2022-2026 Audi Remote Control Key Inoperative TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 57 24 34 2017082/14 to address instances where the remote control key becomes inoperative in various Audi models from 2000 to 2025, including the 2022-2026 Audi e-tron. This bulletin, which supersedes TSB Group 57 number 17-38 dated March 23, 2017, provides diagnostic information and repair procedures for central locking issues.

Symptoms of an Inoperative Remote Key

Owners may experience situations where the central locking system does not respond to the remote control key, either sporadically or permanently. While the remote function may fail, the vehicle's locks can still be operated manually using the physical key.

Additionally, a weak key battery may be indicated by a message in the instrument cluster and a corresponding entry in the vehicle's event memory. This message is not displayed for the Q3 8U model.

Why Your Audi Remote Key Might Not Be Working

Audi identifies two primary situations that can lead to an inoperative remote control key:

Situation 1: Synchronization Loss

This occurs when the remote control key loses its synchronization with the vehicle. Common reasons include:

• The vehicle's battery has been disconnected.
• The remote control key's battery has been replaced.
• The remote control key has been used multiple times outside the vehicle's range, causing it to desynchronize.

Situation 2: External Interference

Interference from other radio transmitters can temporarily disable the remote control key. This can happen if other devices operating in the same frequency range are nearby. Examples of such devices include:

• Mobile phones
• TV stations
• Wireless headphones
• Baby monitors
• Other vehicle remote controls

In these cases, the remote control key may be temporarily switched off to prevent unintentional unlocking of the vehicle by other signals.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi provides crucial advisories regarding the diagnosis and repair of an inoperative remote control key:

• Do not rely on a voltmeter: Measuring the key battery voltage with a standard voltmeter is not an effective way to assess its quality. Proper load measurements with a specialized device at room temperature are necessary.
• Replacing the remote will not resolve the concern: If the issue is synchronization or interference, simply replacing the remote control key will not fix the problem.
• Not a warranty item: This TSB is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty.

How to Resynchronize Your Audi Remote Key

If you are experiencing an Audi e-tron remote key inoperative condition due to synchronization loss (Situation 1), follow the specific steps for your vehicle's model generation. The complete process for each set of instructions must not take longer than 30 seconds where specified.

For A4 (8D, 8E, 8H) 1996-2009 Models:

1. Open the vehicle mechanically using the key.
2. Press the unlock button on the remote control key.
3. Insert the key into the ignition lock and switch on the ignition.
4. Switch the ignition off again and remove the key.
5. Press either the unlock or the locking button on the remote control key.

For R8 (4S) 2008-2023, TT (8J) 2008-2014, TTR, A3 (8P and 8V) 2005-2013 and 2015-2020, A6 (4B) 1999-2005 Models:

1. Press one of the buttons on the remote control key.
2. Lock or unlock the vehicle mechanically with the key once.
3. Press one of the buttons on the remote control key again.
4. Ensure the complete process does not exceed 30 seconds.

For A4 (8K) 2009-2016, allroad (8K) 2013-2016, A5 (8T) 2008-2017, A5 Cabriolet (8F) 2010-2017, Q5 (8R) 2009-2017, A8 (4H) 2011-2017, A6 and A7 (4G) 2012-2017 Models:

1. Press a button on the remote key while within the range of the vehicle.
2. If necessary, open the vehicle with the emergency key via the door lock.
3. Switch the ignition on and off.

For A6 (4F) 2005-2009, A8 (4E) 2003-2010, Audi Q7 (4L) 2007-2016 Models:

1. Open the vehicle mechanically with the key.
2. Insert the key into the ignition lock and switch on the ignition.
3. Switch the ignition off again.

For A4 (8W) 2017-2024, A5 (F5) 2017-2024, A6 (4A) 2018-2024, A7 (4K) 2018-2024, A8 (4N) 2018-2024, Q5 (FY) 2018-2024, Q7/Q8 (4M) 2017-2024 Models (including the Audi e-tron):

1. If necessary, open the vehicle via the door lock using the emergency key.
2. Switch on the ignition.

Addressing External Interference

If the synchronization procedure does not resolve the Audi e-tron remote key inoperative condition, the problem may be due to external interference (Situation 2). In this case, technicians should:

1. Check for any interfering transmitters nearby the vehicle.
2. Check for any interfering transmitters inside the vehicle.
3. If interference is identified as the cause, explain the technical background to the customer.
4. If synchronization attempts are unsuccessful, adapt the remote control key(s) to the vehicle's central locking system. Sometimes, following the "erase all memory positions first" test plan can yield better results.

Additional Information

All part and service references in this TSB 57 24 34 2017082/14 are subject to change. Always consult with your Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins. Always check the Repair Manual for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during any repair.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10253261