Key fob reprogramming for a Citroen C3

[gfromleeds]

Is it possible to get "clone keys"
how much would I be looking at from a dealer for a new one?
Basically I only have 1 key at the moment and need a second key as cheep as possible cos it's only gona live in the kitchen draw as a spare

[Arfur Dent]

how much would I be looking at from a dealer for a new one?

Over £100 has been mentioned before, but speak to the dealer for a quote.

Is it possible to get "clone keys"

I have not seen a clone key for the C3

Basically I only have 1 key at the moment and need a second key as cheep as possible cos it's only gona live in the kitchen draw as a spare

My 'kitchen drawer' spare is only the IMMO chip and a cut blade, no remote unlocker board. This is the cheapest way, but you trigger the alarm each time the car is unlocked manually.

[Missing Lincs]

You can clone a key, many high street car key cutters will do this for you. If you get one, try for a genuine Valeo key blank, some of the alternatives have a soft metal blade, easy to cut but likely to snap off when used!

As a clone it won't need programming to the car, the car won't realise it's any different to your main key.

As Arfur says, the remote unlocking won't work but as a spare, get you going key, does it matter?

[gfromleeds]

So would a clone key not have remote locking?
Is it possible to get a used remote to work? And use a clone transponder chip? I read something about turn ignition on and hold lock button to program the remote locking or is just reprogramming existing remotes?

[Missing Lincs]

You would not have remote locking with a cloned key, it would only unlock and start the car.

To get a spare key/fob with remote locking you need a virgin key from Citroen. It has to come from a dealer as Citroen pre-program the remote transmitter ID into the transponder chip. That's how the car learns the new fob.

The procedure you refer to with holding buttons etc is to re-sync existing fobs to the car, it doesn't work for ones not already saved in the car's memory. The fob has a rolling sequence of codes, if the buttons are pressed too many times outside the range of the car the two will get out of sync.

If you have access to Lexia and the car's key programming data card you can DIY your own key/fob. Even so, you'll need to go to a dealer to get the fob/transponder part of the key to operate the remote locking.

[goody974]

Hi

My mum and dad recently bought a used C3 which had 2 keys. After purchase we realised that the second key had worn out buttons on it and damaged switches inside.

Using your helpful guides I have replaced the micro switches and the outer casing, which works great in locking and unlocking the car... thank you for this!

Unfortunately, though, we have realised that the immobiliser chip is not present in the damaged casing, so dont have anything to put into the new key case.

So, we now have one key which works perfectly, and one key which can only lock or unlock the car. It cant start it unless its already been started with the other key.

If I buy a new (blank) ID46 chip to put into the keyfob, can I use your instructions for programming it, or does this need to be done by a locksmith with a cloning tool?

Thanks in advance.

[Arfur Dent]

If I buy a new (blank) ID46 chip to put into the keyfob, can I use your instructions for programming it, or does this need to be done by a locksmith with a cloning tool?

Hi goody974, you can add a ID46 chip to the C3 by using the Lexia tool (info here). This tool (eBay) can do what the dealer can do and will program the ID46 chip.

[Missing Lincs]

Hi goody974.

In your case, as you don't need to program lock/unlock I don't see why you couldn't get the immobiliser chip cloned. It should be a whole lot simpler and cheaper.

The downside to cloned chips, if you loose one and need to get it removed from the cars programming, you loose the use of both keys that they are fitted to.

[goody974]

Ah that's great thanks for the info.

Is there anywhere you suggest to get the chip cloned or do you buy the chip ready cloned?

[Missing Lincs]

Many high street car key cutters now offer cloning. Have a shop around or try auto locksmiths.