Car key copying

benjus

I need a replacement key for a 2002 Citroen Picasso. Ideally I'd like a remote control key but if too expensive a normal key would do. I've already contacted the main dealer for a quote but they would charge over £100.

There are a number of auto locksmith websites that claim to be cheaper than a main dealer - are these legit or do I have to go to the main dealer? Does anyone have any recommendations (I'm in the London area)?

I've also seen some references to eBay - am I likely to save money by buying one of these: (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220246300719) or (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130200003613)? If I bought one of these, who could cut & program it for me? Or could I buy just the key fob (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230262799964) and have a new blade cut and fitted?

I'm confused... any advice would be appreciated.

anewman

Try asking in citroen forums too as they will know any loopholes. For example, the one on ebay you may be able to take it to a key cutters to get it cut, and there may be a "secret handshake" with the car to program it to get it to work (the seller of the key may even be able to help).

Conor_3

Local keycutter here has a bit of kit where they can programme certain fobs they do but not all of them.

benjus

anewman wrote: »

Try asking in citroen forums too as they will know any loopholes. For example, the one on ebay you may be able to take it to a key cutters to get it cut, and there may be a "secret handshake" with the car to program it to get it to work (the seller of the key may even be able to help).

I take it by "secret handshake" you mean something like this: http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Citroen-Key-Programming-Reprogramming_W0QQugidZ10000000007275635

I'm not sure if this programs the ignition transponder or just the remote central locking - or whether the two are combined.

anewman

benjus wrote: »

I take it by "secret handshake" you mean something like this: http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Citroen-Key-Programming-Reprogramming_W0QQugidZ10000000007275635

I'm not sure if this programs the ignition transponder or just the remote central locking - or whether the two are combined.

Yes that's the sort of thing I meant. May be worth sending a message to the person who wrote the guide to ask if it programmes immobiliser and central locking.