Spare key not recognised

[Mike88]

Good afternoon,

The spare key i got with the car last year has sat in a drawer since the day i got the car (from a 2nd hand garage). Went and tried it the other day, didn't work so changed the battery. Still didn't work (central locking etc), then i tried to start the car with it and it came up on the dash 'this key is not for this car' or something along those lines.

My question is, is it possible that with the key being unused for so long can it forget and or wipe its coding? And is this key totally useless or can i get it coded again to my car? I found a thread on how to code keys yourself but it didn't work. In hindsight i really wish i had tried the key the day i got the car.

this is the type of key it is


Thanks,
Mike

 

[markjay]

The fob function that locks/unlocks the car, and the chip that allows the car to be started, are two separate devices.

The fob requires battery power in order to work. The chip requires no battery, and does not degrade with age.

So I think it's unlikely that two separate functions became faulty on the same key... on the balance of probabilities, the spare key simply came from another car. There may have been a mix-up at the garage.

Can you check if the metal blade locks/unlocks the driver's door / boot lid / glove compartment?

Also, as far as I know a programmed key cannot be reprogrammed, i.e. you will need to have a new blank key programmed to the car.

I suggest you order a spare key. £200+ from a dealer, or half that from a specialist.

 

[Gbrowncls55]

Ahh so its never worked, or at least may never have worked. If its coded to another car then as I understand it, it cannot be "Re-coded" to your car. You would need to order a new one from the dealer (you will need to go in person with log sheet and photo ID both to order and pick up. cost is I think about £230.) May just of got mixed up at the dealer and someone else has the same problem as you but with your key. Worth a call perhaps.

 

[noogieman]

Best thing to do is to use each key every 2nd day you drive.
Swap keys every 2nd day, don't use the same key every time and letting one spare sit in the drawer at home.
Best thang to do is to get the keys circulated.

 

[Mike88]

Good afternoon,

Thanks for the replies. And sorry for my late reply.
Would alternating the keys 'wake up' the key that doesn't work? Or are you just talking in general for when i do have 2 serviceable keys?
Looks like a new key will be on my birthday wish list. Feck

Also, totally off topic, but....my electronic seat positioning buttons on the door have stopped working (passenger side). Everything else electronic wise works on the door, but not the seat buttons. Is there a duff fuse somewhere that could be causing it?

Thanks again,
Mike