Hello everyone, recently purchased a 1999.5 a4 1.8T 5speed S line and when purchased only giving valet key.. which leads me to my question when accelerating hard the car will not rev over 4500 rpms even in neutral same thing.. no codes and no CEL. I checked vacum leaks and all that good stuff the car is not chipped as far as I know. Since im new to the whole thing I didn't really know what the car is supposed to feel like I guess but 4500. Since there isn't anything I can find I was wondering if there it had anything to do with the valet key and if so if I get a new master key from my local dealer will it fix this issue?? Any help will be greatly appreciated Thank you for any thouhts

 

This is a very first,i have never seen anyone,anywhere,equate a malfunction of a car,to the key that turns the engine on. You sir,get the n00best question of the year.

Seriously though,check your air filter,spark plugs,how are you so sure,that you have no vacuum leaks? Did you get it smoked to see where if any leaks are present?

 

I thought the valet key had certain restrictions too. Guess not

 

From other site: SEE # 6
1. A vehicle based access control system for controlling access to at least one vehicle telematics device, the system comprising: first and second ignition keys respectively having a first and a second identification datum specifying first and second access rights of a key user, wherein one of said first and second ignition keys comprises a valet key including an embedded transmitter having a unique identity; a receiver port associated with an ignition switch of the vehicle for reading an identification datum on a key inserted into the ignition switch; and a control module coupled to the receiver port and to the at least one vehicle telematics device for recognizing the identification datum received from the receiver port and modifying a predetermined set of operating features of the at least one vehicle telematics device based on an access right specified by the identification datum the control module further operative to disable the at least one vehicle telematics device upon recognizing the unique identity of the valet key.

2. The vehicle based access control system of claim 1, wherein said at least one vehicle telematics device comprises at least one of communication devices, vehicle databases, navigation systems, audio systems, vehicle personalization systems, video systems, preferences stored in an electronic memory, and voice command controls.

3. The vehicle based access control system of claim 1, further comprising: an electronic bus for coupling said receiver port to said control module.

4. The vehicle based access control system of claim 3 wherein said control module comprises: a key signal processing circuit connected to said receiver port and operative to receive identification datum loaded by said receiver port from an inserted key, said key signal processing circuit identifying said inserted key and generating an operating features modification signal based on said identification datum; and a control circuit coupled to said electronic bus, said control circuit modifying operating features of the at least one vehicle telematics device upon receiving said operating features modification signal.

5. The vehicle based access control system of claim 1 wherein said control module modifies operation of the at least one vehicle telematics device to control at least one vehicle operation parameter.

6. The vehicle based access control system of claim 5 wherein said vehicle operation parameter comprises at least one of distance traveled, fuel consumed, speed of the vehicle, vehicle location as determined by a global positioning system (GPS), and climate control inside the vehicle.

7. The vehicle based access control system of claim 1 wherein the control module, upon recognition of a predetermined one of the first and second identification data, enables the key user to customize at least one of the first and second access rights.


Apart from the above devices automobiles may include controls for various basic functions. For example, engines, transmissions, telematics, cruise control etc. that are mounted on a vehicle are commonly controlled by electrical control systems. There is a need to provide a convenient way to allow certain users to access certain basic functions, while disallowing access to other functions. For example, a valet using the car with a valet key should be allowed to drive the car, but may not drive the car beyond a set mileage. Another example may be a rental car situation, where the rental car company may want to limit the maximum speed of the car to a set limit to protect the car.

Read more: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7075409.html

 

I doubt he has a factory GPS stated in #6. Whats the "other" site?(linked site shows patent info submitted in Jan/03, only a few years after op's car was built...) No way of knowing if this info applies to B5 Audis at all. Iirc the valet key does everything the reg key will except unlock the glove box and trunk. Also, no s-lines for B5s, don't believe that started until the B7s.

When you test drove it did it also not rev past 4500 or did this just start? Not all vac/boost leaks will trigger a CEL. Search for tennis ball leak tester. In the future you'll probably want to install a boost gauge as well. They can be very helpful.

 

lol NICE!! go me haha. pulled the plugs they look brand new no excess fuel or anything, air filter is good, check all intake cuplings to make sure they were good and tight, check for vacuum leaks with the engine running and sprayed 2+2 near all places a vacuum leak could be (or think they could be) and you listen for a change in idle.. if u hear a change spray again not the most effective but ive had good luck in the past hunting some down

 

funny u ask, when i test drove the car it was in the city during rush hour wasnt really thinking about it i do remember taking the car to like 4000 but that was about it got it on the highway and just cruised (not smart on my part) the car runs fine other than not reving past 4500 but its consitant never lower or higher which makes me think its something ecu related if it were vacuum it would most likely change depending on load. the weekend is here so first things first tomorrow morning im going to try and get a vac tester and see what i can find. ill keep u posted, the master key will be here monday and if that fixes it im going to jump for joy but i have my doubts lol

 

You say "that the is not chipped as far as you know" some chips have valet option controlled buy the cruise controll stalk. ( to activate, or set different boost settings) Open up your ecu and see what you find you might be surprised ! It's a shot in the dark but worth a try.

 

you very may be right on this one... APR has the "valet" function...

But, FYI, I only use the valet key in my car, and I definitely don't have this issue. I am chipped though...

 

Is it apr or giac?
FYI valet keys are made to only work in the driver door and ignition nothing else( glove box, trunk,) has nothing to do with rpm or speed! Your new comes with 4 keys 2 flip, 1 valet souls have a symbol on it ( looks like a hammer) and 1 emergency key. This last key works like the 2 master flip keys but with no remote.

Try to open your trunk or glove box and that should tell you what key you have.