For Audi B6 owners looking to refresh their aging key fob, a popular and achievable upgrade is swapping the internal components into a more modern B7 key fob shell. This do-it-yourself guide, inspired by the pioneering efforts of Audi enthusiasts, will walk you through each step to give your old key a brand new lease of life and a more contemporary look, all while retaining the functionality of your original Audi Key Fob.
Tools You’ll Need for the Audi Key Fob Upgrade
Before you begin, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth and successful Audi key fob conversion:
- Torx Driver #6
- Torx Driver #8
- Philips #0 Screwdriver
- 1/16” Pin Punch
- Small Pick Tool
- Small Hammer
- Vag-com tool (for reprogramming)
You will also need to acquire a B7 key fob shell. Online marketplaces like eBay are excellent sources, often offering a range of options, including those with uncut blades and virgin immobilizers. While dealer options are available, they typically come with a significantly higher price tag.
Step-by-Step Guide to Swapping Your Audi Key Fob
This detailed guide will help you transfer the internals of your B6 Audi key fob into a B7 shell. Remember to proceed at your own risk; while this process has been successfully performed multiple times, ensure you are comfortable with each step before proceeding.
Dismantling the B6 Key Fob
-
Separate the Key Fob Halves: Using a small flathead screwdriver, carefully pry apart the two halves of your original B6 key fob.
-
Remove the Audi Logo and Screw: Use a pen knife or similar tool to gently lift off the Audi ring logo from the key fob. This will reveal a small Philips head screw beneath. Remove this screw.
-
Separate Key Head Halves: Once the screw is removed, you can separate the two halves of the key head.
-
Locate and Remove the Transponder Chip: Inside, you’ll find a recess containing the transponder chip. Use the pick tool to carefully pry out this chip.
Handle the transponder with care as it’s essential for starting your car. It should be held in place by pressure, not glue.
-
Remove the Key Blade (Optional): If you plan to reuse your B6 key blade, locate the small hole at the flip base of the key. Using the 1/16” pin punch and a small hammer, carefully tap out the roll pin holding the key blade.
Preparing the B7 Key Fob
-
Open the B7 Key Fob: Use a coin to pry open the battery cover on the B7 key fob.
-
Remove Screws and Separate Halves: Use the Torx screwdrivers to remove the three screws holding the B7 key fob together. The larger screw is a Torx #8, and the two smaller ones are Torx #6. Once these are removed, carefully separate the two halves of the B7 key fob.
-
Remove the Circuit Board: On one side, you’ll see the IC board for the remote functions. Gently pry out this circuit board, taking precautions against static discharge.
-
Access the Transponder Chip Location: After removing the circuit board, locate a light gray cover in the upper corner of the key fob housing. Carefully pry up this cover using the pick tool.
Transponder Chip Swap
-
Remove the B7 Transponder Chip: The gray cover reveals the B7 transponder chip. Remove the B7 chip.
-
Insert the B6 Transponder Chip: Replace the B7 transponder chip with the one you removed from your original B6 key fob. The cover has clips to securely hold the chip in place.
Key Blade Considerations
- Reusing B6 Blade: The B6 and B7 key blades are similar but not identical. The B7 blade has a smaller shank. To reuse your B6 blade, you would need to grind down its shank to fit the B7 key fob base. This can be tricky and may result in a less stable key blade.
- Using B7 Blade: Ideally, obtain a B7 key fob with an uncut blade. You will then need to get this blade cut to match your car’s key profile. Finding a locksmith capable of cutting “sidewinder” keys might be necessary, as not all locksmiths or dealerships offer this service for aftermarket key fobs.
Reassembling the B7 Key Fob
Reassemble the B7 key fob in the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure all components are correctly placed and the screws are tightened appropriately.
Programming the New Key Fob (Vag-Com)
After reassembly, the final step is to program the B7 key fob to your Audi using a Vag-com tool. Follow these steps based on Ross-Tech wiki:
- Channel 021: Remote Control Matching
- [Select] [46 – Comfort System] [Adaptation – 10]
- Enter Channel 021. [Read]
- Enter the desired memory position (e.g., “3”). [Test]
- Press any button on the new remote. The status should change from “Not Recogn.” to “Recognized.”
- [Save] [Done, Go Back] [Close Controller, Go Back – 06]
You can verify current memory positions using Meas. Block 007.
Conclusion
Congratulations! By following these steps, you’ve successfully upgraded your Audi B6 key fob to a more modern B7 style. This DIY project offers a cost-effective way to enhance the look of your key while retaining its original functionality. Enjoy your refreshed Audi key fob!
