Lost keys!

[handyman]

It would appear that muggins here has lost SWMBO's keys for her Xsara Picasso, & as she only had one key when we bought the car, she's not best pleased.

Anybody got any recommendations for likely suppliers of new keys & blips, preferably not from Citroen as I know that they charge for the privilege? I'd like to get new, unprogrammed blips, as I've been told that used or pre-programmed ones don't work but open up a new can of worms & I don't want to go down that avenue.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks, H

[hattershaun]

I've just ordered a spare key form this company;
Www.car-keys-online.com

They've been very prompt at contacting me, so seem an efficient outfit.
I now need to get the key code, so the metal blade can be cut by them.

[handyman]

Thanks for the link, Shaun.

I'm staggered at the prices that many companies charge. Its certainly not borne out by the cost of the materials & manufacturing. There must be a nice FAT profit, seeing as replacement keys are usually a 'distress' purchase. A nice little earner, as Arfur would say.

Luckily for me, a kind soul had found the errant key and placed it on a low wall near the car, so the problem of lost keys has been circumvented. Must get a spare or two cut, PDQ.

H

[Old-Guy]

A warning if you have to deal with a Citroen main agent to get the key code.

My one and only experience of this was on behalf of a friend in the trade - a registered motor trader - who had sold a Citroen, for which there was only one key; the provision of a second key with plip was part of the deal. An appointment was made to have a second key cut and coded (at considerable expense) at the nearest Citroen main agent.

I drove the vehicle on trade plates to this dealer (30 minutes away) armed with the V5, the invoice from the previous owner (a major leasing company), and a letter of authority (from my friend) on printed company letterhead. The dealer service manager refused point-blank to do the job because the V5 wasn't in my name. According to him, Citroen's rules are that the registered keeper in person, must present themselves with the vehicle, the V5, and approved evidence of ID and address, to even obtain the key or radio codes.

Fortunately, the customer was more reasonable and having spoken to the service manager, agreed (for a suitable discount) to get it done himself once it was registered in his name.

Best of luck

[addo]

Funny, I have ordered keys ex-France with the keeper's licence and paper's photographed for evidence - no problems.

[Old-Guy]

Not funny at all! I couldn't believe the suicidal attitude.

[old-un77]

so, having the credit card thingy would avoid all this hassle?

Bob

[hattershaun]

I now have my key code.
Thankfully the people at my local dealer know me & apply some common sense to the whole matter.
However, there is a code of practice about 'security' related information, which your dealer appears to have applied rather over-zealously.