Key fob questions

[mattyg]

Hi all been given a 96 406 diesel with only one key. Getting a new key isnt a problem but was wondering how east it would be to fix the key fob so that the remote central locking will work. Ive seen the keys on ebay that are the same type as mine really cheap.Was wondering will i have to swap a chip over or is it a case of reprogramming at a main dealer . thanks matt

[Gary406]

i think programing a new key is dealer only, may be wrong tho not 100% sure

have you tried replacing the battery in your key now ? does it have a light on it when you press the plip

[afterputtytat]

I damaged my key and went to the local dealer who is the only one that can reset it. The key itself isn't a problem but they have to send your car details to France to get the codes then have your car for at least a day to calibrate the codes to the car and key.more to do with the immobilisor i think. Approximate cost for all this is £150. I just use the key in the door now.

[mattyg]

ok thanks

The buttons are missing on the remote fob not really worth fixing then i guess

[FarmerPug]

theres some independant key cutters about who can reprogram a key for about £50 ive never been to one but know friends who have got their keys sorted although the keys in question were for a vauxhall, and the other one was a rover.

[martint]

but aren't you talking about reprogramming the key?and not the fob? where i live there's a lockshop that takes your car key,puts it into a reader then he cuts another key,sticks the new key into the reader & then writes the code into the chip on it.(cost £35 & vat) heard that the fob can be done on ebay,but entails giving them your vin number etc,i think.anyway,i heard of a guy paying for 3 fobs before one worked!

[FarmerPug]

its worth asking about that issue first