide you with a functional, accurate method to program your 1999 Audi key to your car, ensuring all features, including the trunk release, operate correctly.
This guide is based on practical experience and aims to correct the inaccuracies found in numerous online forums. Whether you’ve purchased aftermarket keys or are working with original fobs, these steps will help you successfully program your 1999 Audi key.
Understanding Key Fob Programming for Your 1999 Audi
Before diving into the programming steps, it’s important to understand a unique feature of your 1999 Audi: the key fobs are linked to the seat memory system. This means that the car recognizes up to four different keys, and each key can be associated with a specific seat memory position. For example, if you unlock your Audi with key fob number 1, and seat memory position 1 is programmed, the driver’s seat will automatically adjust to the settings stored in position 1. This is why the initial step of numbering your fobs becomes crucial.
While some resources may suggest that programming a new key will result in a non-functional trunk release, this guide will demonstrate that this is not the case. By following these instructions carefully, you can ensure all remote functions are properly programmed.
For this process, ideally, you would have two working keys. However, if you only have one functioning key and wish to program additional fobs, there’s a workaround. This involves accessing the door lock mechanism wires directly. By manually locking and unlocking the doors using these wires, you can simulate the presence of a second key, allowing you to enter programming mode.
Step-by-Step Guide to Program Your 1999 Audi Key Fob
Here are the detailed steps to program your 1999 Audi key. Follow these instructions precisely for successful programming.
Preparation: Numbering Your Fobs and Optional Door Wire Access
-
Numbering the Fobs: Temporarily label your key fobs with numbers (1, 2, 3, and 4 if applicable). This is important because the car’s computer recognizes up to four keys, and numbering helps in assigning them correctly during the programming sequence, especially in relation to the seat memory function.
-
Optional Door Wire Access (If you have only one working key): If you only have one working key and don’t want to cut new key blades before testing the keyless entry, you can access the lock and unlock wires in the driver’s side door panel.
- Carefully remove the door panel to access the wiring for the door lock assembly.
- Locate the plug going to the lock assembly. The wires you need are typically the middle two wires: a Green/blue stripe wire and a brown/yellow stripe wire.
- Identify which wire is for locking and which is for unlocking (you can test this by briefly grounding each wire).
- You will need a grounded wire to jump these wires to simulate locking and unlocking the door during the programming steps.
A pair of uncut flip key fobs for a 1999 Audi, similar to those that can be programmed using this guide.
Programming Steps for Key Fob 1
- Initial Position: Ensure all doors are unlocked.
- Ignition ON: Insert your working key into the ignition and turn it to the “run” position (do not start the engine).
- Lock Doors (Using Second Key or Grounded Wire):
- If using a second key: Manually lock the driver’s side door using the second key. You do not need to hold the key in the lock position; simply turning the key to the lock position and releasing it will activate the programming mode.
- If using a grounded wire: Use your prepared grounded wire to briefly jump the “lock” wire in the door wiring harness to simulate locking the doors. This action puts the car into programming mode.
- Program Fob 1: Take the key fob labeled “1” and press the “lock” button once. You should see the car’s lights blink once to confirm the signal reception.
- Wait and Lock/Unlock: Wait for approximately 10 seconds. After waiting, unlock the doors (using the second key or by jumping the “unlock” wire), and then immediately lock the doors again.
- Test Fob 1: Press the “unlock” button on key fob number 1. The doors should unlock, confirming successful programming of this fob.
- Finish: Open the driver’s side door and remove the key from the ignition.
Programming Key Fob 2, 3, and 4
To program additional key fobs (up to a total of four), follow the exact procedure outlined above, but with a crucial modification in Step 4:
- Modified Step 4 for Fob 2: Take the key fob labeled “2” and press the “lock” button twice. The car’s lights should blink twice to indicate programming for the second fob position.
- For Fob 3: Press the “lock” button three times. The lights will blink three times.
- For Fob 4: Press the “lock” button four times. The lights will blink four times.
Important Note: Pressing the lock button five times will erase that specific fob position from the car’s memory.
Close-up view of the flip key fob, highlighting the remote control buttons used for programming.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your 1999 Audi key fob and regain full remote functionality, including the trunk release. This method addresses common misconceptions and provides a reliable way to program your keys at home. Remember to perform each step carefully, and you’ll be back to enjoying the convenience of keyless entry and remote functions on your 1999 Audi in no time.
