Audi Repair: need new key!, diagnosis software, chassis number

Question
i lost the only key i have for my 96' quattro 2.8 and i cant find a single locksmith who can make that key. also the audi dealerships are saying they cant get me a key because my care was made before 1998...what do i do???

Answer
First we have to establish what kind of key you had, was it the simple key with a torch or was it the one with the remote for the central locking??

The reason the locksmiths say they cannot make you a new key is because the original keys come with a transponder imbedded into them and even if you get a key which matches mechanically the vehicle cannot start. and the reason Audi say they cannot get you a new key is because the factory doesn't have records that go back pre-98. which means they cannot cut a new key for you. on newer cars all you need is the chassis number to get a new key because they have the records of the key.

The easiest way I can see out of your predicament is to change the entire barrel and put a new one with a new key but this means also replacing the door barrel and boot lid barrel to match the new keys. These items can be bought from any Audi dealer. you will also need to have the car 'coded' which means programing the imobilizer to recognize the new keys.

Also worth a try is sourcing the parts from a breaker yard, but that would mean also replacing the engine control unit and dash panel insert from the same car because the immobilizer system is contained in these 2 units, basically the immobilizer control unit is built into the dash panel insert and it has to recognize the engine control unit and the keys. if the key or the  engine control unit or the dash panel is replaced then the whole system has to be re-programmed to regognise the change and allow the car to start.

the problem with this process is that mileage cannot be changed to match your vehicles current mileage and also when diagnosis software is used on the car the chassis number for the other car will show up as it is also contained in the 2 control units.

If by chance your car didn't come with a factory fitted immobilizer then you can replace all the barrels with out the engine ECU or the dash panel insert. the easiest way to check if it had an immobilizer is on the dash panel when the ignition is switched on, a warning sign with a car and a key inside it should come on and go off after a second or two. if you remember this being in your car then you will have to change all the units.

Let me know how it goes