2006 C4 Coupe VTS - Key Replacement and Programming

[Cheeros]

Hi fellow Citroën enthusiasts,

I'm trying to add an additional remote with key to my 2006 Citroen C4, as my original key has lost its unlock button. Dealership quoted me 420(!) EUR for key replacement of which 350+ for hardware, so I guess it's worth trying to replace myself.

I've read through many posts on key replacement here, but hoped to get some confirmation on the steps I've envisioned:

Vehicle:

• Feb 2006 C4 Coupe VTS 180.

Tooling I have available:

• Diagbox/Lexia 9.68
• VM with Citroen Service and SEDRE upto 2016

Remote Type CE0523:

• 3-button, headlight version
• Blade VA2
• Printed on Casing CE523

Questions I still have:

• How could I doublecheck on VIN if I have the right key type selected? Can it be done via my VM Citroen Service tools? Casing CE523, would that indicate:
  - Transponder PCF 7941 ID46?
  - Frequency 433MHz ASK? (Found via Xhorse app, don't have the tool)
• Do I have to be concerned with the 'Prefix code' for my C4, or is this only relevant for the CAN-VAN type? I assume my C4 is 'all-CAN'. viewtopic.php?t=83911

So to summarize, these steps i'd like to take:

• Have some confirmation on my key type and prerequisites.
• Order key via Aliexpress:
  ○ Listed for different Vehicles (Citroen C2, C3, C4 etc), Prefix code any issue?
  ○ https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/10050054 ... cification
• Cut to picture via Aliexpress as well.
• Request Key Code via Dealership: 17,50 EUR.
• Program myself via Diagbox, entering Key Code
  ○ Include the old keys: 1) non-remote key and 2) remote key with faulty unlock button.
  ○ Add new key: 3) Aliexpress key.

Hope to hear if i'm on the right track…

Best regards,
Cheeros.

[Paul-R]

Yes that all sounds right. I followed much the same path with a spare key for my 2015 308. It should be ASK for your year. The only problem I had was that my Diagbox wouldn't pair the key and I had to wait until I bought another multi vehicle scanner. That was probably because I was running V7.58 Diagbox and I didn't want to move past that as certain functionalities begin to disappear.

If you have a suitable diagnostic machine you can extract the key code from the ECU (engine I think). My D8W can do it for instance. That'd be €17.50 saved.

[wheeler]

Yes all C4’s are full CAN.

My 2008 C4 was ASK frequency so i imagine yours will be the same.
Re program all the keys you want to start the car. Diagbox will ask you to enter the amount of keys you want to program, you need to enter the total amount of keys both new and old.
After you program the keys switch the ignition on with each remote key & press any of the buttons on the remote 5 or 6 times, do this with each remote one after the other & this should sync the remote function.

[Cheeros]

Thanks a lot for the quick reply, Paul-R and Wheeler.

Then I assume I can order the CE523 replacement key with ASK, VA2, not worrying about the specific vehicle model prefix (C4-only) as the vehicle is all-CAN.

Regarding the diagbox procedure, is there a way to see if my hw and v9.68 are capable of programming?

Saw that the D8W is a pretty fancy tool though. Guess i'll be cheaper off for now with spending the 17,5 euro

I'll keep you posted on the progress!
Cheeros

[Cheeros]

Finally I can confirm that the programming of the keys worked out perfectly this morning!
I've postponed the programming quite long, not wanted to risk any planned holidays by car.

With the newly cut keys from AliExpress already waiting for months, the need was there when my old remote literally fell into pieces last week, leaving me with just one key.

I can confirm everything worked out fine via Diagbox v9.68.


PS: see below a handy tutorial I used for programming the keys in diagbox. Very helpful instruction as well to synchronize the remote controls without use of diagbox.


Thanks for the help once more,
Cheeros.