[PHB]

I just picked up my first car yesterday. '99 A4 1.8T with under 54K miles on it.

I had to order an owner's manual, but I have to immediate questions.

First, what oil does Audi recommend? Next, does anyone know how to program a remote? The dealership wants $90 to program it, but I'm sure if I knew the secret (which may be in the owners manual I have in a few weeks), I'm certain its take no more than a few minutes.

Are there anyother maintenance items I need to look at with a vehicle of this age?

 

[cheesemax]

Audi recommends the use of synthetic oil, especially in the hotter running turbos. There is a list of acceptable oils going from the cheaper Castrol to Mobil "1" which is a better quality. Be sure to get the proper filter as well, I don't remember them off hand so call your dealer for the specs.
I had the dealer change the batteries in my remotes about two years ago and watched them as they reprogrammed them. I don't know exactly what they did but it didn't take that long nor look very complicated. Maybe somebody in this group can give you some detailed instructions before you drop $90 with the dealer.

Good luck.

 

[uteman]

Sounds like your Audi dealership is ripping you off. I bought my car used from an acura dealership and one of the remotes had a bad battery. After I replaced the battery I took it to My local Audi dealership and the guy there did it for free. It takes less than two minutes, not worth $90. Even a VW dealership can do it. try them.

 

[PHB]

I did a quick search on the internet for it, and ten mintues later I had it fixed.

To program the remote, I used one key to turn the ingnition on, shut the drivers door, and lock it with the second key. Then I hit the open button and held it for about twenty seconds. The indication that the remote is communicating with the car is a quick flash of the lights. I then opened the drivers door (note: the remote can't open the doors when the ignition is on), took out the other key, shut the dirvers door, and used the remote to lock the doors.

$90 is robbery. It takes no more than a few minutes. Do it yourself.