Ignition Keys

[JobandBoyce]

Can anyone Help?
I have a 55 Desire and as I only got one set of keys with it I naively thought I could get a key cut locally....... yes but no but sort of. The door key works fine and the ignition key turns, unlocks the steering lock but wont start the engine. Am I right it need "mapping" and if so is it possible to DIY ?
Robert

[Sol]

Hi, does the key have a Transponder chip in it, and is it new?

A new transponder key can be programmed to the BSI but it needs a Lexia interface, DiagBox software and knowledge of the correct procedure. You can break the car permanently if you don't know what you're doing with DiagBox and coding options.

Might be better to get Citroen to do it if you're not sure.

[cancunia]

As Zion says, your key will need a transponder chip and that will need to be registered with the car's ECU via Lexia or Diagbox, in order to add keys you also need a security code. An alternative to the Diagbox route is to get your working key 'cloned' , many locksmiths are able to do this.

[JobandBoyce]

As Zion says, your key will need a transponder chip and that will need to be registered with the car's ECU via Lexia or Diagbox, in order to add keys you also need a security code. An alternative to the Diagbox route is to get your working key 'cloned' , many locksmiths are able to do this.

Thank you I will search out a locksmith that can do it for me.
Have a Happy Safe New Year Robert

[cancunia]

Just thinking about locksmiths, some are able to add a new key & delete any that are lost without the security code. I had this done on my Peugeot van as the security code was missing & I only had 1 key. It was not cheap but I ended up with 2 working remote keys & he assured me that they were the only keys that would start the engine.

[JobandBoyce]

Just thinking about locksmiths, some are able to add a new key & delete any that are lost without the security code. I had this done on my Peugeot van as the security code was missing & I only had 1 key. It was not cheap but I ended up with 2 working remote keys & he assured me that they were the only keys that would start the engine.

Thanks to everyone for explaining things. I will find me a Locksmith and get a price now (thanks to you) I know it can be done.
Robert

[saskak]

Hi, does the key have a Transponder chip in it, and is it new?

A new transponder key can be programmed to the BSI but it needs a Lexia interface, DiagBox software and knowledge of the correct procedure. You can break the car permanently if you don't know what you're doing with DiagBox and coding options.

Might be better to get Citroen to do it if you're not sure.

Haha, playing around with Diagbox I deleted both keys and none would start the car. Eventually recoded both and all was good. It is not too difficult to recode a set of keys with Diagbox/Lexia, but requires the initial purchase of the software and interface.

[JobandBoyce]

Hi, does the key have a Transponder chip in it, and is it new?

A new transponder key can be programmed to the BSI but it needs a Lexia interface, DiagBox software and knowledge of the correct procedure. You can break the car permanently if you don't know what you're doing with DiagBox and coding options.

Might be better to get Citroen to do it if you're not sure.

Haha, playing around with Diagbox I deleted both keys and none would start the car. Eventually recoded both and all was good. It is not too difficult to recode a set of keys with Diagbox/Lexia, but requires the initial purchase of the software and interface.

Thanks saskak 

[Gryffindor]

If you bought the key at Timpsons (lots of them are next door to supermarkets), then they should have programmed it to start the ign as well. If you didn't, then they might be a convenient place to get coding done, though not cheap, and I have no idea whether they would code a key cut somewhere else.

[hawkeyefxr]

I saw a guy on FB who said he could cut and chip keys. Might be worth having a look in your local area, after all he would have to prove it as he is there at the time.