Old Remote Key Fob into New Car?

[cancunia]

I've read a few conflicting stories about this so wondered if anyone has done this and got it to work?

Can you take a used remote key fob and register it on a different car to lock / unlock? I'm assuming that as part of the new keyfob a new ID46 Immo Chip will also be used & registered via Lexia for starting the engine.

In my case, it's for a 2004 Berlingo 2.0 HDi, the remote PCB is 73373067c

Thanks.

[GiveMeABreak]

According to Citroen Service the vehicle keys are allocated to a single BSI. So when you need a new key, that's why you need the confidential code for the specific vehicle / BSI when programming.

[Hell Razor5543]

I doubt whether an old, programmed key can be introduced to another vehicle. BenC5 did some comprehensive studying and testing, and was not able to get an old key to work with his C5 (and this was not an issue of the blade not fitting).

[Paul-R]

If you have a blade cut to suit and a new ID46 chip then this key can then be paired to the car. You need to pair all the keys at the same time - you can't just add another one.

[cancunia]

I think the only way to be sure if it's possible is for someone to confirm that they've done it. There's a fair amount of evidence that it's not possible.
Thing is, there are so many used remotes on ebay that it seems like it must be possible, but here are some links on the subject, first someone who does not say one way or another, and the second from someone who says it's not possible to re-use a remote.

The first link also has info on how to re-register remotes for various Citroens so is useful in itself
http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/Citroen-Key-K ... 635/g.html
...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/Citroen-Remot ... 294/g.html

From the second link:

" 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."

[Paul-R]

I must quibble with the wording on those links. If you change the blade and the ID46 chip then you are essentially making the fob into a virgin key. The plip part is separate and should NOT be confused with being able to turn the key and start the engine up.

[cancunia]

Yeah, agreed as regards the ID46 & starting but the question remains with the remote locking as there is a separate system in action for that.

[GiveMeABreak]

Sequence is from the HF Transmitter, to the Comms / Switch Module under steering Wheel, the to the BSI. From there to the Engine ECU, doors etc as commanded.

The following is taken from the Locking docs for a 2004 Berlingo:
Use of the remote control necessitates matching with the vehicle.
The coded message sent to the receiver by each remote control is composed of the following codes :
A fixed code linked to the key
A rolling code matched with the vehicle’s receiver
A code corresponding to the action to be performed
A code corresponding to the condition of charge of the batteries

[cancunia]

I doubt whether an old, programmed key can be introduced to another vehicle. BenC5 did some comprehensive studying and testing, and was not able to get an old key to work with his C5 (and this was not an issue of the blade not fitting).

I took a look on the user list but can't see BenC5, do you have a link to the posts about the testing?

[Paul-R]

That's probably Ben82 and this thread https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... =3&t=42964

However there are a multitude of threads prior to that as we groped our way to an answer - many of which are mine.

See these also:
https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... hp?t=32492
https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... hp?t=32511
https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... sc&start=0

[cancunia]

Many thanks for the links, I've read through them and the overall view seems to be that the remote lock / unlock function is tied to a particular car and can't be changed. I suppose there's a chance that the remote fob hardware can be re-initialised, but it's probably more faff than getting an un-initialised key fob.

[GiveMeABreak]

A typical replacement key fob for a Berlingo for this year is £61.41 Ex VAT and £73.69 inc. VAT from Citroen. If you want the part number and price confirmed, just post up your VIN.

[cancunia]

Thanks Marc, I'll leave it for now as I have 2 keys.
I was wondering about getting a 3rd but will hold off unless I hear that someone has managed to re-use an old fob for lock/unlock with a new ID61 immob.

[Paul-R]

Many thanks for the links, I've read through them and the overall view seems to be that the remote lock / unlock function is tied to a particular car and can't be changed.

No, it can be reassigned quite easily as long as the key blade and ID46 chip are working and recognised. This is where most attempts fail as they are trying to use an unrecognised key.

[cancunia]

No, it can be reassigned quite easily as long as the key blade and ID46 chip are working and recognised. This is where most attempts fail as they are trying to use an unrecognised key.

Maybe I mis-read the links in that case, my overall reading was that it's not possible. The most positive post I recall said that the car can be unlocked, but not locked. From memory, I've only seen negative findings if there's one I've missed, I'd be grateful for a pointer to it.

Thanks