programing a key

[crazybear_uk]

hi can a second hand remote key be reprogramed to another car? bought a key off ebay got code from main dealer but when I try to program the two keys it fails has any body managed to do this

[citroenxm]

Yes it can be done. You need to have a Lexia Diagnostic Machine to do the job though. It CANNOT be done any other way!

[Hell Razor5543]

You also need to do all the keys at the same time (old AND new), as it, in effect, resets the key software.

You might want to give citronut a call, as he is on the Lexia map and is in your area.

[crazybear_uk]

have lexia so no probs there, it excepts code and I can program and un-program original key but the ebay one fails just my luck then sounds like I got a duff one

[Hell Razor5543]

If you are VERY good with a soldering iron it might be worth (with extreme care) touching up all the solder joints. My previous Xantia came with 3 keys; one was fully functional, one would start, and the last wasn't electronically functional. A colleague re-soldered the 'lesser' 2, and then both would start the Xantia (but neither would work the central locking despite all I did).

[citroenxm]

The CHIP for the Immobilser is NOT on the curcuit board...

It IS buired in the black bit of the key blade, the locking part is litterally just that, an RF locking/unlocking board...

On this note, Im not sure what is the issue with the Lexia not re-programming your key..

[Hell Razor5543]

I am not trying to provoke an argument, but after Big Mike (at our repair workshop) re-did the solder joints on the 2 circuit boards from the lesser keys, they both could start the Xantia (an X reg). I cannot explain it, but it did happen.

[crazybear_uk]

Sorry should have said this is a C3 which has the chip on the circuit board but I think your right it is self powered and not by the battery I know lexia is ok as I can program and un-program the old key, the only thing I am not sure on is the remote cos the manual says that you don't need lexia to match the remote part of the key

[Hell Razor5543]

Your manual is right in that you don't need a Lexia to re-synch the remote function. IIRC on my company Xsara Picasso you rotate the ignition to 'M', and then press (and possibly hold) a button, and it should re-activate the remote function.

[citroenxm]

That could be for keys that are already programmed, and the two parts have lost Sync... Im not sure its how you programe a "New" key. Its NOT a good thing to do it that easilly!

[Hell Razor5543]

I agree with that it will only work with a key that the car is already aware of.

[crazybear_uk]

The training manual basically says that you program immobiliser part of the key same as usual then when you have finish if they need synchronizing put in ignition and turn on and within 10 seconds press close button for 5 seconds and a lexia is not required for this and can be done any time. when I did the picasso it seem to do the remote at the same time

[captaintau]

I only have one key for my Mk1 C5. I see new Lexias on eBay. Can they be trusted? £120 does seem like a good deal for one to sort keys, anti-pollution reset and so one.

[crazybear_uk]

just found this
CITROEN REMOTES. AIMING TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY! FACT!

I am a vehicle locksmith and key programmer of 12 years experience. I have been selling and programming keys for these 12 years. Over the past few years remote selling on Ebay is high. This review is to tell people all is not what it seems. The information below is for Citroen cars. I have been a little fed up with the people coming to me after being charged by a dealer for programming key even though they have failed because second hand remotes cannot be programmed to most cars. So here goes to assist you.

This remote is on Citroen C1, C2, C3, Xsara Picasso and Berlingo.

I must tell you that on Citroen Xsara Picasso & Citroen Berlingo from 1999-2002 have a differant remote but have been superceeded to this remote above. The below information is for these cars too.

This remote is a one car programming remote. From the first day it is sold it starts off its life virgin. As soon as you program the remote it changes the chip to imprint the cars information too it. This way the remote now can only be reprogrammed to the same car. ONLY buy this remote if it is brand new in a parts bag. Many advertise this remote as new with a new key blade. DON'T be fooled. The condition is new but it has already been programmed. Please make sure it has not been programmed to another car.
Also beware each model has a differant remote and part number even though they look the same. Even if you find a new one make sure the part number matches the part number you get from your dealership to your chassis number. No remote works each other.
This remote is on Newer C2, C3 also on C4, C4 Picasso and C5 facelift.
The information for this remote is exact to what is writtern above. DO NOT buy unless it is brand new. All dealerships will only order these cut already to a car. So sometimes you can fins a new remote already cut but again make sure it has not been programmed before. Also make sure the car it came off as again they don't work each other model.
My advice is buy this from a locksmith or dealership.

DO NOT EVER buy these remotes off Ebay. These remotes can only be bought in the first place cut to the car intended then programmed. They cannot be reprogrammed and a new blade is not possible to be fitted. Please again DO NOT BUY.
Hope this has all helped.
Thanks
ddkeyprogrammers

[Ben82]

Yup as a few have found out on this forum, buying a 2nd hand remote just does not work in another car (on the C ranges of cars at least).

You can get a spare key working fine (i.e. non-remote ones). It does seem like Gallalock also sell virgin remotes, but I have no experience with them (they charge about £60-£70 I think for the remote fob).