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Comments
Plleease!
I have an Audi question.
My dealer said that there were no more Valet keys..that Audi was not providing a valet key anymore. however, in the owner's video..which I watched last night...they talk about the Valet key.
Did anyone get a valet key?
I got 2 switchblade keys, and one plastic key.
anyone?
http://www.freshalloy.com/cars/infiniti/q45/2002.review1.html
so...who copied who?
my guess is ...since the A4 taillights resemble the old A6's ......the infiniti was probably the copier.
hey....trying to get the conversation back onto Audi. I can't stand all the discussion of that....that....F-word.
I thought the video also referred to the plastic key separately....
may have to re-watch that thing tonight.
Zach-- yeah, I guess those '02 guys didn't get the valet key. But my valet key doesn't have a little wrench on it! ...how'd you rate? And what is the "little wrench" used for?
You '02 guys-- Does the '02 have an engine immobilizer? Everybody thought our "old" A4s had the immobilizer because, I believe, every VW and Audi model had it with the exception of the A4. Even my salesman was under the mistaken impression that the A4 ('01) had an immobilizer. The way I quickly found out is that I tried the plastic key (with no embedded chip) in the ignition switch and it started the engine. Do your keys have chips embedded in them?
--'rocco
I took delivery toward the end of August.
I've heard good thing about EBC 'green' pads as far as cutting down on brake dust and improving brake action. I've been waxing my wheels (plain ol liquid Turtle Wax), and although they get pretty dirty - a shot with the high pressure hose (just on the wheels) cleans them up pretty good.
-Barry
And when you think about it, valet keys serve no real purpose other than not being able to unlock the glove box. It doesn't fit the rear trunk lock but the trunk can be accessed from the inside anyway. Does the '02 even have an physically accessible trunk lock? And does the plastic key for the '02 fit the glove box lock or the outside trunk lock (if it has one)? ...in-other-words, is the plastic key now serving as a valet key? If you were leaving your '02 A4 with a valet, what key would you leave him with? I know, I know, not one of you would leave your new A4 with a valet anyway, right??
--'rocco
I only have 2 keys, and a plastic key.
I was told that the 2002 A4's have the ignition immobilizer. I'm gonna check with the plastic key to see if it really does work.
Scirocco - unfortunately, i wasn't around the audi boards until last month when I made a stunning revelation that I could actually afford an Audi!
my only problem in life now is...how the heck am I gonna convince my wife that my 1 and half year old maxima is old enough to sell and get another audi for ME!
I got 2 switchblades, 1 valet and 1 plastic key. Oh yeah, also the key code in case you lose everything.
Billy
--'rocco
Maybe I should start carrying the plastic key around.....yeah I don't think your local Wal-Mart store will carry a plastic blank like what we have. LOL just talk to your salesguy Rocco.....maybe he can make something happen :>
Same scenario as other A4 owners. My wife and I bought ours in Mid-July so it is a 2001.5 with Celebration. We received 2 switchblades, 1 plastic oh crap locked/lost normal key, and a valet key (with pictogram of wrench!) which we were told by our salesman allows door and ignition use "only". The glove box, rear seats and trunk cannot be accessed with the key... Now call me crazy but does anyone see an issue with this? If the valet hits the power unlock button on the driver side door that will release all locks including the trunk and the fuel filler door right? So, what good is a valet key? Or is the valet key a smart key? No, it shouldn't matter... Now I am going to drive myself nuts until my wife gets home from work so I can try this out! Anybody out there have any additional thoughts? Billy-comrade from Illinois? 'Rocco? ANY ideas? Thanks. Flying low....Audibon.
Is your car a 2002 A4??
I'm being told that the 2002's now longer have a valet key.
And how it should work is...you can manually lock the trunk (there's a keyhole above the license spot) and lock the split rear seats. From the valet key, you can unlock stuff, but the trunk still won't open.
Now about the fuel filler cap.....normally on the 2001.5's it will unlock with the driver's door lock with one tap on the remote.....I dunno if it will deactivate if you lock the trunk with your master's key. Maybe not.....cuz it gives the chance to the valet guy to fuel your car JUST IN CASE he takes it out for a joy ride and drained the tank, haha. Scary thought. Anybody tried it?
Gymshoe, Rocco, Audibon and me all got 2001.5's. I dunno if 2002's only come with 2 swingblades and 1 plastic key and Audi skipped the valet key.
Billy
Although I keep meaning to look at the owner's manual, I've gotten into hitting the unlock 'all' when I go to pump gas, 'cause I was always finding the filler door locked.
I've never cleaned my wheels when they might be hot, but I will be mindful. Thanks guys. That would be a nasty (expensive) little mistake.
-Barry
Billy-- I think you meant to say "valet key" ...our plastic key fits all locks so don't give that one to the valet attendant. Now in the 2002, my hunch is that the plastic key serves as the valet key ...in-other-words, it might not fit the trunk or glove box locks. Why don't you 2002 guys try it and see --see if your plastic key fits the trunk and glovebox. My suspicion is that it won't.
Brian-- As Billy explained, to keep the trunk permanently locked, just put the keyhole (in the button on the trunk) in the horizontal position. With the keyhole in horizontal position, the trunk lock won't be activated with the rest of the system; either using the remote or the inside switch ...this is for the 2001s, of course. But it still leaves the gas filler door open (I think). I had to read the manual and go experiment with it some because initially I felt the same way you did in asking: what good is a valet key??
Barry-- I think that's the only way we can access the gas filler door ...by using the central locking system to unlock all doors. Unless the power locking system malfunctions, then there is a way to access the filler door lock from the inside of the trunk panel.
--'rocco
If you own this car and you happened to be driving around Factoria near lunch today! NICE CAR!
rocco, ...i'll try the plastic key tonight if i remember...
i actually don't think it's a valet key since they said they use it to make copies of the original keys..but we'll see.
You are correct on the multiple positions for the trunk lock! It has been a while since I read my manual for the vehicle. I usually leave it in the position that allows me to use the push button to release it once the central locking is deactivated. (Same as aegus1!) And I remember the procedure for the fuel filler door if that ever becomes stuck. You are correct, take a panel off the inside part of the trunk on the fuel filler side (of course)and you have to turn something and that will allow you access to fill 'em up! What a board we have, such helpful and knowledgeable A4 owners! I had to go get the Xmas tree tonight but I am going to play around with this tomorrow if I have a chance. Now it's off to study hall with my owners manual for a refresher course! Thanks all! Audibon......
Yes you are right Rocco.....I meant the valet black key, not the plastic key. Thanks for pointing that out :>
Yeah dolphin grey is smooth looking on the 02 A4.....nice choice of color! Denim Blue is awesome too. Now about the unpainted black plastic bottom.....it should make the car really stand out if there is paint over them :>
There's a little glitch about the auto lock/unlock modification. The code we entered to change the config might be interfering some other systems. I'm trying to get a clarification from my buddy. I'll let y'all know what's up with that.
Billy
Billy
I would like to say Thanks in advance for the invite but due to a change in my work schedule Saturdays are pretty difficult for me to do anything. Having said that where and when would it take place and then I can give you a more definite answer. How do you want me to contact you? Do you have an e-mail at work or home where I can reach you so we don't clutter up this board? Thanks again. Audibon
Sendoff gathering is on 12/8 @ Champs in Schaumburg. Time is around 5pm I think. Lakes Region Quattro Club also has a GameWorks (also in Schaumburg) Christmas party on 12/9, 5pm to 9pm. $15 includes game card, buffet dinner and drinks, of course Audi gathering included. I think it's passed the deadline but go to www.lrqc.org and call them up.
Yup we'll talk more at email otherwise guys are going to boot us out LOL.
Billy
I know this varies on ship schedules, but any estimates?
If the car is locked and you tap the remote once the driver's door unlocks and the filler unlocks. This was important to me since I didn't like having all the doors unlocked to fill the car up. Maybe I should buy gas in better neighborhoods, but I think you know what I mean.
Of course if you hit the 'unlock' on the driver's door everything unlocks. I also put the hatch lock in horizontal position and the key fob still unlocked the hatch (my fob has 3 buttons). I was surprised by that, but not overly since you're giving them the valet not the switchblade key. The door button for the hatch was disabled. Of course we all know this is useless since they can just crawl in through the back seat to get your stuff.
Hey has anyone seen the new VW add where the guy is staking out 'his' Jetta and licks the door handle when another buyer gets too close? Of course it was a bit of a letdown to see the salesperson approaching with a switchblade key. I guess nothing is sacred.
-Barry
on the 2002, you can lock each individual section of the split folding rear seats.
then you can lock the trunk so that the remote or the driver side lever can't open it.
that way....stuff in your trunk is safe!
Oh, James, is your wife a dishwater blonde? I saw a dolphin gray with sport pkg. today near Microsoft on 156th NE. If that was her, she's cute!
--'rocco
But with all those locking/unlocking to refuel, why don't you just turn off the ignition, take the key out from the ignition (leaving the key in the car while fueling it's not a good idea anyway), and hit the unlock button on the swingblade key once? That way you can unlock the driver's door and the fuel filler door only but not the other doors. One thing about arming the car with the fuel filler door open is that there is actually a little "rod" that will stick out and supposedly lock the fuel filler door. When you are done fueling and slam the fuel filler door shut, it will hit the little rod and potentially damage the mechanism.
Billy
...
......okay and brunettes...
..no...that wasn't my wife.
Sounds like there's Dolphin Gray's everywhere now.
So....more questions from me.
Wheel locks, or keyed lugnuts, or whatever.
What are people doing to protect their precious $1000 sports option wheels from being stolen!?
The dealer said they have wheel locks but are like 98 bucks for the 4. He said...they're pricey cause they have Audi written on them. Also told me to just go to some other place to buy them.
So.....what has other people done?
Also...
I'm noticing a slight rattle when the car is started cold. The rattle is coming from somewhere in the engine compartment. It rattles when i press on the gas a little. But after the car has been driven for a couple minutes...there's no way to get it to rattle. It sounds very distinctly like metal hitting each other. And it seems to be coming from under the car...seems.
Anyone have any ideas?
I've told the dealer, but since I can't reproduce it consistently.....I don't want to waste my time taking the car in.
I spoke to the service manager at the dealership where I purchased. He told me this is normal (something about tensioners tightening...). Anyway, my friend also purchased an 01 1.8 T and his makes the same noise immediately after starting a completely cooled engine.
The sound is normal (assuming we are talking about the same "rattle"). The 01 and 02 1.8 engines are identical.
Hope this helps!
I think mine has that sometimes too. I will see if it gets worse as the temperature drops further.....it was 68F yesterday here in Chicago.....just can't believe I can open the sunroof and drive in December. It's 48F as a high today though.
Billy
About the "rattle": There is a characteristic, what I would describe as a, muffled "clatter" that is heard immediately after starting the engine from cold. It lasts for maybe 20-40 seconds or so ...haven't really paid too much attention to its longevity but it doesn't seem to last too long. I agree with Gary ...I believe it's normal and nothing to be concerned about.
About wheel locks: Personally, I'm hoping that someone will steal my wheels so it will give me an excuse to go out and buy some new ones! *lol* ...but not too much of a chance of that happening --I have the ugly OEM stock wheels. :P But, from what I've read over at AudiWorld, those using after-market locks seem to be going with McGard: http://www.mcgard.com/automotive/wl_features.html
Also, I have several friends who have ordered locks from this place ...good prices, $12.95 for a set of four: http://www.wheelcomponents.com/wheell.html
About the comment on your wife: *lol* I was just meaning to compliment you on your good tastes if that was her ...not trying to incite you into kicking my butt! :P But she did give me this condescending smirk as I was admiring her car ...it was like: "nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, I'm cool, I've got a brand new A4 and you've got an old dumpy A4!"
Billy--
No, but maybe I should be, but I'm not really that cognizant of security when fueling-up. I just usually shut the engine off and leave the keys in the ignition. I'm not really aware of whether the doors are unlocked or not. But yeah, I've noticed the pin for the filler door is extended if you activate the locks while it's open but it can be easily pushed in before closing the filler door if you forget to "re-unlock" the doors before closing the filler door.
I was just commenting to a friend how I'm opening my sunroof anytime it isn't raining. I've never had a sliding type moonroof before so I just love the feeling of having it wide open ...even at night or when it's freezing out!
--'rocco
car has to be cold.
started it up
can hear an on and off rattle coming from underneath the engine.
let the car warmup for a minute (till the rpm drops by itself to sub 1k)
then start driving.....I can hear the rattle through the car whenever I hit just past 3000 rpm, in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gear
didn't hear it in 4th, and didn't have enough road to try it in 5th.
after driving for a while (20 minutes) ...no more rattle.
even if it is normal....still very annoying on a 1 week old car.
Very nice to have. My wife questioned why I bothered, but now that she's got it...she really likes it. Also noticed that it automatically unlocks the doors when i pull the key out after i have just turned the car off.
saweet...
now if i could just get that rattling to stop...I'll be super happy
being new to turbos....
which sound is the turbo!?
when i rev up the engine I hear this high pitched ring or squeal or soemthign.....like super high pitched...like...dog whistle high pitched.
I've played lots of Gran Turismo and turbo always had this ....ssvvooooff.. sound.
so...is it probably the high pitch thing?
The 1.8T engine has a very low pressure turbo and doesn't make the intense noise that I've heard in the older style turbos or the current high performance KO4 type turbos. I had an old Ford Probe that made quite a whine and almost a "whooshing" sound as the turbo kicked in. I know some of the old Chrysler 4-cylinder turbos made a lot of noise also. But I've noticed that our 1.8T makes very little noise when the turbo kicks in at about 1850 rpm ...at that point, you'll feel that gush of power start to build. If you listen very closely, I suppose you could describe it as a very subtle high-pitched whine. IMO, the engineers wanted to quiet it as much as possible for stock/family car purposes. Go to AudiWorld if you want pointers on how to enhance the "sounds" your car makes. The turbo isn't activated when revving it at an idle of course.
That "rattle" you're describing doesn't sound like what I was talking about so maybe there is something loose somewhere.
--'rocco
I cannot comment on the sounds you are hearing, but I would take it in and ask AND drive another car on the lot. Why drive another new A4? I guess to satisfy your curiosity once the service writer says "oh, they all do that..." My 01 1.8 doesn't do what you are describing!
Good luck and let us know!!
Gary
Also, I got Car and Driver last night, and the 2002 A4 made the 10 Best list. Also, they showed the car manufacturers that have made the 10 Best list the most since they started the list in 1983, and Audi was about the 8th out of 10.
Really good press!
Enjoy!
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
1. There are 2 pinhead sized red lights between the sunroof dial & windshield. What are these for?
2. His car is equipped with Homelink. he lives in an apt building that requires a prox card to enter the garage. Is there anyway to program the homelink to open this garage?
Thanks so much for all your help. Have a great weekend!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Your thoughts and assistance would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Thanks.
--smr
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Bradd-- I'm not an '02 owner but the same features you are inquiring about were also on the '01. The two pin-head sized lights in the headliner are there to supposedly softly light up the area around the center console so that you can see what your hand is doing when going for the radio/hvac controls at night. I believe it's an Audi exclusive and is pretty cool when you actually observe what it's doing ...I have passengers expressing astonishment when they see my hand lit up in red as I extend it over the radio controls. I doubt the Homelink could be programmed for one of those apartment gates because it uses the exact codes that are used by the major manufacturers of home garage door openers ...Stanley, Genie, Sears, Chamberlain, etc. Homelink is programmed by holding your own garage door opener close to it and transmitting the code in order to transfer it to the Homelink unit. So all Homelink is, is a built-in remote ...serves the exact same purpose as your own remote as the modern garage door openers also now have three function buttons. I still haven't got mine programmed the way I want it. My own garage door remote is programmed for one button to open one door, one button to open the second door and the third button to turn on or off the lights of the corresponding door opener that I'm using. But on the Homelink, I can't seem to get the third button to work the opener's light control yet. I'll have to work on that some more when I have the time.
--'rocco
I do not know if the battery of an 02 A4 is under the hood or under the back seat, but my service professional warns against such acts --