Key Not Recognised Message

**A6@georgemac** · 21-09-2018,07:18 PM

We have A6 July 2016 Model - Sline 2.0 TDI Ultra. Done just under 18,000 miles. We have had to change batteries in both keys - this was several months ago. Recently we have started having problems with the keys. Not opening car, and then it will work, and key seems to need 2 pushes to open or lock. Message we get is "key not recognised. Hold back of key against marked area. See Owner's manual"
This is shown on page 87 on the manual - starting the engine after a malfunction - and it say a light illuminates on the panel on the left hand side of the CD Player - this is not happening.
I have checked and it says there are 3 keys registered to vehicle - which is strange as there are only 2 keys.

Any ideas?

**AT.** · 21-09-2018,09:19 PM

Originally Posted by A6@georgemac

This is shown on page 87 on the manual - starting the engine after a malfunction - and it say a light illuminates on the panel on the left hand side of the CD Player - this is not happening.

I don't know the 2016 version, but as far as I can remember there is no illumination on the 2012 version.

I have checked and it says there are 3 keys registered to vehicle - which is strange as there are only 2 keys.

I think you should have two remotes and one very simple plastic key, the so called service key.

**Gmonster** · 21-09-2018,09:34 PM

The third key is the plastic service key etc..

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**Elansear** · 22-09-2018,07:29 AM

Hi Make sure you use a good quality battery when you change then. You normally get a message stating, you need to change the battery, the car is very sensitive to a poor signal from the fob. Have found this with both the A6 and my 15 year old TT, good quality battery seamed to resolve this.

**johnsimcox** · 22-09-2018,11:24 AM

Reading my own manual (2015 car) on Page 87, I think the light they refer to is one that displays in the instrument panel (as shown on Page 12). As others have said make sure the batteries in the keys are new and also that the car is not being exposed to external interference, parked near a power line or mobile phone mast.

**A6@georgemac** · 22-09-2018,12:46 PM

Thanks for the info about the 3rd key.
I think I used Maxwell CR2032 batteries for both keys - can easily change them again - what do people recommend?

**Elansear** · 22-09-2018,03:36 PM

Hi. I use Duracell normally a pack of 2 so allways have a spare.

**mightymackem** · 22-09-2018,04:08 PM

My 13 plate has chucked up the no key present msg when my keys are in my pocket! I also keep my phone in the same pocket so that may have been part of the problem

**A6S** · 25-09-2018,04:01 PM

I had issue when I replaced my batteries in both remotes. They lasted about a week and gave up and these were Duracell’s from Tesco.
Changed them again with ever ready and they worked till I traded in the car.
Could have been a dodgy batch of batteries.