We reviewed a dozen manuals from 2023 and 2024 to look for changes in Audi back-up start procedures, and spotted several. The page has been updated.
Back-up start procedures are made necessary when the battery in the key fob dies, which happens with alarming frequency.
A6 models now share the same back-up spot as A5 models. The mark is now found inside the the center console at the very front (pre-2019 models use a cup holder).
These are the only models we found that feature the mark inside the console rather than in front of it or in a cup holder.
For reasons unknown, in the Q3 and Q2 (not available in North America) models the mark remains on the side of the steering column. This continues to make starting the car using the back up method a two handed operation, where the key fob must be held against the mark while the start/stop button is pushed. The location of the button relative to the mark makes this a very awkward process.
We also added a table of contents to the page for additional clarity.
We also note that e-tron is the name Audi assigns to all its fully electric models. While there is an e-tron GT, which would suggest an e-tron is a stand alone model, there are also Q4 and Q8 e-tron models as well.
We believe this confuses the buying public, and perhaps the fact that the Q8 e-tron is being discontinued belies this opinion.
Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys — or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them — that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares — even though the car had tried to warn you.
Our goal is to help you feel safe — and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible — rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages — without roadside assistance.
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
Several changes made to the Audi back-up start page
We reviewed a dozen manuals from 2023 and 2024 to look for changes in Audi back-up start procedures, and spotted several. The page has been updated.
Back-up start procedures are made necessary when the battery in the key fob dies, which happens with alarming frequency.
These are the only models we found that feature the mark inside the console rather than in front of it or in a cup holder.
We also added a table of contents to the page for additional clarity.
We also note that e-tron is the name Audi assigns to all its fully electric models. While there is an e-tron GT, which would suggest an e-tron is a stand alone model, there are also Q4 and Q8 e-tron models as well.
We believe this confuses the buying public, and perhaps the fact that the Q8 e-tron is being discontinued belies this opinion.
Smart Keys or Intelligent Keys, or Access Keys — or whatever the manufacturer of your chooses to call them — that let you into your car and start it with just a touch use up their internal batteries at alarming rates, catching busy drivers unawares — even though the car had tried to warn you.
Our goal is to help you feel safe — and keep you moving or get you moving if at all possible — rather than leave you fretting whenever your key fob stops working. The instructions for getting into and starting most keyless start cars can be found on our pages — without roadside assistance.
The Audi back up open and start pages are here. Volkswagen shares the space and is up next for updating.
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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY