Xantia key replacement(s)

[andy5]

Like a prat I've lost my key, somewhere while borrowing a van.

The Citroen dealer can supply a key, but programming can only be done at their premises. I asked him are there independent people, cross between locksmith and computer expert, who can come out. No, he said, only a dealer.

So some advice please.

The car is locked only by turning the key, not via remote. Is the immobiliser armed, or could I start with a plain key, get the rest done later?

Despite what the parts desk bloke said, are there actually freelancers who can do all this on the spot? If so, can anyone recommend someone near Hants/Berks border?

Thanks.

[GiveMeABreak]

No it can be done by anyone with a Lexia. You will need your confidential code from Citroen if you don't already have it - they can provide this on receipt of ID, vehicle ownership and address etc., for a nominal fee - probably no more than £25 - but for that you will be entitled to the Key code (for cutting), and the customer confidential code and the radio code (if not VIN coded).

The key (the transponder chip is in the key) needs to be coded to the body CPH or the car won't start. Also, if you have an alarm fitted, you may not be able to turn that off if the key is not coded.

[andy5]

Thanks, that sounds potentially more useful than what the dealer bloke said.

I discovered the breakdown insurance is willing to recover the car to somewhere, so even if I end up with a Citroen dealer doing it at least I don't have to pay a couple of hundred quid for them to fetch it (if they'd be willing)

Not bad, I only bought that breakdown cover a month ago, and I was in two minds, after years without, and nearly impossible to find to include Europe on a car that old.

So now to see if I can find an independent that might do it, compare price etc

Or on the other hand how much does a Lexia cost, how to buy, can I teach myself to do this?

[myglaren]

A lot of members have bought their's from Easy Diagnostics, who offer a discount for forum members.
Some Lexias are incomplete and won't work with certain models but the ones that members have bought from there have all been sound, although they are more expensive that those from other sellers.
They will also assist with installation and there is a decent customer care program too.

https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... 13&t=60113

You will need a laptop running Windows XP or Windows 7, 32 bit versions in either case and preferably not used for anything other than diagnostics.

[GiveMeABreak]

A decent full chip clone Lexia kit & software circa £130, plus a laptop with 32 bit Windows 7.

Depends on whether you will be using it as an investment for use with other PSA cars, but probably not worth it for a one off.

The coding is straight forward, as the procedure is writhin Diagbox, but there is no manual and installation can be a bit tricky (as these are not officially supported tools or software).

[andy5]

Thanks for the replies.

I phoned a different dealer yesterday morning, who said the remote key is no longer available, and gave me the number of a freelancer. He said £600 or £700 for a couple of new remotes, I said where from, from Citroen, I said they said no longer available, etc. A couple of ordinary keys would be £300 or £350. I left messages with 2 people in Swindon, hoping they'd be slightly cheaper than the Reading bloke, no replies yet.

Then I decided the most improbable explanation might be true after all, phoned up the workshop I'd been to 70 miles away, he called back in 3 minutes to say he'd found it just outside. Probably where I pulled my gloves out of my pocket. I hope it will be in special delivery post tomorrow.

[GiveMeABreak]

£600-700 yeh, right! Dream on,

Glad you found them, treat it with kid gloves!