Alfa 156 replacement keys
Discussion
Does anyone have any experience of replacing a 156 key on a budget?
If I bought a second hand key off ebay it would obviously need reprogramming as well as a new blade. Is reprogramming a main dealer only thing, or are there any other companies/people that can do it? Can a key actually be re-coded once it has been coded for one car or is it a one time only thing for security?
Realise this may sound dodgy, but we've lost one of the keys (the one that fully worked). Still have the other but the alarm button isn't working. Luckily the car wasn't locked with the alarm on when the key was lost so the other key will still open the door and start the car. Would be nice to get a replacement key that works fully so we can use the alarm, but ideally wouldn't want to pay the £200+ I've seen some people say it has cost them.
Any advice welcome.
Chris
If I bought a second hand key off ebay it would obviously need reprogramming as well as a new blade. Is reprogramming a main dealer only thing, or are there any other companies/people that can do it? Can a key actually be re-coded once it has been coded for one car or is it a one time only thing for security?
Realise this may sound dodgy, but we've lost one of the keys (the one that fully worked). Still have the other but the alarm button isn't working. Luckily the car wasn't locked with the alarm on when the key was lost so the other key will still open the door and start the car. Would be nice to get a replacement key that works fully so we can use the alarm, but ideally wouldn't want to pay the £200+ I've seen some people say it has cost them.
Any advice welcome.
Chris
Hi Chris,
I'm in the same boat with only having one key. Buying a secondhand one will not work as the immobiliser will not disarm from the new key.
From what I can understand the only option for a new key is to go to Alfa and give them £300+ of your hard earnt.
There is a guy called Chris on AlfaOwner (eBay zaksystems)that specialises in repairing keys, he might be able to fix your current one. I've not used him but he seems to be rated on the other forum.
If you find another way please let me know!
I'm in the same boat with only having one key. Buying a secondhand one will not work as the immobiliser will not disarm from the new key.
From what I can understand the only option for a new key is to go to Alfa and give them £300+ of your hard earnt.
There is a guy called Chris on AlfaOwner (eBay zaksystems)that specialises in repairing keys, he might be able to fix your current one. I've not used him but he seems to be rated on the other forum.
If you find another way please let me know!
I've been in conversation with Chris (very helpful chap) recently about a spare for my car, he repairs keys but can't programme the immobiliser chip.
However, I a quick google found a couple of local places that could supply and programme a chip for £60-80...so avoiding dealer prices! I'll post the full costs if they reply to my email...
wrinx
However, I a quick google found a couple of local places that could supply and programme a chip for £60-80...so avoiding dealer prices! I'll post the full costs if they reply to my email...
wrinx
Hi Chris,
How did you get on with the key problem? My story is that I purchased a new key and got it calibrated at the garage. My old key, which had a duff alarm/lock button, was sent off, via e-bay, for repair. When I got it back, it didn't work, unfortunately. The guy very kindly had another look at it and assured me it was fine and was producing a signal.
I made the mistake of thinking the new key would work on the same frequency as the old one because they took the chassis number and contacted Alfa Romeo. The garage said they can't synchronise the 2 keys, so I'm still left with only one working key fob.
If you understand any of this, I'm just wondering if you've any ideas. I think the old key is probably working fine but on the wrong frequency?
Cheers
Fin
How did you get on with the key problem? My story is that I purchased a new key and got it calibrated at the garage. My old key, which had a duff alarm/lock button, was sent off, via e-bay, for repair. When I got it back, it didn't work, unfortunately. The guy very kindly had another look at it and assured me it was fine and was producing a signal.
I made the mistake of thinking the new key would work on the same frequency as the old one because they took the chassis number and contacted Alfa Romeo. The garage said they can't synchronise the 2 keys, so I'm still left with only one working key fob.
If you understand any of this, I'm just wondering if you've any ideas. I think the old key is probably working fine but on the wrong frequency?
Cheers
Fin
Luckily for us, but not you guys, my wife found the key that she thought she had lost. So we still have one fully functioning key and the spare which does not operate the alarm.
For the moment I haven't looked any further. I'm pretty sure that the spare key that isn't working could be fixed with a new key case from ebay as it seems to be the bit behind the rubber button that is broken I think, not necessarily anything electronic. It was working when we bought the car and nothing as far as I know has been re-programmed in any way.
Sorry I couldn't report anything further back. I will probably look into getting the broken one fixed in case we do lose the other and will probably look to do it sooner rather than later so as not to tempt fate.
For the moment I haven't looked any further. I'm pretty sure that the spare key that isn't working could be fixed with a new key case from ebay as it seems to be the bit behind the rubber button that is broken I think, not necessarily anything electronic. It was working when we bought the car and nothing as far as I know has been re-programmed in any way.
Sorry I couldn't report anything further back. I will probably look into getting the broken one fixed in case we do lose the other and will probably look to do it sooner rather than later so as not to tempt fate.
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