Replacement Key Fob Case
 

Hi, just wondering if anyone ever swapped the internals from their keyless key fob into a new key fob?

I did this before on a previous Audi but that wasn't keyless.

None of the fobs on eBay list keyless as an option - does it matter or is it a simple swap over like non keyless?

Cheers

Shouldn't matter if you swap all of the internals as I doubt the case has anything to do with the keyless, it's just plastic.

I'd give Craig Nettleton a call at Auto Solutions - he's an auto locksmith who comes to some of our annual meets and sorts out keys for some of us -
try him on 07900-600548
or his website is http://www.autosolutions-autolocksmi...contact-us.php
He will probably know straight away if there are any issues +++

I've done this for my 2006 S8 which is keyless, for one key just buying a case, and the other sent away for a rebuild, and there were no problems. Everything seems to be on the board. The aftermarket cases don't have quite as nice a 'feel' as the originals but they're OK.

Yes, I just get the cases from Aliexpress or ebay.
Quality varies and sometimes the original metal key blade is not 100% great fit in th new case and also some come with new gaskets and some do not. Try and look on the photos for the seal around the edge.
I wish someone could get the newer key working or someone make a new style case for older internals - CHINA I AM LOOKING AT YOU!

Thanks for the replies, I'll give it a go. My case is fairly battered so even the cheapest of replacements will feel like an upgrade.

Also plucking up up the courage to spend £200 on a new key in case the inevitable happens which will probably cost double or even more to put right..

If you have a D2, this may be an option...
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Keye...ceBeautifyAB=0

This is nice upgrade but may need a bit of work - it is the new smart key design shell but designed for older internals, but not internals of A8 key :(
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/KEYE...ceBeautifyAB=0

Attachment 20217

I'd actually like to have a go at upgrading but don't fancy risking it with one key.

May try it with a second hand key off eBay as a project!

I’ve been thinking about doing this for a while.

Did it with my old e46’s key. Was pretty decent, but like others have mentioned the knockoff blanks and cases aren’t OEM quality. Also when using the new blank, I really had to twist the arm of the key cutter to consider doing it for me. Which was odd.

Yeah my cobbler was happy to do, touched it on his grinder and immediately took it off and gave me back and said the metal was too hard and would damage his cutter.

I hadn’t thought of that. I presumed the replacement blade would be made of cheese, so the thought didn’t cross my mind. This cobbler said she wouldn’t redo it or be responsible for bla bla, I said it’s fine. I won’t come back if it doesn’t work. I then went back to her about 5 minutes later, cos it wouldn’t work in the ignition...

She redid it a touch and boom, all was well.

Some that sell on aliexpress are happy to cut a blade from a picture you send them if required.

Success!
 

Finally replaced my key fob case - total cost for new case with gaskets, battery and screws plus little audi badge on front - £9 delivered. The key doesn't feel cheap as I thought and actually looks oem.

Really easy to do, take the badge off, unscrew the screw then pull apart. There are 2 little screws at the bottom which need to be removed to get access to the circuit board. Put the new battery in and put back together.

I used my old key with the new spring and button so still looks new.

Pressed unlock and worked perfectly. Car sensed keyless features too. I put it in the ignition and turned on and off just to be sure.

Looks nice. Got any links for the product(s)?

A step by step photo would’ve been good for us numpty but well done +++

Here you go +++

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F123498257778

Cheers Matty

I never thought of doing that but it really is as straight forward as -

Take Audi badge off key using thin screwdriver or knife

Unscrew the screw that is behind the badge

Pull two pieces apart

Undo two screws at bottom of circuit board half

Pry out the circuit board

Then do the same with the new key fob case and transfer the circuit board and battery over. Everything fits as it did with old case so can't go wrong really.

Only thing I would add is I didn't need to screw the two screws at the bottom on new case. They are provided but I found it wouldn't clip together with them in. Not sure why.

Thanks OP, don’t feel like you needed to do more. Not everyone has the patience or time to do guides. I always consider doing a guide myself, when doing little jobs.

Then, the wife is nagging, the kids are wanting to ‘help’ and I’m not in the mood to even do the job in hand, never mind the guide.

I'm not at all good at that either, the biggest problem is that it's only AFTER I've done a particular step and realised what the critical item is, that I realise I should have illustrated it, but it's usually too late! :o

It's only when you've done it several times that you know how to guide others.
(Now taking a boot lid apart I can do in my sleep...) ;)

No probs, thought I'd try give something back to the site as it's helped me out a few times and I rarely get the opportunity.