C3 '07 - Programming new remotes & keys

[nizzehult]

Hi,

My first post here. Having kind of same problem.
I bought a C3 1.6HDI 2007 recently and it came with two keys, one of them is a remote flip key with two buttons. Both keys works for driving so the immobilizer is fine.
The remote is not, I can neither lock nor unlock the car with it. Battery is new. Have tried the re-sync procedure but nothing happens.
Switches on the PCB are fine (have been measured), even though the unit itself looks a little worn.
I have a Lexia on it's way (from China) and do also have the key-card.

I have a few options now.
- Try to re-enable the existing remote through Lexia (and buy a new shell for it).
- Buy an inexpensive new remote and try to program it through Lexia.
- Buy an exact but used copy of the existing remote and either try to re-sync or re-program it.
But...how will I know what model to order?
This is how the PCB looks like:
https://www.ebay.com/itm//372205451909

Will any of these, PCF7961 or ID46 work? Can't see any of these marks on the original remote PCB or any circuit.
https://www.ebay.com/itm//152458559116
https://www.ebay.com/itm//122776084678

Going to a locksmith or to Citroën is not an option, too expensive.
Last resort will be to install a new, independent remote lock kit. These are cheap, less than £10 on ebay and works fine in other cars.
https://www.ebay.com/p//1835158383
But I prefer using the one that came with the car.

[RichardW]

Welcome along, I have separated your post into a new topic.

[nizzehult]

Thank you!

Unfortunately noone seem to have anything useful to come up with.

[GiveMeABreak]

Your best and easiest option is to re-programme the keys with your Lexia (I'm assuming you have one or have access to one). Make sure you programme the TOTAL number of keys together in the same session or any not programmed will be disabled. I think that should be your first option and then take it from there - there is not point spending money on spares that may not work or welding and soldering chips. See if you can't get it working this way first.

[nizzehult]

Your best and easiest option is to re-programme the keys with your Lexia (I'm assuming you have one or have access to one). Make sure you programme the TOTAL number of keys together in the same session or any not programmed will be disabled. I think that should be your first option and then take it from there - there is not point spending money on spares that may not work or welding and soldering chips. See if you can't get it working this way first.

Not yet, but in next week I'll have it.
I have tested the re-programming sequence for the immobilizer part and it's working fine so the PCB's itself are good I assume.
So...if that part is working I'm not so sure that Lexia would help me with the sender part - even though it's two different systems?
I have to buy a new shell anyway and was hoping that anyone here would recognize "my" key and successfully have ordered and been able to program it. With or without Lexia.

If it will help: this is printed on the PCB
Front:
PCI-08
21676652-3-C
31300226-8 XO

Back:
ELEC5
E3330E
94VO 0708-00

The marking on the chips are:
1058.20
0910201
1n606480
3411200

and:
K110
B3
60710

[nizzehult]

Have been doing some research (while have a pint or two).
According to service.citroen.com + my VIN says that the p/n of my key is 6490 86 (or 6554 NR)

This is a 649086...and it clearly says that is has a ID46 chip:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm//141830178948

"This listing is for one genuine Citroen remote key (433Mhz) cut to your car. It comes complete with all electronics and a ID46 transponder chip. Once programmed this remote will operate the central locking remotely and will deactivate the vehicle’s immobiliser system.
In brand new condition, the transponder chip never been used.
Peugeot part numbers: 649086 / 6554NR. If this is not your part number please get in touch with us and we will source the correct part for you."

Googling on 6554 NR will get a lot of matchings. Like this one:
http://key-code.com/en/remotes/3826-c3c ... emote.html

This is obviously a djungle!

[GiveMeABreak]

And another reason not to bother with those as invariably they are wrong! There have been a few people who have wasted time and money on these.

The immobiliser system is obviously working fine, but the remote locking is also done by ascending a high frequency rolling coded signal, verified before unlocking and can become unpaired for many reasons. The procedure of reprogramming the keys will both programme and pair them, so the easiest thing to do first of all.

[nizzehult]

And another reason not to bother with those as invariably they are wrong! There have been a few people who have wasted time and money on these.

The immobiliser system is obviously working fine, but the remote locking is also done by ascending a high frequency rolling coded signal, verified before unlocking and can become unpaired for many reasons. The procedure of reprogramming the keys will both programme and pair them, so the easiest thing to do first of all.

I guess you are right.
After reading a lot of posts of which majority are having bad experience of cheap, asian senders I'm more sceptical to believe that it's actually working, even with Lexia. So let's start there.

[crapday69]

Timpsons do a key for Citroen for £120 if you have the key code or an extra £20 if you don't. The guy told me to bring all the keys as, as previous stated if you don't you will render the others useless.

[myglaren]

Timpsons rather hard to find in northern Sweden though.

[nizzehult]

£120 is a theft for just a basic programming job. I have the keys and the code..."how hard can it be?".
If the trick with the Lexia does't work I'm considering installing the £10 kit. I have succesfully installed it in at least 10 older cars.

[GiveMeABreak]

I think we only paid about £80 a couple of years ago for the actual new fob from Citroen! I have found Timpsons to be extortionate and I never use them for anything.

[van ordinaire]

There really is a very simple answer to this: accept it doesn't work - & don't use it!

Why make life more difficult & complicated for yourself when you can open the door & start the car with the key the manufacturer so thoughtfully provides for the purpose?

[GiveMeABreak]

• Because when using the key only, the alarm is not active! The alarm is armed and disarmed by using the remote control locking buttons.
• The Deadlocking Function is only activated by the second press on the remote control locking button
• The wing mirrors are deployed / un-deployed using the remote fob when locking an unlocking (if fitted)

So it depends whether this is important to you or not.

Come on Van - this is 2018! - the old central locking system in a 2CV of being able to reach all four doors from the driver's seat are long over!

[nizzehult]

• Because when using the key only, the alarm is not active! The alarm is armed and disarmed by using the remote control locking buttons.
• The Deadlocking Function is only activated by the second press on the remote control locking button
• The wing mirrors are deployed / un-deployed using the remote fob when locking an unlocking (if fitted)

So it depends whether this is important to you or not.

Come on Van - this is 2018! - the old central locking system in a 2CV of being able to reach all four doors from the driver's seat are long over!

In Sweden, C3 doesn't come with alarm. People don't steal cars here
Deploying /folding wing mirrors is a rare option pre 2011.

I want the comfort about locking/unloking a car remotely, not the security. This car is only worth about £1500, not more.