2004 Audi A4 Key Fob Programming: A DIY Guide for Easy Reprogramming

Lost your key fob or experiencing issues with your 2004 Audi A4 remote? Reprogramming your key fob might be easier than you think, and you can do it right at home. Many owners encounter situations where they need to reprogram their key fobs, whether after battery changes or simply wanting to ensure all their remotes are correctly linked to their vehicle. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process to program your 2004 Audi A4 Key Fob, even if you have multiple fobs and want to program them all without erasing any.

There are essentially two scenarios for programming your Audi A4 key fob. The first is for remotes that were previously programmed to your car. This is a quicker and simpler process. The second, slightly longer procedure is for programming new, unlinked key fobs to your 2004 Audi A4 for the first time. Let’s walk through both.

Reprogramming Existing 2004 Audi A4 Key Fobs

If you have key fobs that have worked with your 2004 Audi A4 before, but perhaps stopped working or need to be re-synced, follow these easy steps:

1. Press and Hold Unlock: On the key fob you wish to reprogram, press and hold the “unlock” button.
2. Ignition On: While still holding the unlock button, insert the key into your Audi A4’s ignition switch and turn the key to the “on” position. This is the position just before you would start the engine, where the dashboard lights illuminate.
3. Hold for Two Seconds: Continue holding the unlock button while the key is in the “on” position for approximately two seconds.
4. Turn Off and Release: Turn the ignition key back to the “off” position, remove the key from the ignition, and then release the unlock button.

Repeat these steps for each 2004 Audi A4 key fob you need to reprogram.

Relinking to Seat Positions (Optional): If your Audi A4 has memory seats and you want to relink the key fob to a specific seat position, press and hold the memory position button (e.g., “MEM 1” or “MEM 2”) and then press and hold the unlock button on the corresponding key fob for two seconds. Release both buttons.

Programming New 2004 Audi A4 Key Fobs

If you have a new, unprogrammed key fob for your 2004 Audi A4, or if the previous method doesn’t work, use this more extensive procedure:

1. Valet Key and Ignition On: Take a key that currently works in your 2004 Audi A4 (a valet key works well) and insert it into the ignition. Turn the key to the “on” position, so the dashboard lights are illuminated.
2. Roll Down Driver’s Window: It’s recommended to roll down the driver’s side window. This is a precaution in case of any issues during programming.
3. Exit and Close Door: Get out of your Audi A4 and close the driver’s side door.
4. Physically Lock Door: Using a second, working key (not a remote), physically lock the driver’s side door by turning the key clockwise in the door lock cylinder. Do not use a remote to lock the door for this step.
5. First Remote – Unlock Button Press: Take the first new 2004 Audi A4 key fob you want to program. Press the “unlock” button once. You should see the lights on your Audi A4 flash once.
6. Wait and Unlock: Wait for 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, press the “unlock” button again on the same key fob. The doors of your Audi A4 should unlock, confirming that the first transmitter is now programmed.

Programming Multiple Key Fobs (Up to Four)

If you have more than one new 2004 Audi A4 key fob to program, continue with the following steps. If you only have one key, skip to step 16.

7. Lock Door Again (Physically): Physically lock the driver’s door again using the key in the door lock cylinder (clockwise turn, no remote).
8. Second Remote – Two Unlock Presses: For the second key fob, press the “unlock” button two times with a one-second interval between each press. The lights should flash twice, once for each press.
9. Wait and Unlock: Wait for 10 seconds, and then press the “unlock” button one more time. The doors should unlock, indicating the second transmitter is programmed.

For a Third Key Fob:

10. Lock Door Again (Physically): Lock the door physically with the key.
11. Third Remote – Three Unlock Presses: Press the “unlock” button three times with one-second intervals. The lights will flash three times.
12. Wait and Unlock: Wait 10 seconds, then press the “unlock” button. Doors should unlock.

For a Fourth Key Fob:

13. Lock Door Again (Physically): Lock the door physically with the key.

14. Fourth Remote – Four Unlock Presses: Press the “unlock” button four times with one-second intervals. The lights will flash four times.

15. Wait and Unlock: Wait 10 seconds, then press the “unlock” button. Doors should unlock.

16. Remove Key from Ignition: Finally, remove the key from the ignition switch to exit the programming process.

Testing Your Newly Programmed Key Fobs:

To ensure your 2004 Audi A4 key fobs are correctly programmed, remove the original key from the ignition completely before testing. Attempting to test while the key is still in the ignition might lead to confusion, as the system might still be in programming mode.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Patience is Key: Accessing the programming mode can sometimes be a bit tricky. If it doesn’t work on the first try, don’t get discouraged. Remove the key from the ignition and start the procedure again. Repeat the steps carefully. It may take a few attempts.
• Key and Battery Check: If you continue to experience problems after several attempts, double-check that you are using the correct key fob for your 2004 Audi A4 model year. Also, ensure that the batteries in your key fobs are new and in good working condition. A low battery can sometimes interfere with the programming process.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your 2004 Audi A4 key fob and regain full remote functionality. Enjoy the convenience of your keyless entry once again!