Open and Start Audi A3 and Q3
Open and Start Audi A3 and Q3We recently updated our video demonstrating how to open and start Audi A3 and Q3 with a dead key fob battery. As of 2020, the models hide the key hole behind a cap at the back of the driver’s door handle, but we get you past this obstacle.
Earlier A3 and Q3 models have a visible key hole. You can find our video covering these older cars here.
Of course, starting the car assumes that the start battery is good. And if not, we will can get you inside and ready for a jump start.
We added the video to our Audi video page, which now holds now 21 videos, covering Volkswagen models as well. You can see the page here. You can also see the video on YouTube here.
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.
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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.
These posts are 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.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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 25 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 College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
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Early Audi models use a slot in the dashboard but do not use a Start/Stop button. The fob itself is pushed to start or stop the car. If the key fob battery is dead, the vehicle will already recognize the fob when inserted.
In models that do not feature a slot for the fob, look for the symbol of a key with lines radiating from it, as shown. It will be to the right of the steering column on the dashboard (Audi) or on the right side of the steering column itself (VW).
In 2018, the mark is moved to the driver’s side cup holder in the Audi A5 and Q5. This is also true of the A3 and Q3 beginning about 2021. The all electric eTron GT uses this mark as well. The mark is smaller and shaded and so a bit difficult to see. As with the Q7, the key fob can be dropped into the cup holder, and starting the car becomes a one hand (and one foot) operation. Press the Start/Stop button while stepping on the brake. It took two tries to before the key fob was recognized in our test car, but it did work.
However, in 2019, the A5 now has the mark at the front of the center console storage area, as shown to the right. Again the key fob can be dropped onto the spot, and starting the car needs only a single hand (and foot). Press the Start/Stop button while stepping on the brake. Our test car started first time in this case.
The new (2019) Q8, and now the Q7, also has the marking in a cup holder. It is the front one in this case. However, we noted a slot between the cup holders adjacent to the 12 volt power outlet and shaped very much like the key fob, Sure enough, the fob was recognized when placed inside the slot.
Models are now being electrified. The e-tron GT uses the front cup as in the images above. However, the original e-tron and e-tron Sportback the mark is found in front of the of the cup holders (right). We have not had access to all electric models, but a back up location will likely be found in or near the cup holders.
By 2023, the A4 and S4 models sport the mark on the center console, just in front of the console storage area.
The mark in Volkswagen’s new ID4 EV, the mark is moved to the front area of the center console. This follows the trend in Audi models. Originally, the front area is for storage and has removeable spacers. We found the mark by removing the front spacer (first image). Later, the same area was converted to cup holders. The mark is found in the first cup holder (closest to the driver) (second image).
Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, very hard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.