Key fob reprogramming for a Citroen C3

[sarah247]

Help, my mum has lost her spare key and the one she has has broken, she can use it to drive its just the buttons that have worn away so cant lock her car, I don't no how or where to get one from!!!

[C3driver52]

Help, my mum has lost her spare key and the one she has has broken, she can use it to drive its just the buttons that have worn away so cant lock her car, I don't no how or where to get one from!!!

Hi sarah247, if its only the rubber buttons that have come away, like this one:



You can easily replace the whole plastic housing including the buttons with a kit like this one:

Replacement Citroen C3 Key Fob Cover (CLICK HERE) (eBay).

You can find some pictures in this topic:

Early Citroen C3 transponder key fob parts (plip) fix

[Roy]

Hi
I've got new batteries in my car and in one of the key fobs. The key with the new battery works the remote locking very occasionally, the other one works properly, every time. I've tried the reprogramming procedure several times but the faulty one is no better. Any help please. Thanks

[C3driver52]

HI Roy

Hi
I've got new batteries in my car and in one of the key fobs. The key with the new battery works the remote locking very occasionally, the other one works properly, every time. I've tried the reprogramming procedure several times but the faulty one is no better. Any help please. Thanks

You are in the best place to diagnose this fault by having 2 keys

If one key works well and the other doesn't you can be sure one of the keys is bad. Swap the batteries is easy to do which can identify a bad battery (or just fit new ones all round).

An intermittent fault like yours is probably going to be caused by a worn or damaged or misaligned switch in the fob. Disassemble the fob to make sure the button is making good contact with the switch. There are some pictures in this topic (Early C3 transponder key fob parts (plip) fix) which can help you identify the internal parts.

If it turns out to be a faulty switch, its possible to repair them. I hope to have a repair guide for this on the forum in the next few days


UPDATE:
Its here, just scroll down to see the fob switches removed and replaced.

[Roy]

Thanks. With a lot of fiddling I've worked out the springy tab that connects the battery holder to the circuit board was missing its spot slightly, moving sideways too much as the two halves came together. I've adjusted it very gently, not wanting to break it. Now it works. By the way, I've got the later flick-round oblong style key-fob, so the circuit board and battery alignment is in two parts. Thanks for your help.

[C3CAR]

Thanks. With a lot of fiddling I've worked out the springy tab that connects the battery holder to the circuit board was missing its spot slightly, moving sideways too much as the two halves came together. I've adjusted it very gently, not wanting to break it. Now it works

That's Great

By the way, I've got the later flick-round oblong style key-fob, so the circuit board and battery alignment is in two parts.

Yes, the images in the link are for the 2002, the 2006 and on have a different key fob. The new key looks like a step backwards in development with the battery separated from the circuit board which can lead to intermittent service.

Later (2006)

battery location in a 3 button Citroen C3 key fob

Early (2002)

battery location on a 2 button Citroen C3 key fob

[allybonkers]

Hiya, I replaced my key fob battery last night (CR1620) and the remote didn't work. So i tried to reprograme it to the car. I tried the key in the ignition, push the lock button for 10 seconds with everything off, wait 1 minute. This didnt work and i tried several times. The car battery is good and wondered if the new remote battery is faulty? Any idea what i can try?

[Arfur Dent]

Hi allybonkers

Hiya, I replaced my key fob battery last night (CR1620) and the remote didn't work.

If the fob was working and you made it not working by fitting a new battery, I would say you fitted the battery incorrectly or the battery is bad. There is a post about the battery not making contact correctly, did you read the previous topics to see if any apply to you? Can you test the battery or even try the previous one again?

[gfromleeds]

Is it possible to home diy programme these "used with new blade" keys found all over ebay
I have a mate that can cut the key but his shop don't get involved with the electronics

[Arfur Dent]

Is it possible to home diy programme these "used with new blade" keys found all over ebay

No. It is IMPOSSIBLE.

You need an unused virgin remote board to reprogram to the BSI for remote unlocking.

If its just the immobiliser, then a new immo chip is cheap, but it has to be a new, (unused) virgin chip, like these new PCF7936AS chips (on eBay)

Use lexia for both.