red key/programming

Started by RubberDuckyS4, August 10, 2011, 12:20:56 PM

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RubberDuckyS4

So I started running into a problem with my '04 S4 not starting, but only after having ridden it for about 2hrs or so. I also only started having this problem after using my red key.

Background story:
Dealer calls me up after owning/riding the S4 for about 2 months. They say, "we found a red key for your S4." I swing by and grab it on one of my days off, and don't use it right away. Btw they didn't tell me it was a programming key.... and that I would learn to hate myself for using it.

So after a few days I figure hey I'll use this red key w/ my red Duc. So I'm riding around fine and stop off at the mall for lunch. When I'm done and comeback to the bike it wont start, comes up with a countdown on my speedo (from 2:59 down to 2:00 then says "end"). I retry the ignition and it just ticks like my battery is dead. And like a true idiot I try and try again until my battery actually is dead. I end up getting a buddy to pick me and my bike up and take me home. I remove the battery and charge it, and when I install it and start up the bike everything seems fine again. I ended up doing the same thing again, drove out somewhere and the bike did the same thing.

I call the dealer and the service guy is very stern with me and said to lock away that red key in a very safe place and never use it unless I need new keys.

My real question is, do I NEED to program two new keys to make this problem go away? Or in doing this have I seriously screwed something up with the immobilizer/ecu?

Howie

If your bike starts, runs, does not restart, but does after you charge the battery you have a charging system problem.

RubberDuckyS4

#2
I've checked my charging system and it works. I also had the battery tested and was  told that it was okay, but I didn't really trust the girl at Kragen that did the load test. CycleGear also tested it but it wasn't a full on load test. I do get the feeling the battery isn't holding charge well.