SPARE KEY NOT WORKING

[tonyredz]

Hello, my spare key will no longer start the car. (2003 Hdi 90 s) The dashboard immobiliser warning light comes on when I try and start the car with the spare key. It is the basic manual type of key with no buttons or remote function. Also, it will only unlock the passenger side door and will not open the driver's door. It used to work fine. Any idea's what may be happening here & what can be done to solve it? Thanks in advance for any advice, cheers.

[GingerMagic]

Has the spare key ever started the car? Some spares are for use in the doors only, they don't contain the transponder chip that deactivates the immobiliser.
It is possible to get a new chip ( search for ID46 on eBay - about £4.99 ) and have a local member on here program it so it starts the car, but you will need a special 4 digit PIN number ( should be in your service pack) to access the menu in the diagnostic program.

Upon reflection, if the spare key is a basic one, it may not have the internal recess for the chip - you would need a new case ( eBay again ) for the chip, and fit your blade into it....

[tonyredz]

Thanks for your reply GingerMagic, yes the spare key used to be able to start the car, but won't at the moment, maybe needs a new chip. The original / master key is also starting to fall apart as well, the plastic fob is coming apart, I have it held together with a bit of tape. They are the original keys, had the car since 2004. So think I will see about maybe getting a new chip for the spare and maybe a replacements for the original, I have the PIN numbers in the owners manual / pack. Was thinking of using Lock Doctor. Have been looking at their website, they have a call-out service. I might put up a post asking if anyone has used them and how it went. Cheers.

[highlander]

Is it not just a case of "teaching" the transponder to recognise the key? Like a proper process for it?

I've never had to do this myself, mind, just seem to recall there being advice on here about how to do it.

[GingerMagic]

Yes, the 4 digit pin means you can tell the BSI that there is a new chip (or a forgotten old chip) so then they are both in sync.
If you have access to PP2000, then the process takes 10mins.... Remember you need to do all the keys at the same time.

Tony, if you add your location to your profile, maybe someone here can help for the price of a couple of ciders and a toffee crisp.....