Peugeot 306, RF Key and Locksmiths...

[steve_gill]

Hi,

I've got a 1999 plate Peugeot 306 and purchased a RF remote key of ebay.

Does anybody know whether this second hand key can be programmed to operate my car (or alternatively my car ecu updated so it will accept the key)?

I've phoned a couple of locksmiths and they are not sure but said even if they couldn't get the key to work my car I would be charged £50.

Thanks for your help.

[lockey1963]

Most locksmiths will not want to program a 2nd hand key into your car for a number of reasons,
1) they cant guarantee it
2) it may not be a compatible key so they waste their time
3) it may be a faulty key and as such they will be wasting their time

most auto locksmiths will not charge you if unsuccsfull in programming their stock key or chip to your vehicle as long as vehicle is not faulty as certain faults can prevent programming.

The peugeot 306 is a simple system and most auto lockies can program these with no issues, are you 100% sure your system is an rf system and not an ir system ?

I guess most will insist on the labour charge being paid if programming unsuccsfull if its down to the 2nd hand key, very few will even touch a 2nd hand key for this very reason.

Is this a spare key ? have you another working key that starts the engine ? if so most auto lockies and most key cutting shops with a zed bull or ad900 can clone the working key onto the new key for you and program fob on the vehicle too if compatible.

If lost keys , then its keep plugging away till you find a dealer or auto lockie willing to do it for you, but if non compatible system key or broken then nothing they can do with it.

I can understand people buying 2nd hand keys to save money as not cheap new, although most locksmiths will not charge if job not done using new, you have to understand their reasons for not wanting to drive out to you and waste a few hours of their working day on 2nd hand key that they cant and wont guarantee and that may not be compatible to system, and only fair they get paid if the faults not theirs as customer bought faulty or incorrect key type for system.

[steve_gill]

Thanks for the detailed response - that explains a lot so I appreciate the time taken to jot your thoughts down !

The car is definately an RF system - however the 306s earlier than the facelifted 1999 were all IR.

I took the locksmiths "we'll charge even if it doesn't work" as a sign that they thought it would be impossible - but I'll now give it a shot and take it on the chin if it doesn't work.

Just to double check that mosts locksmith will be using a computer to reprogramme and not just the sequence to re-synch that comes in the car manual?

Also the peugeot dealer said to me that peugeot 306 RF keys are "write once" only types...do you think that will cause an issue if it is the case (I thought the car ecu would be told just to accept the key)?

Thanks once again.

[unlisted]

I don't know the specifics for your vehicle, but mine has a RF chip as well in the key, and I can manually program it for the car following specific instructions in the car manual. If your manual tells you how to self program a additional key, I would suggest trying that first.

[lockey1963]

hi if it is a write once chip then thats that for it im afraid, though a new chip can be soldered on, but not all write once chips have been locked.

to program via eeprom may well be possible but i can almost guarantee that this is a far more expensive option than having a new key programmed, as involves expensive equipment and desolding chip from pcb board , reading and rewriting it and resoldering it, an expensive option, certainly dearer than having a new key cut and programmed in.

also beware as some use immob killer software and simply disable your immobiliser which also makes insurance null and void.

yes an auto lockie uses a computer system called ad100 , im sure that year is fixed code .

id resell the existing key on ebay and get a new one done as possibly cheaper long run.

[steve_gill]

Thanks Lockey, really appreciate your help...

Think I will take your suggestion and buy a new one - luckily the ebayer seller has agreed to provide a refund when I told him about the 'write once' issue.

Looks like I'll bend over at the stealers and take the £120 or so hit !!!

[ACCESS-24/7]

DO YOU HAVE THE ORIGINAL KEY? IF SO I MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU .IF NOT THERE MAY BE A DIFFERENT ROUTE.

[thelockpickkid]

DO YOU HAVE THE ORIGINAL KEY? IF SO I MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU .IF NOT THERE MAY BE A DIFFERENT ROUTE.

HOW MANY MORE POSTS AM I GOING TO FIND THAT ARE ALL IN CAPS? It's the button to the left of the "A" on your keyboard, push it once. Thank you.

[Wizer]

Hi!
Your car has a fixed code phillips transponder.
There are re-writable chips for this key, but also non-writable chips.
If re-writable, you go to a keycutting service, that has device for copying chips. You only need one working key with you.
If your chip is not writable, it can be programmed to your car with a portable device, that plugs in your car. You need your car, one working key, and key code, that is in your cars papers. It is a blue car about the size of credit card, and has the code under surface that you scratch off. These devices are not as common as simple copying ones, and it might be cheaper/more convenient to just have a new key made.
And last, if you lose your last transponder key, it could mean a lot of trouble and loss of money.
Hope this helped, Wizer

[steve_gill]

Hi Wizer and Access,

I have my 2nd key which has the transponder and also have the credit card sized card with the code on it.

I'm not so bothered about getting the transponder working on the ebay key as I can just switch that over to the remote fob key (the transponder flicks out) - I just need the remote fob to open and close the doors?

Hope that helps shed a bit more light - does this make it easier ?

Cheers

Steve

[Wizer]

Sorry, I thought we were talking of immobiliser.
If there are no instructions in owners manual, the second part of my last post applys.
You need that pin-code, a keymaker with that portable device, and all remote controls. All the remotes are coded again, so if you lost any, they wont work anymore.

[steve_gill]

Ok - thanks to everyone for their kind help.