Key programming code

[Cutac]

Hello,
I've bought a new key for my 2011 c4 and since I have DiagBox, I wanted to pair it to the car. I thought I had key code on one of two cards that came with the car(bought new), but as it turned out, that's not the key I need.
I've rung my dealer whom I'd bought my car from and they refused to give me that code. I'm in Croatia, but can they genuinely refuse to give me the code? Shouldn't they be obliged to give it to me, since it's my damn car and I've left a hefty sum to them when I bought it?

[Gibbo2286]

Not on the telephone, they will provide the code if you attend with proof of ownership, might charge a small fee for it though.

[GiveMeABreak]

Gibbo is right - they won't issue the code on the phone for security reasons.

You should only need the confidential customer code on the card to programme the keys - there isn't any other code, apart from the key code to cut a new key.

[Cutac]

Man who works there said that they can just and, only just, program my keys themselves. He said there's no way I'll get that code, so I'm asking, is that legal?
What's Citroen's policy? If I want those keys, do they have to give them to me?

GiveMeABreak, what do you mean by "confidential customer code on the card"? Was I supposed to receive that code when I bought the car?

[GiveMeABreak]

It's like this, where you scratch the panel off to reveal the code (usually an alphanumeric sequence of 4).

Yes they will provide you the code - but you have to go in person to the dealership, provide proof of ownership, such as the registration document (or equivalent in your country), plus some ID and proof of address where the car is registered for example and maybe your driving licence or similar. Then all they have to do is look it up on the PSA database. They will charge a small fee (about £15-£20 over here in the UK), but you should be able to get 3 bits of info for the fee - the confidential code, the actual Key blade code and one other bit that I've forgotten now!

If they tell you different, complain to Head Office and they will help you out and probably talk to the dealer for you. Lack of staff training I think. It's good that they are being secure and cautious, but if you are the legitimate owner and have the proof, they are perfectly able to help you. Many people over here have had to do this.

[Cutac]

Great answer, thanks!
Yes, I don't have that card with me, I've only got two white smaller cards with several codes.

I'll go there tomorrow with all the documents(including a receipt for the car ) and I'll demand my code. If they won't let me, I'll call Citroen Croatia HQ. I could go to another dealer, these are genuine assholes(pardon my French) if they're obliged to give me that code!

[GiveMeABreak]

They may have changed the code card colour, but mine has been the same as the above up until 2009. But regardless, as long as you can prove you are the legal owner you shouldn't have a problem. Say you lost the card (I have several times - and once I had the wrong card from my old C5, which of course the code didn't work) so in that case if it was lost - you have to be able to get it. In the early days they would tell you if you lost the code you would have to get all new locks and everything changed!

I don't know anyone who has had to do that!

[Cutac]

I hope they'll cooperate and that there would be no need for any kind of persuasion.
I'll let you know how it works out

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, but I would suggest that as you know the dealer is not really on the ball - I would still ring Citroen HQ in Croatia first and tell them that you are gong to that dealership to get your code and ask them to clarify what documents you need to bring - that way you can tell the dealership you have spoken to HQ (get a name) and that if they have a problem, they call them up. It might save you some grief at the dealer if they become awkward.

[white exec]

That is good advice, Cutac.

[wheeler]

you should be able to get 3 bits of info for the fee - the confidential code, the actual Key blade code and one other bit that I've forgotten now!

That would be the locking wheel nut key number & also (if applicable) the radio code.

Yes, I don't have that card with me, I've only got two white smaller cards with several codes.

There are sometimes blank cards in the handbook packs with spaces to manually write in the various codes so it could be on there ?
If I remember right there is also a space in the service book to write it in however 90% of the time it has never been filled in.

[Cutac]

Thanks. I've called Citroen Croatia HQ - no answer.
Called another dealer - no answer.

This is going to be fun...

[GiveMeABreak]

^ Perhaps they know you're on your way and have taken some extra leave

@ Wheeler: Ah, the locking wheel nut code! I don't think I've ever had a radio code since my last XM back in 1994!

[Cutac]

Well that wouldn't be hard to believe since I'm quite active on the Croatian Citroen forum, so their boss is probably like 'DON'T, I say DON'T answer this guy's calls, he's way too demanding!(other way of saying 'pain in the ass' )'