Audi A3 3rd (8V) (2015–2020) — Key Programming Reference
- Difficulty
- medium
- Lishi / lockout
- HU66
Key fobs & transponder keys (2 variants)
| Key | Years | FCC ID | P/N | Chip | Freq | Battery | Blade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 315 MHz · NBGFS12P71 | 2015–2020 NA (8V launched EU 2013; NA debut 2015 MY) | NBGFS12P71 | 8V0837220E | Megamos AES ID88 (MQB48 / HITAG-PRO) | 315 MHz | CR2032 | HU66 |
| 434 MHz · 8V0837220D | 2015-2020 as scoped by this case. The 8V generation itself ran 04/2012-2020 in Europe, so the same 8V0837220D key covers EU cars from the 2013 MY onward, through the 2017 facelift, to end of production. | n/a | 8V0837220D | Megamos AES ID88 (MQB48 / HITAG-PRO) | 434 MHz | CR2032 | HU66 |
Programming procedures
What the job needs
- Add a key: 1 existing working key required.
- All keys lost: no existing working key needed.
- PIN / security code: required — VVDI MQB Plus + NASTF dealer.
- Online / server access: required — VVDI MQB Plus token.
- On-board (no tool) sequence: not available — Audi A3 VAG Megamos AES (MQB48 / ID88) requires professional OBD tool — no self-programming.
- On site: engine off · Maintain 12V+ · Clear IMMO DTCs.
- Bring: Photo ID + vehicle registration. VIN cross-check before start.
Tool coverage
Documented for this case on: Autel IM608 Pro II · Autel IM508S · Autel KM100 · Xhorse Key Tool Plus · Xhorse Key Tool Max Pro · Lonsdor K518 Pro / K519 · OBDSTAR X300 DP Plus · AutoProPad G2/G3 · Advanced Diagnostics Smart Pro · Launch X431 IMMO Elite / IMMO Plus. Step-by-step menu paths for each tool are in the app.
Notes & cautions
- This chassis Audi A3 (2015-2020) uses NXP ID49 with VAG MEB electric platform — newest VAG security. 2024+ chassis (ID.4, Macan EV, ID.Buzz, Cayenne 3) increasingly dealer-bound for AKL. Xhorse VVDI MEB module + AVDI MEB token, Autel IM608 + IMKPA VAG cloud are current aftermarket paths — verify before booking.
- Smart proximity or remote head key: ensure existing key fob battery is functional before starting.
- Verify chip before booking (this chassis facelift): VAG IMMO generations span ID48 Megamos (pre-2008) → HITAG-2 PCF7945AC (2008-2014) → HITAG-PRO ID88 MQB (2014-2018) → Megamos AES (MQB48 / ID88) (2018+). Mid-cycle facelifts on Golf 7, Passat, Tiguan, A3, Cayenne 92A swap chip mid-MY — confirm transponder ID from a working key with VVDI reader before quoting.
- Tool kit context: Xhorse VVDI MQB Plus token ($25-40/car) for MQB ID88 chassis; VVDI Key Tool Plus + VVDI Prog dominant aftermarket. Autel IMKPA VAG module + cloud token also supported. AVDI niche tool for Porsche/Lamborghini VAG. APB112 simulator, G-Box bench NOT used. XP400 PRO only for IMMO box bench fallback.
- All existing keys erased. Bring ALL replacement keys before starting — minimum 2.
- No manual AKL for Audi A3 VAG Megamos AES (MQB48 / ID88) — professional tool mandatory.
- AKL for VAG Megamos AES (MQB48 / ID88) needs CS component protection + token (VVDI MQB Plus / IMKPA cloud) + dealer PIN on newest MEB chassis.
- Keep all existing/lost key fobs at least 10 metres from vehicle during AKL.
- AKL accessory needs: Xhorse VVDI MQB Plus token + VVDI Key Tool Plus for MQB, AVDI MEB module for ID.4/e-tron family, Autel IMKPA VAG cloud token. APB112 NOT mandatory. G-Box bench EEPROM NOT used. XP400 PRO only if IMMO box EEPROM corrupted (rare).
Lockout
Door pick / decode: Lishi HU66 (CW).
24 verified sources · Last verified: 2026-08-06
Open full case in KeyAssist →Step-by-step tool menu paths, verified source links and video guides for this case are in the KeyAssist app — free to start, works offline.