Xsara 2003 keyless entry system replacement ?

[Leonman247]

Hello everyone !

I have recently got the remote access key from my xsara 2003 stolen. I wanted to make a replacement remote but apparently it's not all that simple, and two car locksmiths told me that without the original remote it was impossible to find the signal for the key-less entry receiver.
A friend suggested me to just replace the receiver with another one that will come with a new remote.
Can someone send me a link to the one that is the best to use in this model/year ?
And most importantly where is this receiver is located in the body of the car ? I tried to google it but nothing was showing for this model/year , so I came here for advise.
Is there an original replacement part(s) ? or I just can buy anything on ebay ?

Thanks in advance

[Paul-R]

When you say 'remote access key' do you mean using the lock/unlock buttons on the fob to unlock the doors and there's a physical metal blade which you put into the column lock to start the engine OR is your 'remote access key' one without a metal blade and you simply put the fob into a little pouch on the dash (or wherever) and push a button to start the engine? This is known as a contactless fob.

I don't know about the second option but on the first you absolutely can retrieve the key code from the car using a suitable high-end diagnostic code reader. My Xtool D8W can do this, for example, but a Diagbox can not. This is known as a total key loss situation.

When the car was new it would have been delivered with a card amongst the documentation and this card would contain the codes for pairing the key with car and the code for cutting the keyblade. It's this second code that might be a problem but both codes can be obtained from a Citroen dealer if you present them with the car's registration document and proof of identity. There is almost always a fee for this as well.

I did not think that early phase II Xsaras were offered with the contactless fob but I could be wrong. Please let us know what you have.

[wheeler]

The Xsara was only ever available with a regular bladed ignition key so no handsfree starting.

If its the big 3 button egg shaped flip remote the last i checked these were no longer available from the dealer. Dont think the aftermarket universal type are any good on these.
The receiver is in the COM200 unit (indicator/wiper stalk assembly) but this is just a receiver. The keys/remotes are stored in the BSI unit, if you were swapping with a second hand unit then you would also need the matching engine ECU to go with it. Would be a lot of hassle just for a working remote.
Do you currently have a working regular non remote key?

I don't know about the second option but on the first you absolutely can retrieve the key code from the car using a suitable high-end diagnostic code reader. My Xtool D8W can do this, for example, but a Diagbox can not. This is known as a total key loss situation.

Dont know if you would have much luck on a Xsara as its not full CAN, not via OBD anyway, even with high end programmers.

[Paul-R]

2003 is full can if it has the radio remote control on a separate stalk, isn't it? The CAN/VAN setup, such as our old 2001 Xsara, had the radio remote controls on the steering wheel and it was just too early for full CAN. At least, that's what I thought as I couldn't fit cruise control to the car.

[wheeler]

The Xsara was never full CAN.
The original Xsara was non multiplexed till around 1999 then it became multiplexed with just comfort VAN.
The phase 2 facelift model was originally just comfort VAN till around late 2001/early 2002 then it changed to VAN/CAN up till the end of production
The radio controls moving to the separate stalk is how to tell its VAN/CAN.