Will Using the Audi Emergency Key Set Off the Alarm?

Why the Alarm Triggers

Audi vehicles equipped with Advanced Key or standard remote keyless entry rely on a two-part authentication system. When you press the unlock button on your key fob, the car receives both a wireless signal to disengage the locks and a verification code confirming authorized access^[2].

The emergency key blade—the small metal key hidden inside the fob—only physically turns the door lock cylinder. It does not transmit the electronic authorization signal the security system expects^[3]. From the car’s perspective, someone has forced the lock without proper authentication, which triggers the alarm.

This behavior is intentional and affects virtually all modern Audis with factory security systems, including the A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, Q3, Q5, Q7, and TT models^[4]. The same principle applies across the Volkswagen Auto Group platform, including VW, Porsche, and Bentley vehicles using similar keyless entry systems.

Step-by-Step: Silence the Alarm

When you unlock with the emergency key and the alarm sounds, follow this process to disable it:

Step 1: Enter the Vehicle

Open the door and get inside despite the alarm^[1]. The alarm will continue sounding—this is normal and expected.

Step 2: Locate the Steering Column Coil

Look for the Audi Advanced Key symbol or small indent on the steering column—typically on the right side near where the column meets the dashboard^[1]. This is the backup transponder reader location.

Step 3: Hold Key Fob to the Coil

Place the key fob (even with a dead battery) directly against this area^[1]. The passive transponder inside the fob draws power from the coil and transmits the immobilizer code.

Step 4: Press Brake and Start Button

With the key fob held against the steering column, press the brake pedal and the start/stop button simultaneously^[1]. The vehicle should start, and the alarm will immediately stop.

One Audi TT MK3 owner confirmed this method works: holding the key to the steering column patch allows the car to start and disables the alarm^[5]. The alarm will only return if you turn off the vehicle, lock it, and unlock again with the physical key.

Alternative Methods to Stop the Alarm

If the steering column method fails, try these alternatives:

Press Unlock on the Key Fob

Even a weak fob battery may have enough power for one more unlock signal. Press the unlock button while the alarm sounds—sometimes this provides enough authorization to silence it^[2]. For more details on the Audi Advanced Key system, understanding its components helps troubleshoot issues.

Pull the Alarm Fuse

If nothing works, locate the fuse box (typically behind the driver’s side dash panel or under the hood) and remove the central locking or alarm fuse^[5]. One owner reported that pulling the central locking fuses, waiting a few minutes, and reinstalling them reset the system^[5]. Consult your owner’s manual for exact fuse locations.

Lock and Unlock with Physical Key (Wait Method)

An interesting workaround exists if you have time: lock the car with the physical key, wait at least 5-6 minutes, then unlock with the physical key again^[5]. Some owners report this prevents the alarm from triggering, though results vary by model and model year.

Why Your Key Fob Battery Died

Understanding common causes helps prevent future emergency key situations:

Normal Battery Depletion

Key fob batteries typically last 2-4 years under normal use^[6]. Frequent use of remote start, keyless entry, and proximity unlocking drains batteries faster. Audi vehicles display a low key battery warning on the dashboard—replace the battery promptly when this appears.

Extreme Temperatures

Cold weather significantly reduces battery voltage. A fob that works fine in moderate temperatures may fail to transmit in below-freezing conditions^[6]. Store a spare fob indoors during winter or carry a backup CR2032 battery.

Signal Interference

Radio frequency interference from cell towers, building security systems, or other electronic devices can prevent fob signals from reaching the car^[2]. Moving closer to the vehicle or trying a different location sometimes resolves this.

Preventing Emergency Key Situations

Take proactive steps to avoid alarm-triggering scenarios:

Replace fob batteries annually rather than waiting for failure—CR2032 batteries cost under $5
Keep a spare programmed key fob in a secure location at home
Note dashboard warnings about low key battery and act immediately
Test the emergency key occasionally so you know the unlock location and procedure
Carry a spare battery in your wallet or vehicle glovebox

If you’re concerned about Audi vehicle security features beyond the alarm system, understanding how tracking and immobilization work provides additional peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

Using the Audi emergency key to unlock the door will trigger the alarm because no electronic authorization signal is sent
Silence the alarm by holding the key fob against the steering column coil and pressing the start button—this works even with a dead fob battery
The alarm is designed behavior, not a malfunction—the car cannot distinguish authorized emergency access from attempted theft when unlocked mechanically
Prevent this situation by replacing key fob batteries annually and heeding low-battery dashboard warnings
Alternative silencing methods include pressing the fob unlock button, pulling alarm fuses, or the lock-wait-unlock workaround

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the emergency key start my Audi?

The emergency key blade cannot start the engine by itself—it only unlocks the door mechanically^[1]. Starting requires holding the key fob near the steering column coil so the passive transponder can communicate with the immobilizer, even if the fob battery is completely dead.

Does using the emergency key damage the door lock?

No, the emergency key is designed to work with your door lock cylinder and will not cause damage^[4]. The lock cylinder is present specifically for emergency access situations when electronic entry fails.

Can I disable the alarm permanently?

Permanently disabling the factory alarm is not recommended as it voids warranty coverage and significantly reduces vehicle security^[6]. If the alarm triggers frequently due to malfunction, have an Audi dealer diagnose sensor or module issues.

Where is the emergency key hidden in my Audi fob?

Press the small release button (often red or silver) on the back or side of your key fob to release the hidden emergency key blade^[7]. The blade slides out of a slot in the fob body. Return it after use by inserting until it clicks.

Will the alarm drain my battery if it keeps going off?

Yes, extended alarm activation draws significant power from the vehicle battery^[2]. Most Audi alarm systems automatically stop after 30 seconds to 2 minutes per cycle, but repeated triggers can deplete battery charge over time.

References

YouTube. (2023). 2020 Audi Q5 – How to Unlock, Open & Start With Dead Key Battery.
YouTube. (2023). Car Alarm Going Off For No Reason Or When Unlocking With Key – 5 Causes & Fixes.
Reddit r/subaru. (2022). Car alarm keeps going off when I unlock my car with the key.
Car alarm keeps going off when I unlock my car with the key.
by insubaru
Reids Remotes. (2025). Audi A4 A5 A6 A7 Q5 Q7 S5 Emergency Key Blade. https://www.reidsremotes.com.au/home/2633-audi-a4-a5-a6-a7-q5-q7-s4-s5-emergencykey-blade-for-3-button-key-fob.html
Reddit r/AudiTT_Mk1_Mk2_Mk3. (2024). Audi TT MK3 emergency key alarm.
Audi TT MK3 emergency key alarm
byu/nad302 inAudiTT_Mk1_Mk2_Mk3
YourMechanic. (2016). Car alarm is going off when using clicker to unlock the car. https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/car-alarm-is-going-off-when-using-clicker-to-unlock-the-car
YouTube. (2025). How To Unlock & Start Your 2025 Audi With A Dead Key Fob.

Chien Nguyen Van

I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.