After a battery disconnect, my remote fob for my 2002 (52) Citroen Xsara refuses to work. I have replaced the battery and also followed the 'instructions' in the Owners Manual: -

"put the key in the ignition and switch the ignition on. Then press any button on the remote fob, switch off and remove the key. Remote fob should now be re-initialised."

It still does not work. HELP!

Chris Brayley, November 2008

Took the offending vehicle + spare key + code card to the dealership in Lee just outside Lewisham.

Was told it would be done whilst I wait and would take about 1/2 hour. In the event, took 1 hour but was fixed.

Delay was simple re-coding of keys did not work and they had to "re-boot the whole system and re-code the keys again, hence the delay". Bill was £40.50 + VAT = £47.58, which was what I was quoted for simple re-code of the keys, so no extra charge for re-booting the whole system.

A word about the dealer, they were friendly and helpful and free coffee was supplied during my wait. A good experience, bearing in mind the criticism of dealers in general and particularly Citroen dealers one reads about on various sites.

Chris Brayley, November 2008

I've been to the Citroen stealership and they confirm remote is working properly. Now I need to book car in, with the spare key (v. important) to have the keys "re-coded at a cost to me of £40+ with no guarantees!"

If this does not work, further investigation will be needed!

I have this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach that this is the start of a frustrating and expensive 'experience'.

Has anyone any better ideas?

Chris Brayley, November 2008

Hi Chris, that method was from the autodata manual, is it the same with all fobs? if so a trip to the stealership looks most likely!! or you could try an independant autoelectrician

nigel, November 2008

Thank you, Nigel, for your prompt suggestion. I have tried this just now and it did not work. Perhaps I should risk my local Citroen dealer just outside Lewisham on the south circular, although Citroen dealers don't fill me with alot of confidence!

Any other suggestions anyone?

Chris Brayley, November 2008

Hi Chris, this should be the method?
Ignition ON
press & hold "LOCK" button for 10 seconds
Ignition OFF
wait 3 seconds
sync complete

nigel, November 2008