C3 '07 - Programming new remotes & keys

[van ordinaire]

So glad, in the best tradion of FCF, we've got off the original topic.

Looks like, for political reasons, I will have to look at something like a C3 in the uncomfortably looming future but, mercifully, if/when a fob fails I'll never know - so that's more time, frustration - not to mention £10 (although, in fairness, a new key for the C15 cost €8) saved.

YES, Marc I KNOW but, apparently, I'm the "neo-Luddite" of the group - & happy in my denial.

[nizzehult]

I'm opening this thread again if you don't mind...

I do now have a working copy of Lexia 3 and I have also been re-programming (both) keys successfully (yes - I have the keycard!) but the transmitter (I only have one) is still dead. Am I facing a dead transmitter?
Is there any way to determine if it is sending out anything? I've seen a youtube-video where they pointed a transmitter to a regular radio antenna and when the buttons were pressed you could hear disturbance from the radio. I've tested that - even with a good transmitter to another car (Honda) but could not hear anyting.

The PCB to the transmitter isn't that complicated and a broken chip or line should easily be spotted - I think.

[myglaren]

The garage that I use has a widget that indicates that it has received a signal - we were having trouble with the remote for my daughter's keyless entry Megane.
Although it detected a signal, the batteries in both remotes were weak, a change of batteries fixed that, no more problems.

[GiveMeABreak]

Well since you've now made some modifications to the wiring, this could now affect the systems, so not a lot we can do at this point.

[nizzehult]

Well since you've now made some modifications to the wiring, this could now affect the systems, so not a lot we can do at this point.

Well...in theory, yes, but these modifications are very simple: two open wires leading to an open relay and when relay is operating the wires are shorted

[nizzehult]

I've watched another movie on youtube showing how to use a TV-set to see if the transmitter is sending out something: program one of the (analog) channels to receive on 433.00 Mhz and point the transmitter to the TV. If it's sending out signals you should be seeing interference lines on the screen.
With the Honda transmitter: lines are visible.
With the Citroën transmitter: no lines.
This should clarify that my transmitter is bad (even had another new battery). Next move will be to replace the micro switches. Even thow I have measured them and they seems fine I can actually feel that one of them isn't responding correctly.

[nizzehult]

Well... do or die. I've just ordered a new transmitter from China:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/433-MHz-Remote ... 3379296280?
I'll keep you posted when it arrives and I've programmed it...

[nizzehult]

Yes!
It works!
I do now have a working transmitter for the first time!
It has to go through Lexia - BSI and Programming keys (both).
Then synchronize remote (only have one).
Works like a charm.
Case closed.

[Mark L]

Hi, I found this thread while googling a similar problem.

I have a 2007 C3 1.4 petrol, it has 2 remote key fobs, and one is obviously newer and different to the other, probably a replacement.

The new one is fully working (key and remote) but the older one only works on the key (no remote function but starts engine) and I'd like to get it working again.

I've tried all the usual stuff, new battery, re-sync in the ignition, checked the board and buttons, buttons seem to work ok. The receiver in the car obviously works because the newer fob locks and unlocks the doors as it should, in it's original way (lights flash, deadlock works etc). So it looks like a fault on the older fob, I suspect the transmitter is bad.

I'm not going to pay silly prices and would prefer not to get an aftermarket kit, I just want to get the original fob working. Also, I don't have the key code, only one fully working key and remote.

So is my only option to get a new remote fob and program it using Lexia or something (which I don't own or have any experience with), or do I have any other options?

Thanks for reading and any help.

[GiveMeABreak]

You will still need your confidential key code to programme it with a Lexia kit. You can get your code from Citroen. They will need proof of ownership like the vehicle registration document, some ID, and probably a utility bill or bank statement to match owner to address. They usually charge about £20-25 for this service, but you should be able to get your confidential programming code and the key blade code for this.

Sometimes over the years of dropping the keys, the microswitches can become detached or broken, or a dry solder joint can crack.

[Mark L]

Thanks. I've already looked at the board and it all looks intact, the solder joints are tested good and the switches seem to be working fine as well, so the problem is elsewhere, maybe the transmitter itself. Anyway, that's probably irrelevant as it's obviously kaput.

So as I'm unsure which kit to order, would I need one of these?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Diagnostic-I ... SwIxVenl4E

[GiveMeABreak]

I'd be wary of that one - looks far too cheap and is NOT a full chip kit. If it isn't for a C5 then it's not the full ticket.

Do have a look around, but be aware you'll also need a suitable laptop to install the software on, preferable a dedicated laptop, as the installation is really messy and things like anti virus software and other 'gubbins' will likely interfere with the operation. Most of us use dedicated laptops for diagnostics with no bloatware on as this is mostly the purpose we use it for.

Just so you are aware, there is a UK supplier who offer support and a discount for FCF members:

viewtopic.php?f=51&t=60112

[Mark L]

Thanks. So it's a "full chip" kit that I'd need? I don't know what the difference is to be honest. Found one here but information on this stuff is sketchy https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FULL-Chip-Le ... Swov5eo90V

[GiveMeABreak]

No, forget that - too cheap and won't be a full chip kit despite the claims. There are cut down versions of these kits that may be fine for older cars, but they have issues reading full CAN multiplexed vehicles, so don't bother. They are usually cheaper for a reason - they are missing hardware components.

If you want a UK supplier with UK based support, then I can recommend Easy Diagnostics (details in the link I gave you). They only supply the proper kits.

[Mark L]

Ok, I'll check that out. Thanks for your help.