Spare key not starting engine

Hi Chris,

I don't understand what you mean by "glass container". If you mean a
"window" on the side of the key, it's useless as they use RF, and not IR
anymore.

Regards,

 

Just to repeat, my second key, which isn't a 'plip'/button one, doesn't
contain any visible electronics. There is a tiny little RF chip inside
embedded in the plastic end. The only way to see the RF chip is to melt
the key/cut it up.

D

 

Then one is missing. Your dealer probably lost it, and replaced it with a
cheaper none-plip key.

Yep, that's just how it should be.

 

Many thanks for all the ideas and the help. I am biting the bullet and taking
it to a Pug " stealership " tomorrow as I can't afford to let this happen
again. I will let you know the outcome.

Thanks again. Dave G

 

In

I think you have me wrong. I was wondering if the part inside the cowling
that reads the key, reads it constantly. If it is only required to start
the car, then putting the plip key next to the non-plip key might send a
signal to the immobiliser to disarm, thereby using the normal to turn the
lock and start the engine.

 

The outcome of this was the ECU was not programmed for a 2nd key. This took
20 mins to correct and cost £70. I explained that this was the first time the
key had been used and the car must have been in this condition since new and
this charge should be waived but the dealer was not interested. A Saab 9-5 is
looking even more attractive !

Dave G

 

You need a new key, or the key needs to be matched electronically by a
Peugeot dealer. Many circumstances can result in the spare key not
working to unlock the ignition, most of them of a minor nature.

 

£70 is excessive to program in a key I think! Even at their normal
rates, that's going to be not far off their hourly rate for garage work
- let alone an easy job like that!

I do like it when I diagnosed things right though...

D

 

Here's the rub - your ECU *was* programmed for a second key, but it was the
second key with the plips that was lost !

As previously discussed, your 406 came with two plip keys from the factory - but
when somebody replaced the missing one with the none-plip key, they obviously
didn't bother telling the car...

I'd be OUTRAGED at a £70 bill for that Not only have they lost your other
key, but they're BILLING YOU to get the NOT AS GOOD replacement working

 

Let's try 'glass capsule', I was struggling to find the words that night
when I wrote that

I know they use RF. The capsules are actually powered by the RF pulse from
the coil surrounding the lock and they respond to this by transmitting their
code, that all happens in a few milliseconds as you turn the key to start
the engine.

Chris

 

My impression is that the handshake between the car and the key is
similar to reading the microchip inserted in a dog or attached to any
piece of hardware. Correct? The button system only engages the central
locking. Correct?

Our dogs are all microchipped - apparently our 406 keys are too.

Our 406 came with two keys - one with a single button, one without.

This thread, like many others, is very helpful in helping me understand
what is going on. For instance I have been worried about the
consequences of key battery failure. Now, if I have it right, my key
doesn't have a battery and my wife's (the one with the button) will
still open and start the car even if the battery is flat. Only the
remote locking/unlocking will be lost.

Do I have it right?

 

The only thing you might have problems with would be alarm systems which are
activated and deactivated by the remote plip. Opening the door with the key
in the lock could in some cars cause the alarm to go off.

 

Yes you are correct and it works very well providing the car knows there are
2 keys .. very expensive if it dosn't.

DaveG

 

Only with the old ultrasonic system which detected motion inside the
car which was armed and disarmed by the IR key and could also be
disarmed with the button on the side of the steering column. The more
modern Peugeots don't use that system.

The newer keys have a chip which is read by the car at startup. Either
key, with or without buttons will open the door if used in the lock.
Either will start the car /if/ it has been programmed into the ECU.

Some cars came with two remote locking keys some with one and a plain
key.