A Technphobe asks......

[Xantianut]

Ay up!

Please be patient with me - I'm a Technophobe!

I'm thinking about investing in one of these but I've had a problem in between.

The RHS door lock is worn out and no longer functions and the LHS one feels a bit graunchy so I reckon may well be collapsing internally. I have no alarm fob for the car so, if both locks fail and the car is locked, I'm stuffed! So I need to replace the locks. Many of these come with a fob.

So my question is this: can I use a Lexia to reprogram the ECU to accept the fob? Should reduce wear on the locks if it will.

[RichardW]

Yes....and no!

There are 3 parts to the 'key':

The actual key blade
The transponder chip for the immobiliser
The remote locking part

So, the key blade is not electronic and Lexia doesn't care.
The remote locking part doesn't need Lexia, as it can be synched just by pressing the button on the remote with the ignition on
The transponder does need Lexia -BUT you can't re-code a second hand one to the car, the chip is one use only.

So, if you get a remote fob, you won't be able to get it to start the car, unless you can find the transponder chip in the key you have, and then transfer it to the replacement key! You could use the replacement remote key to unlock the doors, and retain the old key to start the car - this way, you would be able to synch the remote to the car, but would need both keys to use the car....

[Hell Razor5543]

I would carefully examine the key. It might be possible to extract the immobiliser chip (normally not on the main circuit board) and the remote board and then transfer them into a newly cut key fob. That way you would have new mechanicals and original working electronics.

[Xantianut]

Thanks, guys!

Food for thought.

Another thing has just hit my brain. When I opened the doors today, I think someone has been in there before, both door membranes had been crudely cut and the interior handles were marked, so replacement locks already? This may explain the lack of a "plipper." Would Lexia be able to program a new transponder chip? Or would I be better taking it to a proper locksmith?

I am assuming the key code, not supplied with the car , would be of no use anyway?

Any way I could check this? One key does it all......

[Hell Razor5543]

You are going to need the key code, as this allows access to some of the functions within the Lexia. This includes programming new keys. If you take proof of ownership to a Citroen dealership they should then let you have the code, for about £10.

[Xantianut]

Thanks.

So it is doable.

[Xantianut]

Ay up!

£60 on the Bay of Evil has netted a pair of door locks, fuel cap, glovebox lid lock, airbag switch and full column along with the ECU from a 2.0 HDi 2003.

Is it doable to swap the ECU over and how hard is it? I know that I will lose the odometer reading. Or would I be better advised to have the 2 keyfobs rechipped at a locksmith? And is there any way on the casing to tell if it's for a 16v engine?

[Xantianut]

Ay up!

The seller assures me it's from an 8 valve and I've also googled the ID marks.

However, if I swap the ECU, will I need to Lexia program the thing in?