406 Key recoding given up the ghost.....

[jlmacd]

First post here and so, 'hello' to all. Forgive me if this is covering old ground but I wanted to ask a specific regards keyfob re-coding.
My car is a 1998 406 GLX and for the last couple of years it has been intermittently losing its 'memory' regarding the central locking remote key. I was employing the recoding method (found on this very forum I believe, some time ago and, so, belated thanks to the poster!) involving 'insert key to ignition, turn to position 2, hold down larger of the two buttons for 10 -20 secs, return ignition to off and remove key .....et voila! One working remote!
That was, until recently, when the method ceased to perform its magic. Figuring the batteries must have run their lifespan by now, I replaced these and was back in business - for a while! Finally, recode method ceased to work all together.
Read online that recoding, in some cases, may require disconnect of battery for 5 mins or so to reset BSI (carefully employing the 'three minute rule' instructions for BSI to go to sleep). Reconnected and - after trying the same recoding procedure - still nothing. Since discovered that, due to my car being 1998 model, it (possibly) doesn't have a BSI unit but, rather, the older CPH unit (can anyone confirm this?). Either way, am I now doomed to have to pay through the nose to get a dealer to recode (or replace?) the keyfob.
Was also a tad confused with instructions I read online which referred to the 'primary' and 'secondary' plips when recoding. Would this be referring the two buttons on the one key or the car having two remote keys (one coded as a 'primary', the other as a 'secondary). When opened up, there is a small white sticker inside my key showing a code followed by 'SEC'. Car was bought 2nd hand and only came with the one 'remote' 2-button key and one 'manual' normal key.

Would be ever so grateful if anyone could offer advice if there may be something to be done still to successfully recode the key again. Many thanks.

[Doggy]

Hi & welcome to the forum.

Can't help with much of your post, (maybe others more familiar with your car will shortly).

Anyway, I can confirm 'primary & secondary' refer to the two keys it would once have had.

I think some versions of the recoding instructions tell you to programme the same key twice if you don't have two - you could try this.

I also think your car has a BSI & it may well be worth trying a BSI reset, (search the knowledge base).

Failing that lot, you will need to get it recoded using the dealer software/interface, (which a few of have copies of). Before trying this you need the 4-character PIN code you should have got with the car, (if you don't have it I can advise how to obtain this FOC).

It's always a good idea to add your location, someone nearby may offer to help.

[leestudd30]

Doggy, can I ask how you would obtain the 4 digit pin code? I'm assuming that is the immobiliser code, mine has the keypad but was disconnected years back and I don't have the code, and I was never sure if I would need that code if I was to get a new key programmed.

[steve_earwig]

I also think your car has a BSI

My car is a 1998 406 GLX

Er, no it don't Same with the pin code, it won't have one at that age.

No, I don't have a clue about reprogramming the key (apart from getting another ecu & plips from a scrapper)