Citroen remote keys

Reprogramming or replacing Citroen remote keys

We specialise in car keys and remotes, and are able to assist with key programming issues or faults affecting almost any Citroen model. We can supply replacement remote keys and can often reprogram existing units in the event of certain problems, as well as cutting standard-type keys for older vehicles. These services can be quickly carried out to duplicate any remotes and we can cut any keys from existing patterns. We hold many new, replacement remotes in stock and can obtain others within an hour or so in the vast majority of cases. We can also offer a 'cut to code' service for many later Citroen models, so we do not necessarily need any originals. Please visit our main page about car keys, or contact us and we will be happy to assist. Replacement keys, programming and standard key cutting can all be carried out at our workshop in Bletchley, Milton Keynes. We are also able to offer an off-site service for local customers, so we can usually come to you if you have a problem.

Please do not buy a second-hand remote or remote key

A second-hand or supposedly new remote bought over the Internet from unknown sources can prove to be very false economy, as in many cases it is necessary to reprogram both the unit and the vehicle's entire locking and security system, which will be likely to end up more expensive than simply getting us to provide a correctly programmed replacement. Further, some models now use a 'one-time only' code, meaning that once a remote key has been programmed, it will only ever work with the vehicle it was first coded for. Unless you have a remote that previously worked with your car, we are unable to offer reprogramming in most cases.

Re-synchronising Citroen remotes

If your Citroen remote key has stopped working, it is sometimes possible for you to re-synchronise it without this requiring full reprogramming. This may be necessary if you have replaced the battery in the remote, or the buttons have been pressed a number of times when at too great a distance from the vehicle. We obviously cannot guarantee any of these procedures will succeed, but they are shown here for guidance and assistance. If your remote still does not work after re-synchronising, please contact us and we will be able to help. As above, please note that for many units, this will only work if the remote has previously worked correctly with the same, individual vehicle.

CITROEN Xsara, Xantia, Synergie and Evasion
(central locking with single-button remote key)

1. Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key.
2. Press and hold down the remote key button until the LED stops flashing.
3. Release the remote key button. The LED should illuminate constantly.
4. Press the remote key button briefly. The LED should go out.
5. Open the driver's door, hold the remote key near to the ignition switch and press the button again briefly.
6. Insert the key into the ignition switch, turn the ignition fully on (without starting the vehicle). Wait ten seconds, then turn the ignition off.
7. After approximately five seconds, the remote key should function correctly.

CITROEN Xsara, Xantia, Synergie and Evasion
(central locking with deadlocks, two-button remote key)

1. Unlock the car using the mechanical key and make sure all doors are unlocked.
2. Press and hold down the large button on the remote key for twenty seconds. The LED should flash continually.
3. Keep the large button held down and press the small button once. The LED should stop flashing.
4. Release the large button. The LED should illuminate constantly.
5. Press the large button once briefly. The LED should go out.
6. Open the driver's door, hold the remote key near to the ignition switch and press the large button again briefly.
7. Insert the key into the ignition switch, turn the ignition fully on (without starting the vehicle). Wait ten seconds, then turn the ignition off.
8. After approximately five seconds, the remote key should function correctly.

CITROEN Berlingo
(earlier models with remote key fob)

1. Separate the key fob from the standard key.
2. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to position I (accessory position).
3. Hold the remote fob towards the receptor at the front of the vehicle.
4. Press the large button on the remote, followed by the small button.
5. Repeat the procedure for a second remote at this stage (if applicable).
6. Turn the ignition off.
7. After approximately five seconds, the remote(s) should function correctly.

CITROEN Saxo
(models built before approximately 1999)

1. Unlock the car using the key and ensure all doors are unlocked.
2. Press the 'lock' button twice in succession within ten seconds of unlocking the vehicle.
3. After approximately five seconds, the remote should function correctly.

CITROEN Xsara Picasso
(most models)

1. Unlock the car using the key and ensure all doors are unlocked.
2. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the on position without starting the engine.
3. Press and hold the 'lock' button for five seconds.
4. Turn the ignition off.
5. After approximately five seconds the remote should operate correctly.

 

Types of Citroen keys and remote keys

Since the late 1990s, all Citroen cars and light commercials supplied in the UK have been fitted with security systems that link to the vehicle's key. The most basic form of this is a transponder key, which does not have a battery and just contains a micro-chip which is 'read' by the vehicle's systems. Among the models using this are the C1, Saxo and some earlier commercial vehicles.

Other models use various types of remote key, with either two or three buttons and have either a fixed or 'flip out' form of metal key blade. All of the remotes of this type incorporate a miniature battery. We normally keep batteries for Citroen remotes in stock, so please contact us if your remote stops working properly.