Are you struggling to program a new key fob for your 1999 Audi? You’re not alone. Many online guides offer confusing or incorrect instructions, leading to frustration. If you’ve purchased aftermarket keys and need a reliable method to program them, this guide provides a functional and easy-to-follow solution specifically for your 1999 Audi.
This method addresses common misconceptions, such as the belief that the trunk release function won’t work with aftermarket keys – which is incorrect. By following these steps, you can successfully program your new key fobs to work with your car’s locking system and seat memory functions.
Step-by-Step Programming Instructions for Your 1999 Audi Key
Before you begin, it’s helpful to understand that your Audi’s key fobs are linked to the seat memory function. This means each key fob can be associated with a specific seat position setting. To manage this, temporarily number your key fobs (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4) to keep track during the programming process.
If you only have one working key and haven’t cut the new key blades yet, you can bypass using a second physical key by accessing the door lock mechanism directly:
- Accessing Door Lock Wires (Optional, if only one key): Carefully remove the door panel to access the wiring plug connected to the door lock assembly. Locate the middle two wires (Green/blue stripe and Brown/yellow stripe). These are your lock and unlock wires. Using a grounded wire, you can jump these wires to simulate locking and unlocking the door. This allows you to keep your existing working key in the ignition throughout the programming.
Programming Steps:
- Prepare the Vehicle: Ensure all doors are unlocked. Turn the ignition key to the “run” position (just before starting the engine).
- Enter Programming Mode: Lock the doors using either your second key in the door lock or by using your grounded wire to jump the lock wire (if you followed step 1 of “Accessing Door Lock Wires”). Note: You do not need to hold the key in the lock position; simply turning the key to lock or a momentary jump of the wire is sufficient to enter programming mode.
- Program Key Fob 1: Take the key fob labeled “1”. Press the “lock” button once. The car’s lights should blink once to confirm the signal.
- Wait and Lock/Unlock: Wait for 10 seconds. Then, unlock and immediately relock the doors using your physical key or grounded wire.
- Test Key Fob 1: Press the “unlock” button on key fob 1. The doors should unlock, confirming successful programming of the first fob.
- Exit Programming: Open the driver’s side door and remove the key from the ignition.
Programming Additional Key Fobs:
To program a second key fob (or up to four), repeat the exact procedure above, with one crucial modification in Step 3:
- Modified Step 3 for Key Fob 2: Take the key fob labeled “2”. Press the “lock” button twice. The car’s lights should blink twice to confirm.
For key fob 3, press the lock button three times, and for key fob 4, press it four times.
Important Note: Pressing the lock button five times will erase that specific fob position from the car’s memory.
By following these steps, you can easily program your new 1999 Audi key fobs and regain full remote functionality for your vehicle.
