Replacement Key

[PaulaH]

I bought a 54 plate C3 this week, the garage only had one key for it - they're still trying to find the service manuals for it - how would I get hold of a spare key and are they expensive?

 

I've found a tag in the glove box with a 4 letter code on it, is this my key code - my last model was a Saxo but I'd got 2 keys for that.

 

Thanks

 

Paula xx

[Jonno]

I bought a 54 plate C3 this week, the garage only had one key for it - they're still trying to find the service manuals for it - how would I get hold of a spare key and are they expensive?

 

I've found a tag in the glove box with a 4 letter code on it, is this my key code - my last model was a Saxo but I'd got 2 keys for that.

 

Thanks

 

Paula xx

 

Don't know about the C3 but I got quoted upwards of £50 for a plipper key for a Xsara. They have to be coded to the BSI unit, I believe, at a Citroen dealership. The tag could well be a code for the key so the dealers can get hold of the right one - or it may be the radio code ??

No good going to your local key cutters as the genuine ignition keys have a computer chip in them which has to be programmed to the vehicle.

[PaulaH]

Don't know about the C3 but I got quoted upwards of £50 for a plipper key for a Xsara. They have to be coded to the BSI unit, I believe, at a Citroen dealership. The tag could well be a code for the key so the dealers can get hold of the right one - or it may be the radio code ??

No good going to your local key cutters as the genuine ignition keys have a computer chip in them which has to be programmed to the vehicle.

 

Thanks Jonno - I've looked at the tag again and it does have a key symbol on it so maybe it is the key tag.

 

I might wait until I get the log book and see who the previous owner was and contact them to see if they have got the spare.

 

Paula xx

[Jonno]

It's ok waiting for the log book - but - if the previous owner signed it over to the garage with the completed "transfer to a motor dealer" off the old log book the garage will in fact be the last registered owners.

[Johndouglas]

how would I get hold of a spare key and are they expensive?

 

I've had one of my plips stolen. The local Cit dealer quoted me £120 for a replacement. A key cutter has cut me a key that will open the doors but it won't start the engine. Also if the car is locked with the plip and unlocked with the spare key, the alarm will sound.

[stimulator]

A similar key for Picasso from a dealer is £133 complete including the programming to the BSI.

 

A key cut by a key shop will never start the engine as it doesn't contain the immobiliser passive chip which is in the fob.

 

The C3s usually come with two plipper keys where as a Picasso only comes with one plipper and a non plipper

[PaulaH]

Thanks for all your advice, the garage is ringing me during the week so I'll see what they've got to say - the service manuals are also missing which is a pain, I traded in a W reg Saxo with all the documents/manuals and both keys and now I've got a 54 C3 with one key and no handbooks/manuals - typical!

 

I'll let you know how I get on.

 

Paula xx

[raveydavey]

You don't say where you bought the car from.

 

I hope it was a reputable dealer because someone, somewhere has got a key for your car.

I don't say that to worry you, but as something you should be aware of.

 

It's especially important in this day and age as you can't "hotwire" a car anymore due to the transponder immobilisers, so theives are very aware of the need to have a key.

 

Rather than getting just a replacement key you might want to consider a new lock set / immobiliser recode.

[PaulaH]

You don't say where you bought the car from.

 

I hope it was a reputable dealer because someone, somewhere has got a key for your car.

I don't say that to worry you, but as something you should be aware of.

 

It's especially important in this day and age as you can't "hotwire" a car anymore due to the transponder immobilisers, so theives are very aware of the need to have a key.

 

Rather than getting just a replacement key you might want to consider a new lock set / immobiliser recode.

 

Actually that has crossed my mind - the car was from Evans Halshaw in Rotherham, South Yorkshire - they bought out the Dixon group so they are reputable - I'm just a bit hacked off that they didn't follow up where the spare key is.

 

I've fitted a stoplock and I've got an alarm being fitted on Tuesday but I'd be happier if I could get my hands on this b****y key!

 

Paula xx

[paul.h]

With the car documents there should also be a grey plastic card (size of credit card) with the key code on it which a dealer needs to be able to code a new key.

[ellerelle]

Actually that has crossed my mind - the car was from Evans Halshaw in Rotherham, South Yorkshire - they bought out the Dixon group so they are reputable - I'm just a bit hacked off that they didn't follow up where the spare key is.

 

I've fitted a stoplock and I've got an alarm being fitted on Tuesday but I'd be happier if I could get my hands on this b****y key!

 

Paula xx

 

I got my car from there when it was dixons, going up again on monday to test drive a new car <_<

tracey xxx

[PaulaH]

With the car documents there should also be a grey plastic card (size of credit card) with the key code on it which a dealer needs to be able to code a new key.

I found that in the glove box!

[PaulaH]

I got my car from there when it was dixons, going up again on monday to test drive a new car ;)

tracey xxx

 

I got my other citroens from Dixons at Doncaster, I did have my Saxo serviced at Dixons in Rotherham, they were good.

 

I have heard from the garage, they have got me a new handbook and service book restamped by Citroen Rotherham - it's an ex-mobility car so at least the service record is OK - I'm picking them up on Friday, 2 weeks after I took the car <_<

[Guest CE05LDB]

You can't go wrong with a Motability Car Paula as I had my C3 on the Motability scheme and I really looked after it and the next owner who has it will have a bargain.

 

Its forsale already exmotabiltycars.co.uk has it up for £5,200 its a 05 C3 1.6i 16v Exclusive Sensodrive

 

And also now Motability are giving good condition bonus to customers who looks after their cars and heavey fines for customers who don't so I think that is making a difference hence more cars are being returned in better condition.

[iannez]

you are one of the few motability costomers who look after there cars. i mot them and do the damage reports just before they go back to motability and around 80% of them have not been looked after at all. tbh if i was looking to buy a car and found out it was ex motability i would be put off unless it was realy cheap. we get the odd few that come through who's owners like yourself keep there cars spotless but most of them smell of smoke and dogs and are coverd in carpark dings and scrapes. most of these cars have had a very hard first 3 years of life and everything gets repaired just before the car is sold on. the cars look great at first but after a few months the paint on the repaired panels starts to fade and the smells return.

[stimulator]

You do not need the code card to get a key, it just makes it easier. the dealer will look up the car VIN on his computer and find the code from that info, it takes longer and they charge (or can do) for the service.

 

I must admit I do find it difficult to comprehend that owners loose keys and code cards and it doesn't upset them

 

i'd be worried that someone found the key or stole it and then my car. When a car is brought into our ownership the card is placed withe the V5 doc (not left in the car) and the keys put in a safe place.

[Guest CE05LDB]

you are one of the few motability costomers who look after there cars. i mot them and do the damage reports just before they go back to motability and around 80% of them have not been looked after at all. tbh if i was looking to buy a car and found out it was ex motability i would be put off unless it was realy cheap. we get the odd few that come through who's owners like yourself keep there cars spotless but most of them smell of smoke and dogs and are coverd in carpark dings and scrapes. most of these cars have had a very hard first 3 years of life and everything gets repaired just before the car is sold on. the cars look great at first but after a few months the paint on the repaired panels starts to fade and the smells return.

 

I know what you mean. Like my neighbour across the road his wife has a 06 Zafira on Motability and she drives it ok but god when he drives it you know its him he wheel spins it the tyres are left to go balled and one day his wife asked would I check her dread with my guadge and I said I don't need to as both Front tyres has no thread whats so ever.

 

The Salesman at my Citroen Garage was saying the trouble with Motability we can't pick what cars we want is either all or nothing and you know yourself the state of some of them.

 

My Friends C3 HDi Desire had a big scratch put down it and fair play to him before it went back he paid to have both passenger side doors resprayed instead of going through the insurance. A Renault Garage bought it in Stoke and Trent and they sold it for £6,995.

 

My Car I done checks on it every week from oil to Tyre pressures and I polished it regular. it had the odd mark through wear and tear but apart from that its was in brilliant condition.

 

I had a mark on the bonnet a rock fell off a lorry when I only had it for 2 weeks and I was going to pay for the bonnet to be resprayed but the dealer said don't as its fair wear and tear.

[PaulaH]

You can't go wrong with a Motability Car Paula as I had my C3 on the Motability scheme and I really looked after it and the next owner who has it will have a bargain.

 

Its forsale already exmotabiltycars.co.uk has it up for £5,200 its a 05 C3 1.6i 16v Exclusive Sensodrive

 

And also now Motability are giving good condition bonus to customers who looks after their cars and heavey fines for customers who don't so I think that is making a difference hence more cars are being returned in better condition.

 

Thanks, it seems in good condition, it's only got 27,000 on the clock which isn't bad for a 54 plate - I've got my handbooks and service record (they had to get replacements) so I'm happy now

 

Paula xx

[Guest CE05LDB]

Thats good Paula.

 

You need the service book really as all the servicing invoices goes to Motability and they are kept with them then.

 

Like when my brothers Citroen C3 SX was written off a mechanic bought it and fully repaired and I got talking to him as I saw the car on ebay but he said to me I haven't got any service record and luckily I kept a record of servicing and warranty work with job numbers on my laptop which he was very greatfull as it was better to have that info for the buyer to see.

 

I think Motabilty should pass on Servicing Invoices on to the Motor Dealer who's selling the car so it can be passed on to the next owner.

 

Like my friend his memory is terrible I got to remind him to take his car in for a service and only today I said his car is due a 1,000 miles service and he said ill wait for the garage to get in touch and I said no it dosen't work like that you need to tell them.

 

Alot of the older customers were used to the old system where Motability would get the dealer to call your car in once a year for an inspection but it dosen't work like that now anymore. They don't even get a RAC inspection anymore. And MOTs are no longer 2 months before the end of the 3 years.

 

The New System is now

 

MOT 1 Month Before

Then On Handback Day the car gets a inspection

 

So Really now the customer needs to use their sense and know whats fair wear and tear and what isn't as there is no other inspections to tell you anymore.

[iannez]

paula. the code you have found is to programme the key to the car after it has been cut. its also for coding the radio so dont loose it. c3 keys have to be orderd from vin number as they are laser cut and cant be done at a dealer or locksmiths etc.

[PaulaH]

paula. the code you have found is to programme the key to the car after it has been cut. its also for coding the radio so dont loose it. c3 keys have to be orderd from vin number as they are laser cut and cant be done at a dealer or locksmiths etc.

 

Thanks for that, I've kept it with the other stuff!

 

Not had the log-book from DVLA yet, how long do they usually take to come - I sent my bit off when I sold the old car in part-ex.

 

Paula xx

[Johndouglas]

you are one of the few motability costomers who look after there cars.

 

I bought an ex-motability Pug 306 for one of my daughters. It was a 1998 model and at three years old only had 6500 miles on the clock. It was a beauty and it sails through MOT each year. This last time I had to renew three brake hoses for another pass.

[Guest CE05LDB]

Thanks for that, I've kept it with the other stuff!

 

Not had the log-book from DVLA yet, how long do they usually take to come - I sent my bit off when I sold the old car in part-ex.

 

Paula xx

 

Well Motability would have had to send the log book to DVLA when the car was sold on and the tax class would have to be changed fron Disabled so perhaps why yours is taking awhile.

 

 

I bought an ex-motability Pug 306 for one of my daughters. It was a 1998 model and at three years old only had 6500 miles on the clock. It was a beauty and it sails through MOT each year. This last time I had to renew three brake hoses for another pass.

 

Thats good John in 10 years. Your Daughter must look after it as well.

 

I see my car as my own for 3 years I have them and I treat them the way they should be treated and looked after tidy.

 

I don't understand why some customers don't keep thier cars maintained it dosen't cost them a penny for servicing or repairs or tyres.

 

No Excuse really is there.

[PaulaH]

Finally got my log-book, the previous owner only had it a year so I'm the 3rd owner of a 54 plate car, I hope that's not a bad omen :huh:

 

Happy with it so far, touch wood (tapping head here!).

 

Thanks for all your advice and help.

 

Paula xx

[Guest N1ck]

I bought a 54 plate C3 this week, the garage only had one key for it - they're still trying to find the service manuals for it - how would I get hold of a spare key and are they expensive?

 

I've found a tag in the glove box with a 4 letter code on it, is this my key code - my last model was a Saxo but I'd got 2 keys for that.

 

Thanks

 

Paula xx

Hi Paula,

 

I work for a locksmith that cuts original Citroen keys for a main dealer. We also supply to the public (same day) so if you still need another key then let me know.....

 

Regards,

Mark