Radio Unlock on a A8 Delta CC

[Brett Dikeman]

On Jul 25, 2005, at 9:48 PM, Britt Crowell wrote:

> Well after a friend browed my A8 this weekend and he asked, "How  
> come a $70k car doesn't have automatic lights?"
> I ask why, and he goes on about how he killed the batt and the  
> radio is safe now!!!

If the battery is old, watch out for possible battery failure in the  
future.  Sometimes they don't take kindly to deep discharge followed  
by a quick recharge (and those cart-style battery chargers?  Well,  
let's just say they're great at increasing battery sales).  In GOOD  
condition, batteries shouldn't be charged at more than about C/4 (I  
think).  Ie, an 80Ahr battery shouldn't be charged at more than 20A.

> So how do I get the radio out to check the real serial number?

You don't need to, if it was replaced under warranty or (I believe)  
by a dealer in general.  If you got it from ebay, a friend,  
etc...well, that means pulling the radio.

> How much of a pain is it to get the right code from the Audi  
> dealer? (and what should I expect to pay?)

With my local dealer, you just show up with license, registration  
(you've got both already) and the VIN number.  They usually walk out  
to the car, check the VIN, go back to the computer, punch it in, then  
walk out to the car with you again and make sure it worked.  Earn  
bonus points by calling ahead, asking when a good time is, etc.

I have heard of some obnoxious dealers charging for labor.  Name any  
that do to the list, please- it should be a free courtesy to owners.   
They may be busy and asking you to come later etc is reasonable-  
charging for it is not.

Brett
-- 
"They that give up essential liberty to obtain temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Ben Franklin
http://www.users.cloud9.net/~brett/