We prove that for W_2(F_q) the Witt vectors of length two over the
finite field F_q, we have
K_3(W_2(F_{p^f}))=(Z/p^2)^f + Z/(p^{2f}-1)
in characteristic at least 5 and
K_3(W_2(\F_{3^f}))=(Z/9)^{f-1} + (Z/3)^2 + Z/(3^{2f}-1)
for f prime to 3.
The result is proved by using the equality
K_3(W_2(\F_q))=H_3(SL(W_2(\F_q))
and calculating the right term with a group homology spectral sequence. Some
terms in the spectral sequence are determined by using the action of the
outer automorphism of SL on the homology groups and recent results on
K-groups of local rings and the ring of dual numbers over finite fields. In
characteristic 3 we have to calculate an explicit differential in the
spectral sequence. This is done with some Mathematica programs, which will be
made available if requested via email.
A revised version of this preprint was placed here November 27, 1997.